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Calling all entrepreneurs, freelancers, independent contractors, small businesses & sole traders!

Time to run your business from your phone

Here at 9to5 work rebels, we’re all about creating a life you love to live and using your skills to do so. A key part of this is of course ensuring that you get paid for the work you do. If you work for yourself you’ll know that getting paid in a timely manner is crucial to your survival and success.

Staying on top of your finances and filing your taxes is something that we all have to do but can be a bore and a nightmare at times particularly when you’re busy focused on generating new business. Before you know it, you have a backlog of receipts and expenses to log and file. As an independent consultant myself at Ebony Gayle communications this is something I can relate to!

Well, Uome is a new app to hit the market that is tailored specifically for small business owners, sole traders, freelancers, and creatives and allows us to run our businesses from our phones! 

With Uome you can:

  • Get paid quicker with Uome’s open banking solution for instant payments. You can also get paid via Google pay, Apple pay, and Stripe which allows for credit and debit cards.
  • Reduce admin – send professional quotes & invoices including duplication for repeat work directly from the app.
  • Offer your customers credit at your discretion – Enable your clients to spread costs with Uome’s buy now pay later option at no cost to your business.
  • CRM – Enhance client relationships – real-time messaging to share project visuals, documents & work updates.
  • Peace of mind – Tax preparation, account reporting (log expenses, track sales, etc), and keeping a track record of your client interaction. Including the ability to export your income and expenses to PDF, CSV, Quickbooks, Xero, Sage, and Freeagent
  • Collaboration – Uome supports collaborative working and allows users to easily invoice each other as well as raise purchase orders for repeat work.
  • aPOS – enabling Uome users to take in-person payments directly from customers via scanning a QR code that links to open banking. Uome is waiving transaction fees for 1 entire year!

So how much is it I hear you say? They have a free plan, pay-as-you plan, and subscription for £9.99 which unlocks all the features – what a bargain! So you can choose the plan that suits your business, sound good?  Sign up here using my partner link.

Maths teacher creates black doll line to empower her daughter & young girls

On my latest podcast I chatted with Charlotte Francis the maths teacher turned entrepreneur who created the black doll line Biankha and friends, after her own daughter fell out of love with her natural hair and heritage after starting school.

You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, Anchor etc

Or watch on Youtube below:

#9to5workrebelspodcast ep3: Charlene Laville – The self-taught cosmetic entrepreneur & founder of Nizz Cosmetics

For the 9to5workrebels podcast I had a chat with Charlene Laville, a self-taught cosmetic entrepreneur who took her passion for lipstick and Founded Nizz Cosmetics. She is also a registered nurse and author for more info visit https://www.nizzcosmetics.co.uk/

How to be your authentic self all the time – forget fitting in!

Sometimes we feel like we have to fit in and change who we are to progress, I felt like that once, but forget fitting in be you – check out my latest video, don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe rebels.

How to blow up your business profile & profits with PR – Free training

We all know that a key part of the customer cycle is awareness, how will your clients know about your awesomeness? Are you ready to blow up your profile & profits with PR?

Ebony Gayle Communications has been helping clients blow up their profile and profits successfully for years, providing strategic advice and securing coverage on BBC, ITV, SKY, Forbes, Guardian, Telegraph, Evening Standard, Independent, Daily Mail and a host of national, regional, online and international news media outlets! 

With over 15 years in the business, Ebony know’s what it means for your business to be featured in the media and the massive impact it can have on your business overnight. One of her clients that she launched recently report record sales of £5million!  Do you want to catapult your profile and profits as they did? Click on the below image to access her free webinar and the publicity plan of attack freebie.

New online course – how be a successful consultant & earn more

If you’re fed up of the 9-5 working life or feeling stuck in your job, or maybe you want to get paid for what you’re truly passionate about, a great way to do this is to become a consultant! As a consultant you are your own boss and therefore you have more control over who you work with and importantly when and where you work.

If you’re serious about becoming a  freelancer you should ask yourself why? knowing your reason why will help to focus your mind and help drive you forward. Are you thinking of freelancing for work life balance, to spend more time doing other things you love, or is it because you’re peed off with your boss?

I’ve been in the peed off position –dealing with depression due to my employer being unreasonable around childcare.. I wanted out for my sanity and so handed in my notice without a job but I did have a plan!

