Go Self-Employed
Self-employed opportunities
Taking the step to self-employment or starting your own business? Get the right advice!
Self-employed opportunities
When looking for a self-employed position, there are many options available but you need to really ask yourself, “why” and “what”, particularly if you’re taking the step for the first time. If however, you are already self-employed, then it is simply a question of “what”.
- Why – do I want to go self-employed.
- What – do I want to achieve, what does success look like.
By focussing on your ultimate goal will help you make a decision on the right choice for your first or next step.
Which self-employed position
What is your long-term goal? This question should feature strongly in considerations for your first step.
The options available for self-employed positions are vast, but remember, as a CAS adviser your are a commodity, so think hard about what you really want.
You may need leads, which is fine, but the person who generates the leads is master, they control the leads so they control you. If you work to become self-sufficient and generate your own leads, then you are master of your own future.
You may wish to find a place which will nurture you and help grow your business, enabling you to become your own true boss or perhaps have your own multi-adviser business.
Whether its leads, nurturing, autonomy or a financial reason, think hard and be careful with your choice… there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Keep your ultimate goal in mind, some doors won’t lead you there.
Whatever it is, Network Consulting can help you.
Going Self-Employed: What You Need to Know
So You Want to Go It Alone?
Starting your own advisory business can feel like the natural next step, but it isn't for everyone. It's exciting and financially attractive, yet daunting too — so do your homework and make sure it's genuinely right for you.
Look Before You Leap
Understand the costs, requirements and implications of self-employment fully. But if you have conviction in your abilities and a real desire to be your own boss, prepare properly and go for it.
Know Your Why
Before anything else, get clear on two things: why you want to go self-employed, and what you want to achieve. The answers will shape your direction and become your drivers to succeed.
Appointed Representative or Registered Individual?
Want your name above the door and ready to run a business? Becoming an Appointed Representative could be the logical route. Prefer to focus purely on advising, on your own terms? Self-employment as a Registered Individual (RI) is the fastest, most direct path from employed to self-employed.
Get Your Business Plan Together
Whichever route you choose, a solid business plan is essential — and you'll need one as part of your application process regardless.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Complete our enquiry form and we'll get in touch to understand your requirements and point you towards the right opportunity. There's no commitment — it's simply the first step towards your future as an adviser.
Choosing the Right Network: What Matters to You?
Some features you may wish to consider before making a move — what do you need?
Network Consulting can help you decide what’s important to you and find the best home. Features to weigh up include:
Training and development • Compliance and regulatory support • Mentoring • Marketing and branding assistance • Limited panel or whole of market • Technology • Client management systems • Research tools • Administration back up • Ancillary products and services • Exit terms • Costs and charges • Business development • Continued Professional Development • Leads • Breadth of product types
A few of these are worth exploring in more detail:
Exit Terms
It may feel odd thinking about leaving before you’ve even started, but what suits you now may not suit you once you’ve grown. Early on, your choices may be more limited than they will be later, so check the detail on what happens if you leave — you don’t want “golden handcuffs” catching you out down the line.
Technology and Research Tools
Do you have a preference, and is it easy to use? Technology should make your job easier and more time-efficient while satisfying your regulatory duties — and enhance the client journey, not hinder it. Get a demo before committing to your new home.
Costs and Charges
This matters most in the early years as you build your business. Understand what charges apply and to what — some structures are complex and can catch you out if you focus only on headline figures, especially where commission rates are reduced to a “net” amount.
Ready to find your perfect fit?
Book a free 30-minute consultation — no obligation, no cost, no pressure.