Oliver Gwaltney Blog: March 2018

Thursday, March 29, 2018

HMRC waits on £2.1bn from anti-avoidance package

New tax offences like a fresh disguised remuneration requirement, to hit from April.

GDPR surges data officer demand by 709%

DPOs have never had it so good – or as competitive, due to the overhaul in May.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

IT Training Courses

Technology is essential to all walks and areas of life in the 21st century.

IT Security and Cyber Security Training Courses

Cyber attacks are one of the fastest growing areas of crime in the world and cybersecurity is one of the coolest industries to work in right now offering real job satisfaction and lucrative salaries.

Project Management Training Courses

Project Management training is essential in building your Project Manager career.

How MDCM Ltd beat IR35 – quick overview

Status expert cites the main factors that went against, but ultimately for, Mark Daniels.

IR35 shambles is cause to cease reform, says IPSE

Firms will ask how they’re meant to decide IR35, when not even HMRC gets it right.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

‘Brave’ contractor MDCM Ltd wins IR35 appeal

Three status factors and a bungling HMRC can’t keep a courageous PSC down.

Contractors’ Questions: Are short contracts and A-levels my CV's mistakes?

Knowing what to leave off your CV is as important as knowing what to put on.

Your First Novel: 3 Big Actions to Make It Possible

Are you the type passionate about writing whether it’s everyday journaling, blogging, or fun? Maybe you have a word doc full of ideas or short stories.

There’s a voice saying… “You should write a book”. Friends and family have mentioned it, too.

You’ve teased the ideas. Maybe had written a chapter or two for the fun of it. Writing blogs and communities are your thing because you enjoy the feedback and prompts.

We’ve all got to start somewhere, right?

I’m guessing, because you’re reading this, you’re wanting to give the book writing thing a real go.

Great!

Everyone will approach it differently and have personal suggestions. Here are 3 big actions you can take to the process a little, less hectic and tedious.

From Short Stories to a Final Draft: 3 Actions to Make Writing a Book Happen

Kindle is a great platform to explore writing a novel. Its low barriers of entry let you explore creativity while delivering a tangible asset.

The learning process and experience is helpful, too.

Writing a Kindle ebook is about the same lengths as you would have in print. There are layers of planning, editing, and publication. It just happens you’re in control of the distribution – which is part of the allure of writing a book these days!

Here are the helping things with getting it done:

#1: Mind map it and hire a good editor

A mind dump pulls all those ideas together and helps plan out your entry into becoming a writer.

This activity takes a simple story into one you can really flesh out. Much like how there’s structure to learning something in school or following a guide.

There are a couple mind mapping tools:

WiseMapping
FreeMind
Scapple

You can use these to break down characters, locations, story arcs, and more. It’s helpful if you’re writing technical documents, too, if it’s divided into sections and topics.

Then…

Hire a good editor (maybe two).

Lots of ideas will flow through your mind to those hands. Not all of them are worthwhile for the final rendition of the work.

A good editor not only fixes the grammatical issues but will point out unnecessary parts. The second set of eyes are good for keeping work on track.

#2: Make the right space to get in the flow

Some enjoy writing at coffee shops. Others? They can do it while riding shotgun on a road trip.

Feeling like this is too distracting?

Consider this set up:

Comfortable desk space
Minimal writing interface
Timing apps

A comfortable workspace both physically and visually. Clutter and improper workspace will disrupt your train of thought.

Comfortable visual styles like those of Henkel Harris Furniture or simply sitting outside, enjoying the views between writing, will help concentration.

The other two:

Ommwriter – A minimal writing app free of distractions
Tomato Timer – Using the Pomodoro technique to stay focused

These three elements will foster your creative “flow” by letting you zone into the words.

#3: Distributive it wide and use the criticism

Who we consider great writers had interesting backgrounds like Harper Lee working for an airline or T.S. Eliot being a banker – it goes to show writing happens when it happens.

Your first stories and drafts probably won’t make much of an impact… keep writing.

Get the book into as many hands as possible
Take their critical feedback, learn, and adapt
Get back to writing with ferocity

Consider publishing snippets and short stories before undertaking a full book. Do so through your blog or pitching it to literary publications.

Why?

The feedback, of course, plus it’ll build confidence.