If you’d like to know more check out this online course. I’ve been a successful consultant since the end of 2013 so I’m sharing my insight and providing guidance on setting up and building a sustainable career. All for a bargain at just £19.99. Or grab the book on Amazon for £5.99.

Click on image below to sign up

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How to start a blog or website

Blogging can be big business, there are many people I know that are profiting nicely from their blogs, particularly if it’s on a niche subject. If you are tempted to go into an already saturated market like beauty or fashion you still can do well but you’ll need to work hard to make your mark and build your following. Blogging provides a great way to earn passive income and is something you can do whilst working your 9-5 that you’ll eventually leave if you do it right and really commit to the process consistently. So yes if done correctly, blogging can bring in enough money to overtake your wage!

So where do you start? Here are 5 tips to get you started:

1. The topic of choice – Decide on a topic you’re passionate about, don’t be driven by money on this. For your blog to be a success you’ll be investing lots of time producing content so you have to enjoy the topic. As the saying goes do something you love and it won’t feel like a job!

2. Set up a website – you’ll obviously need a website to blog. There are many platforms that provide these services.  There a few ways to go about setting up your website. You can purchase the site domain name and domain hosting together or separately.  If you’re not ready just yet to set up your site and but you have a great name for it you can purchase the domain name from 123 reg or Go Daddy to secure it. Once you’re ready to set up your blog site you might find that choosing the best web hosting platform and website builder can be a bit of a mind field of confusion. But I’ve shed some light on this. Long story short, my top three recommendations are WordPress, WP engine, HostGator – to find out my reasons why and to weigh up the pros and cons read this here.

3. Consistent content – you’ll need fresh and consistent content to upload to your blog, include videos and images to bring your blogs to life. Look at similar blogs in your chosen area and think about how yours can be different and build on that. Be honest with your content If you’re reviewing products be authentic your readers will appreciate it.

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4. Research companies & PRs –If you plan to blog about makeup, for example, you’ll be interested in checking out new products. PR consultants and agencies are looking to secure coverage for their clients and you can give them that coverage. So be sure to drop an introductory email to PR contact responsible for looking after products and service that are relevant to your blog. Note that they’ll want to know your visitor stats etc. If you have a solid following you’ll get lots of freebies to review be sure to say that you are reviewing so your readers are clear.

5. Social media – Use social media, there’s no point having a great blog if no one knows about it. Make use of your social media platforms to help build your blog following and do make the most of relevant hashtags # for both your chosen topic and the blogging community e.g. #bloggerRTs. There are sites dedicated to helping promote bloggers, use everything relevant that’s at your disposal.

Finally, go for it, enjoy the process and be patient with yourself, it won’t happen overnight but with dedication and graft you can make a success of it!

How To Become A Consultant: 5 Steps To Doing It Right

Starting out on your own as a consultant may conjure up a plethora of feelings, from being scared about the risks and uncertainty to feeling excited and empowered to be taking control of your own life balance and destiny. Not to mention the uncapped earning potential. You’re bound to feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster as you embark on a new chapter in your life, stepping outside of your comfort zone and regular routine.

Whether you plan to consult in business or personal services we all, at times, can face similar issues in getting established on this new journey into consultancy.

Here are 5 tips to getting your career as a consultant started:

  1. Expert knowledge – if you are going to be a consultant, firstly ensure that you have the skills and knowledge in the sector you plan to consult in. Avoid offering services you are not fully proficient or confident in. Yes, it’s important to sell yourself and your expert skills but be careful not to bite of more than you can chew and commit to keeping your skills and knowledge refreshed and up to date.
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  1. Believe in yourself – You’ve made the decision or are thinking of making this career change, it’s super important to learn how to be your own cheerleader. Working for yourself is gratifying and rewarding, but can also be very challenging, you have to keep yourself motivated throughout it all. Positive can-do attitude alongside working hard is key. Our minds have a habit of finding fault with ourselves, so we have to reprogram and train our minds to tune out the doubtful little voice in our heads!
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  1. Get organised –now is the time to get yourself organised. You need to set up your business, make the decision on how you plan to trade, Ltd or solo. You have to register the business, set up banking facilities, register with HMRC as self-employed, set your goals and objectives. Set up contracts for clients and of course set your fees for client billing, get networking for new clients. There’s lots to do, it might sound exhausting, but doesn’t have to be. This calls for a calm diligent approach and a can-do mind set.
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  1. Understand your finances – as a consultant working self-employed you will be responsible for your finances, so don’t forget to put money aside for a rainy day and for those important National Insurance and tax payments when HMRC deadlines roll around. There are some great apps to log receipts and expenses as well as trusty excel spreadsheets which makes it easier for tax purposes.
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  1. Be Consistent & diligent– Be consistent in your approach to work and your work life balance. Starting out takes time, commitment and consistency, you might not get your first or fifth client contract, now is not the time to take your foot of the peddle, or to take time to feel sorry for yourself. Persevere and things will fall into place. Be prepared, do research your sector, your competitors and most certainly do look for potential clients that you would like to work with.

