New year, new knowledge: What self-employed workers learnt in January
- 10 Feb 2021
Last month, IPSE ran a series of events aimed at helping IPSE members and the wider self-employed community develop their skills. From submitting a Self Assessment tax return to dealing with imposter syndrome, the webinars covered some of the most frequently asked questions by our members.
Here are the top tips shared from each webinar:
1. Self Assessment tax return: All you need to know
Lucy Cohen, co-founder of Mazuma (online accountant for small and micro-businesses) joined IPSE's multimedia content editor Jessica Hayden to cover who should complete a Self Assessment tax return, the information you need beforehand, how to prepare for one, and what happens once you have completed it.
The webinar not only looked at the basics of the Self Assessment, but also answered key questions from attendees about topics such as the expenses that self-employed people can claim when they work from home.
Lucy’s top tip is: “Get organised! Throughout the year you’ll be in receipt of lots of tax documentation such as P60s, pension statements, interest statements – not to mention your documents for your sole trader work. Keep them all in one place so that you know exactly where everything is when it comes to getting your taxes sorted out – it saves a lot of time and stress!”
IPSE members can access the webinar recording here.
2. Building brand me
Alison Grade, author of The Freelance Bible, covered the changing world of work, and how freelancers can pivot and reinvent themselves in their careers. The practical workshop covered how freelancers can rethink their skillsets, build their personal brand, and secure more work.
By the end of the webinar, attendees were able to better identify their skillsets and how they could be applied to new industries.
Alison’s top tip is: “The things we take for granted are often what our clients most value in us. Be able to explain all your skillsets, and don’t take any of your skills for granted.”
Log in to IPSE to view this webinar.
3. IR35: How to prepare for the April 2021 changes
IR35 is a hotly contested issue for IPSE members, with IPSE firmly against the extension of IR35 changes that are due to come in this April. Paul Mason, head of tax partnerships at IPSE partner Markel Tax, ran a practical workshop with IPSE’s Director of Policy Andy Chamberlain.
They covered the changes to IR35 legislation, how end clients are reacting, how the IR35 changes will affect freelancers, and how to prepare for the changes.
Watch the detailed webinar here.
4. How to overcome your imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome describes a condition where we feel that we don’t deserve the position or responsibility that we have. We find it difficult to take pride in our achievements and have the feeling that we are a ‘fraud’.
In this webinar, Jo Clift covered how to identify imposter syndrome, how it affects your work, the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome, and where to find support.
Jo’s top tip for those suffering with imposter syndrome is: “Don't put others on a pedestal, because it makes you feel weaker. Treat everyone as though they are as important as you, and vice versa.”
5. IPSE pension scheme – what is it and how does it work?
Having a pension is so important for freelancers and the self-employed, who often do not have provisions in place for later life. IPSE members can access the IPSE pension scheme, which provides a savings plan at a competitive rate.
This webinar, led by IPSE's Head of Membership Kristina Drinkwater and IPSE partner Aegon, covered the importance of having a pension, the benefits of the IPSE pension scheme, how to transfer your current pension to the IPSE scheme, and how to set up the pension.
Frank Meadon at Aegon’s top tip for IPSE members is to “keep on top of your retirement planning. Understand what you’ve got, where it is and what it’s doing for you, then create a long-term plan targeting financial freedom. Finally, put your plan into action!”
IPSE members can access the webinar here.
6. The blueprint to winning more work, more often, at better rates
IPSE is joined by The CV and Interview Advisors about CV best practice, LinkedIn, networking, thought-leadership and advanced interview technique.
The advisors answered questions such as how to position yourself as a freelancer, the best interview techniques, and how to use innovative tactics on your CV.
Their top tip is: “Make sure you pitch yourself as a BUSINESS not a JOB SEEKER – tell the world what it is that you are offering. Make sure your brand and value proposition is clear. Ask yourself, what can you do for your potential clients.”
Catch up on the webinar here.
Access award-winning events for the self-employed at IPSE
The majority of IPSE events are free for members and non-members, with members being able to access webinars on demand. IPSE sources experts in their field to support the self-employed, and the events cover a wide range of topics. Sign up to an upcoming webinar here, and check out the range of events available to you.
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