Combine all with a daily writing goal and you’ll have that book before long. You’ll have the documentation and space to flow with ideas.

Remember, you’re not on a deadline… take as long as you need to make something that’ll bring pride.

Did these tips help? Want to add to them? Leave a comment!

Monday, March 26, 2018

Blanket IR35 decisions to face MP scrutiny – QC

‘PSCs being misclassified will inspire another select committee in two years’ time.’

Budget 2018 'backed into December by Brexit forecast'

A squeeze on the Budget looms, as it’s set to coincide with costing our exit from the EU.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Important Tips For Your Job Search

Getting the job you want takes a great deal of effort, and the interview process can cause anxiety, particularly if you’re changing careers. Before you start your job search, make sure that you have the necessary skills, including a plan for additional education, if needed. Use these tips to separate yourself from other job candidates and get the job offer.

Firm culture

It’s important to understand the culture of every firm you research as a potential employer because the culture will help you determine if you’re a good fit for the position. One indicator of firm culture is the background and management style of the company founders.

Fortunately, websites such as Corporate Office HQ offer profiles on company founders, which can help you prepare for a potential job interview.

Changing careers

Changing careers may make your job search more complicated because you’ll need a new set of skills to succeed in your new career. Before you decide to switch careers, consider how much additional education and training you’ll need.

If you work in marketing and decide to move into accounting, for example, assess how many accounting courses you’ll need to take before entering the field. Your education plan may include taking the CPA exam, which requires a minimum number of undergraduate courses in accounting. Your career plan may include a transition period for additional education.

Personality test

If you’re unhappy in your current job, or you’re just starting a career, try taking a personality assessment. You can find free assessments online, and the results can help you understand what type of work you prefer. A person who has a creative personality, for example, may not succeed in a career that requires heavy structure and attention to detail. A personality assessment can be your starting point for a job search.

The resume

Once you’ve taken a personality test, work on your resume. The top center portion of your resume should state your name, the type of work you do, and your contact information (email, phone, LinkedIn information). The description of your work might be “director of strategic communications”, or “financial accounting manager”.

This resume format makes it easy for a hiring manager to quickly find your name, skills set, and contact information.

Next, include bullet points on your skills and expertise, such as “manage marketing campaigns”, or “complete monthly accounting reports”. The resume reader can glance at the bullet points and get an idea of your specific skills and abilities. The final section of your resume lists your work history, including company names and job titles.

Interview preparation

Your interview preparation can help you outperform other job candidates during the interview process. Make sure that you clearly understand the job description, and each skill required to succeed in the position. Perform research on the company’s history, growth prospects, and the firm’s culture. If possible, use your professional network to find someone who has worked at the firm, and ask that person about the company.

Prepare written questions to ask the interviewer. It’s likely that you’ll meet with several people as you interview, so prepare a group of questions. Many job candidates neglect this step, and preparing questions is an opportunity to stand out from the competition.

Arrive at the interview location early, so that you can gather your thoughts before entering the office. Show your interest and enthusiasm during the interview, and write down the names and job titles of each person you meet. After the interview, consider sending handwritten thank you notes to each person. Most job candidates will email the interviewer, but you can differentiate yourself by both emailing and mailing a note of thanks.

Make the effort

Preparing for success in an interview takes effort, but your time investment can pay off. Even if you don’t get the position you interview for, you may be a candidate for another position down the road. Put your best foot forward to succeed in your job search.

No number! When Steve Jobs didn’t have a phone

Even the iPhone creator was once unreachable -- at a time when he was job-hunting.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Contractors' Questions: Will agency weigh in if I ignore off-payroll rules?

‘Head in the sand’ approach won’t stop your bottom line from being eroded.

PSCs, are you ready for £3,000 less in dividend allowance?

IR35 in flux means it’s vital to optimise your dividends, as a clawback is almost here.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Limited company dividend tax guide for April 2018

As many contractors feared, the measure to slice the tax-free dividend allowance from £5,000 to £2,000 from April 2018 has been officially re-tabled.

BBC presenters mock ‘ridiculous’ CEST

IR35 digital tool acquired comic status at yesterday’s select committee.