If you’re thinking about exploring more options like starting your own business check out the free guide.

Want to know more? grab my book How To Become A Consultant; A Guide To Free Yourself From The 9-5’. Available from Amazon, iBook, Google Play, Barnes & Noble and other online platforms.

This article was written for and published in New Business Magazine  – May 2018.

How to start an online business from home that’s right for you!

 As a straight talker I’ll happily share that, most of the time when someone mentions starting an online business there’s a catch, they’re trying to sell you something, or get you to sign up to their program, be it a coaching program or a network marketing program where you sell other people’s products and the list goes on.

I’ve been to lots of seminars and events where you have a coach saying the best online business is to become a coach and of course they are selling coaching courses. Have a look around YouTube and you’ll find lots of people talking about starting an Amazon FBA business and it just so happens that they have a course you can purchase.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with any of this, I have written and published a book and I am selling a course, but I won’t tell you that it’s the only way to become successful in business. My DIY PR course is about adding skills to your amour and my book is about taking your current skills and using them to consultant – where you can work from home and choose the hours you work, like I do.

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The Truth

The truth of the matter is for you to have a successful online business that you enjoy, it needs to be something you are passionate about. An online business that you will happily, and willingly commit to, and show up for on a daily basis.   There is no quick scheme or magic pill to take that will result in you waking up to a thriving business and your bank account overflowing with money. So really you have to look within and be honest with yourself. Why? Because as corny as it may sound, YOU my friend have the answers inside, only you can identify what interests you, your passions, the thing you’ve always wanted to do but been to scared, or the what you enjoy doing that doesn’t feel like work for you.

Remember that you’ll be the one putting in all the work so it needs to be something that genuinely interests and excites you and of course has appeal to your target audience so you can make some money and have financial freedom.

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Online business ideas

There are lots of online business models that you can explore, you may already have ideas or perhaps not sure where to start, but you know you don’t want to be where you are now. Go check out my free guide on ‘How to start a profitable online business’ where I suggest 10 online business models and the steps you need to take to get started right away!

Oh and…

Don’t forget if you’re serious about getting your vision off the ground, you can sign up for accountability sessions with me to stay on track! How many times have we said we’ll do something but end up putting it off or talking ourselves out of things? We’re human so yes that does happen, so that’s why accountability is a must and is so critically important, look around…how do you think top athletes and entrepreneurs get to the top of their game.

Are we born to pay bills?

How’s your life journey panning out? does it feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of just paying bills?  Sometimes it can feel like life is happening to us, and we are just watching it all take place. But if we don’t take responsibility for our happiness in life, who will?  I believe we can be happy and live on our own terms.

Checkout my latest video on my new YouTube channel appropriately titled ‘9 to 5 work rebels’.  Don’t forget to hit the thumps up, subscribe and share if you dare.

Let the journey begin

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

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A study earlier this year  of 5,000 workers concluded that self-employed people are more successful in their careers and felt happier in their job. * So why don’t more people do it? Is it fear, financial pressures or the lack of know-how?

As a successful consultant myself I can say that its a combination of the above, but with planning and passion, you can free yourself and it doesn’t have to be high risk or a fancy idea. Becoming a consultant can be a simple way to create the life you want by selling what you already do well, on terms that suit you.

I used my expert skills and knowledge having worked in communications, PR and marketing for well over a decade to become a consultant. You too, can enjoy a rewarding career, financial success and that important work life balance by taking this route and using the skills you have.

I  felt  trapped and depressed in the past in my  9-5 job which is why I decided to set up my own consultancy with just £100.  Five years on, I have no regrets, I enjoy the empowerment and challenge of working for myself, and  I’m much more happy.

I am keen to share my insights and experience with other people seeking to escape the rat race. My new book ‘How To Become A Consultant: A Guide To Free Yourself From the 9-5’ is a no-nonsense guide which gives practical advice on how to set yourself up as consultant and establish a work routine that fits in with your ideals and lifestyle.

