Running a Self-Employed Business: Top Tips from Catherine Brown

For Catherine Brown, running a business has been about building something that can adapt and grow over time.

As the owner of Cathy Brown Photography, a maternity, newborn, family, and personal branding photography studio based in Leigh, Catherine has spent over 15 years developing her business. During that time, she has navigated changing markets, embraced new opportunities, and experienced the realities of running a small business.

Through her work, she helps families and businesses capture important moments while continually evolving her approach to meet her clients' needs.

As part of National Freelancer Week, we asked Catherine to share her top tips for freelancers and self-employed business owners:

1. Build relationships, not just a client list

Some of my best opportunities have come through recommendations, networking and staying connected with people long after the initial job was complete. People buy from people, and relationships are one of the most valuable assets in any freelance business.

2. Don’t wait until you’re ready

Many freelancers spend too much time waiting for the perfect website, the perfect logo or the perfect plan. Progress comes from taking action, learning as you go and improving along the way. Done is often better than perfect.

3. Treat your business like a business

It’s easy to focus only on the work you love, but success comes from understanding your numbers, marketing consistently, and making time for the tasks that generate future opportunities. The creative work is important, but so is the business behind it.

Being self-employed has given Catherine the opportunity to build a career around something she genuinely enjoys while helping families and businesses capture some of life’s most important moments.

Find out more about Catherine’s work here: https://www.cathybrownphotography.co.uk/