BBC ‘bullied presenters into becoming PSCs'

As a radio host’s anguish leads to her attempted suicide, the BBC takes action.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

CV Writing and LinkedIn Profile Services

Your CV and LinkedIn profile are arguably your most important assets as a Contractor. They are your ticket to finding work and winning new contracts, so having them professionally created is crucial to success.

Contractors ‘help slow SThree’s contraction’

The recruiter’s UK bottom line is improving thanks to IT contractor demand rising.

Data Analytics tops execs' consulting wishlist

Three ‘sweet spots’ for freelance consultants may leave consultancy firms bitter.

Monday, March 19, 2018

BBC ‘considers paying IR35 bills of presenters’

Some PSCs' IR35 liabilities may be met by the BBC, but it won’t meet MPs tomorrow.

PSCs ‘face 20% loss if IR35 reforms are extended’

Second expert says a fifth of your income could go if ‘inside IR35’ under April’s regime.

Friday, March 16, 2018

Concern raised over IR35 reform being a ‘done deal’

Agents, PSCs and brollies rally against April’s IR35 reforms just being superimposed.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

5 Key Elements To Include In Your Digital Marketing Plan

In the modern world, no marketing plan is complete unless it includes a digital marketing strategy. It doesn’t matter if your business only revolves around selling tangible goods and services–you also need a digital component to your marketing plans. Digital marketing will have a big impact on your efforts to acquire new clients, make your brand more visible, and generate higher revenues.

In essence, there are five key elements that you have to take into consideration when developing a cohesive marketing plan. You must consider the role of organic search, statistics, content, social media, and mobile play in your marketing, viewing each of these elements from your own perspective as a marketer and from the perspective of a consumer.

Here are some reasons why each of these elements is worth your time, investment, and consideration:

1. Include search engine optimization in your marketing efforts.

Consumers trust organic search results more than they do paid advertising. The reason for this is simple: they feel rewarded by doing a keyword search on a major search engine and finding a website that supplies them with the information that they were seeking. Pay-per-click advertising, by contrast, is like having someone making a suggestion. This, of course, does not mean that you should not do paid advertising because paid advertising is also highly effective. However, you should not only rely on paid advertising for lead generation. Since mastering search engine optimization requires plenty of deep thinking and research about keywords and their placement, your business will benefit by partnering with an SEO agency like HigherVisibility.

2. Inform your marketing with statistical information.

Statistics guide marketers on what to focus on. The more accurate the information you use to make a decision, the better your decision is likely to be. By basing your qualitative analysis on quantitative data, you will make the most realistic decisions. For instance, if you place a Facebook ad and drive 700 people to your website, but only 30 people register for your webinar on your landing page, then you know, based on the high ROI of your Facebook advertising, that your Facebook ad is effective; however, since you only had a conversion rate of 0.04%, you need to tweak your landing page copy or images. Naturally, you also need to evaluate the results you are getting based on industry conversion norms.

3. Understand the value of content marketing.

Content marketing is the antithesis of interruption marketing. When you offer free and valuable information, you attract people to your business. With interruption marketing, say a banner ad, you force people to pay attention to your business offer. When you use content marketing, you establish a reputation as an authority in your niche.

4. Build your brand image through social media marketing.

Social media helps consumers get to know, like, and trust your brand. By interacting with people on a social media website, you are creating a personal relationship with them. Since they feel that they now know you, they are more likely to trust your recommendations. Social media is an excellent way to network with fellow entrepreneurs and current and potential customers.

5. Leverage the power of mobile marketing.

Don’t forget to create a mobile-responsive website and to research the benefits of mobile advertising. Mobile plays a vital role in consumer shopping. According to statistics gathered by Business Apps, there were 3.5 billion unique mobile Internet users by August 2017; on average, users spend 69% of media time on mobile devices, and mobile devices will increase Internet use by 80% in the near future. People usually shop with their smartphones in hand rather than take the time to do some preliminary web surfing before they go out shopping. Smartphones are not only used to find store locations, but also to research the best prices, get product information, and access digital coupons. Your best chance of connecting with customers who are actively shopping for an offline product or service is by deploying mobile marketing strategies.

In conclusion, a well-designed marketing plan should consider how to leverage these five key elements to help you achieve your marketing goals. A comprehensive marketing plan should include each of these elements and explore ways to consistently improve them.