The book covers all aspects of becoming a consultant from identifying your niche and registering yourself as self-employed to planning, establishing your fees and promoting your business.

I share practical information to guide you through the process and as well as insight into my own journey so you can avoid the pitfalls and succeed in your venture!

How to Become a Consultant is the essential guide for anyone who wants to become a consultant.

Available on Amazon, iBook, Google, Barnes & Noble and other online platforms – links below.

To order the paperback copy click here

for ebook version click here if you have a kindle

Here for other platforms

 

 

*https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/self-employed-happiest-workers-job-freedom-employees-study-sheffield-a8259206.html

 

 

 

‘GEMS IN COMMS’ Series special returns! Delving into the lived experiences of diverse talent in the UK PR &Communications industry

Exciting news! The eagerly awaited second series of the ‘Gems in Comms’ podcast by 9to5workrebels is back with some more great guests! This remarkable series is dedicated to highlighting the talents of Black, Asian, mixed, and Ethnic Minority professionals in the UK’s PR and Communications sector. In an industry where 91% of professionals are white, this podcast offers invaluable insights into the journeys and experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds

Hosted by Ebony Gayle, the series returned on 5th Sept 2023 and delves into the real-life stories of people of color in the field. The discussions cover a range of topics, including career paths, challenges related to racism in the workplace, equity considerations, and the creation of inclusive environments. For those committed to fostering inclusiveness, this series is essential listening, offering unique perspectives and invaluable insights. 

The podcast boasts an impressive line-up of guests, including industry experts such as Barbara Phillips (founder of Brownstone Communications), Ann Marie Blake (co-founder of True), Kevin Leonce (founder of Togethr), Nicola Millington (founder of FP comms), Bemi Idowu (founder of Talking Drum Communications), have already been published with many more to come. These guests share their experiences and key insights, with subsequent episodes following each Tuesday.

The ‘Gems in Comms’ series breaks down the misconception that people of colour are a homogeneous group by exploring diverse work experiences. It provides an honest and open window into rarely-heard conversations, shedding light on the perspectives of underrepresented voices.

This special podcast series aims to:

  1. Explore the experiences of people of colour in the PR & comms industry, including the highs and lows.
  2. Understand how these experiences have influenced their professional journeys.
  3. Uncover valuable insights for employers to foster more inclusive work environments.

The series is spearheaded by Ebony Gayle the host of 9to5workrebels, an independent consultant with over two decades of PR and communications experience. Her expertise enables candid and engaging conversations that break down barriers comfortably.

Ebony’s motivation behind the series is to showcase the contributions of people of colour in the industry. While the lack of diversity in PR and communications is known, this podcast focuses on the accomplishments and experiences of these talented individuals. It seeks to celebrate their success while promoting cultural awareness for better retention and a harmonious work atmosphere.

So remember to tune in every Tuesday to ‘9to5workrebels podcast’ for the ‘Gems in Comms’ series, sponsored by the PRCA Race Ethnicity and Equity Board. New episodes will be available weekly on your favourite podcast platform. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to gain insights and celebrate industry diversity!

“Renowned Series ‘Gems in Comms’ Returns with Further Exploration into the Experiences of Diverse Talent in the UK Communications Sector”

Exciting news! The eagerly awaited second series of the ‘Gems in Comms’ podcast by 9to5workrebels is returning on September 5th, 2023. This remarkable series is dedicated to highlighting the talents of Black, Asian, mixed, and Ethnic Minority professionals in the UK’s PR, Marketing, Advertising, and Communications sector. In an industry where 91% of professionals are white, this podcast offers invaluable insights into the journeys and experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Hosted by Ebony Gayle, the series delves into the real-life stories of people of color in the field. The discussions cover a range of topics, including career paths, challenges related to racism in the workplace, equity considerations, and the creation of inclusive environments. For those committed to fostering inclusiveness, this series is essential listening, offering unique perspectives and invaluable insights.

Launching on September 5th, 2023, the podcast boasts an impressive line-up of guests, including industry experts such as Barbara Phillips (founder of Brownstone Communications), Ann Marie Blake (co-founder of True), Kevin Leonce (founder of Togethr), Nicola Millington (founder of FP comms), Bemi Idowi (founder of Talking Drum Communications), and many more. These guests will share their experiences and key insights, with subsequent episodes following each Tuesday.

The ‘Gems in Comms’ series breaks down the misconception that people of colour are a homogeneous group by exploring diverse work experiences. It provides an honest and open window into rarely-heard conversations, shedding light on the perspectives of underrepresented voices.

This special podcast series aims to:

  1. Explore the experiences of people of colour in the PR & comms industry, including the highs and lows.
  2. Understand how these experiences have influenced their professional journeys.
  3. Uncover valuable insights for employers to foster more inclusive work environments.

The series is spearheaded by Ebony Gayle the host of 9to5workrebels, an independent consultant with over two decades of PR and communications experience. Her expertise enables candid and engaging conversations that break down barriers comfortably.

Ebony’s motivation behind the series is to showcase the contributions of people of colour in the industry. While the lack of diversity in PR and communications is known, this podcast focuses on the accomplishments and experiences of these talented individuals. It seeks to celebrate their success while promoting cultural awareness for better retention and a harmonious work atmosphere.

Save the date for September 5th and tune in to 9to5workrebels for the ‘Gems in Comms’ series, sponsored by the PRCA Race Ethnicity and Equity Board. New episodes will be available weekly on major platforms. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to gain insights and celebrate industry diversity.

9to5workrebels in association with Hanson Search launches a new podcast series – Gems in Comms

I’m excited to announce the launch of a new podcast series special ‘Gems in Comms’ spotlighting Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority talent in the UK PR and Communications industry.

The series offers insights into the career trajectory for people of colour working within PR and communications, an industry notoriously known for being overwhelmingly 91% white.

The series special features on my 9to5workrebels podcast, and provides real experiences from established Black, Asian, and Ethnic minority professionals working in the PR and communications industry sharing valuable and impactful insights about their career journeys, racism at work, thoughts on diversity, and what makes a good working environment.

The series launched on Tuesday 13th September with two interviews from Fiona Chow – founder of Goadi consulting, founder & CEO of Ugly babies, and the co-host of ‘Not Another Crypto Show’ podcast, and Sarah Samee – award-winning communicator and former VP of Women in PR UK.

This week’s episode features seasoned Barbadian communicator Katrina Marshall with 20 years of experience in journalism and public relations. New episodes are out every Tuesday.

People of colour often get lumped into one category and treated as one voice. The series explores different working experiences, and further demonstrates that people of colour are not monolithic. 

Hanson Search has always supported having these open and honest conversations, and recognises the importance of listening and learning to help bring about change in the industry and crucially help to ensure equity. The podcast series will be interesting listening for everyone working in the PR and comms industry, including people of colour who work in the industry and those who are looking to enter.

 ‘Gems in Comms’ a 9to5workrebels podcast series special aims to:

  • Explore the highs, lows and lived experiences of people of colour within the PR & comms industry
  • Understand how their experiences have shaped their journey
  • Uncover what they look for from their employers – useful insights that employers can learn from.

Alice Weightman, CEO and founder of Hanson Search:

“Creating diverse working environments is about equality and equity for all. Having conversations, learning and actioning is the only way we can make change. I urge those who value diversity or want to make improvements in diversity when hiring and retaining talent to listen to the series that we have worked on with Ebony.”

Amy Hayer, Partner at Hanson Search

“This podcast shines a light on stories that have not been shared widely enough, Ebony has asked the questions that need addressing and gained valuable insight that we can all learn from – employers and employee alike. Hopefully this series can be a catalyst for change and greater cultural awareness and equity across the industry.”

The new series special is the brainchild of Ebony Gayle the host of the 9to5workrebels podcast and Hanson Search advisor – who herself has worked in PR and communications for over 18 years. Her experience and insights have enabled open, honest, and engaging conversations where layers are peeled back comfortably.

Ebony Gayle, Podcast Host and Hanson Search Advisor:

“Having worked in the PR and communications industry for over 18 years I was keen to use my platform to create a series special that is all about dialogue with my peers from Black, Asian, and Ethnic minority backgrounds. The lack of diversity in our industry is no secret, but what about the people of colour in the industry doing great things. What is their story, has the industry been welcoming, have they experienced racism at work, what gems are they willing to share?”

The podcast aims to spotlight and celebrate Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority talent in the industry, while also encouraging more cultural awareness for retention and tips on what a culturally cohesive work environment feels and looks like from their perspective.

Tune in to 9to5workrebels on 13th September to listen to the Gems in Comms series special in association with Hanson Search – new episodes will be released weekly and available on all the usual platforms.