Ah, the holiday season. That magical time of year when we finally step off the hamster wheel, take a breath, and realise… Nope. I cannot do another year of this.
Every December, without fail, I see the same pattern: people head off on leave, sit by the beach (or the esky), reflect on the year that was, and suddenly feel that spark. That itch. That surely there’s more to life than being an employee moment.
And honestly? They’re right.
So they dust off that business idea they’ve been quietly nurturing, or they dream up a brand new one, and then—boom—they’re ready to take on the world. Except… they have absolutely no idea what to do next.
Yesterday, I was a panellist on a webinar comparing Xero with Hnry for brand new businesses and start-ups. It was a great chat, but it also reminded me of something important: before you even get to the “Which accounting platform should I choose?” question, there are a few foundational steps that make everything else so much easier.
So if you’re one of the many people feeling the pull toward self-employment this holiday season, here are my top five tips to set yourself up for success.
1. Choose a Cheerleader
When you start a business, you don’t know what you don’t know. And that’s not a flaw — that’s just the reality of stepping into something brand new.
Find yourself a cheerleader.
Not the pom‑pom kind (although if you find one of those too, good for you). I mean someone knowledgeable, trustworthy, and patient. Someone
who can be your sounding board, your hand-holder, your business encyclopaedia. Someone who can answer the “Is this normal?” questions and
reassure you when you feel like a fish out of water.
A good cheerleader doesn’t just cheer — they guide.
2. Select a Structure
Before you start ordering business cards and designing logos, you need to decide what this business is.
Is it a side hustle?
A hobby that might grow legs?
Or are you building something sizeable and scalable?
Your business structure affects everything — tax, liability, how you pay yourself, and what systems you’ll need. Speak to a professional who can help you choose the structure that aligns with your vision. Don’t guess. Don’t Google. Get advice.
3. Back a Bank
If you take nothing else from this blog, take this:
Do. Not. Mix. Business. With. Pleasure.
It is a one-way ticket to a giant, tangled, stressful mess.
Set up your business banking properly from day one. At minimum, you’ll want:
Three accounts might sound like overkill, but trust me — this is how you build strong financial habits. It keeps your money organised, your tax covered, and your stress levels low.
4. Plan the Work, Then Work the Plan
This is the part most new business owners skip because, let’s be honest, it’s not the sexiest task on the list. But it is absolutely essential.
Put your business plan on paper.
Cost things out.
Set your pricing.
Work out your break-even point.
Map out how this business will actually operate.
You can’t know whether your idea is profitable if you haven’t run the numbers. And while things will always change (because business is basically organised chaos), having a plan means you’ll know when to pivot and when to push through.
5. Arrange an Accounting System
Now we get to the fun part — choosing your accounting platform.
Do your research. Think about what you need now and what you’ll need as you grow. Make sure the system you choose supports your business structure and can scale with you.
If in doubt, ask someone who knows (hi, hello, that’s me).
Personally, I recommend Xero because of its adaptability and the way it grows with your business. But at the end of the day, it’s your business — you do you.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business is exciting, empowering, and occasionally terrifying. But with the right foundations, you give yourself the best possible chance of success.
So if you’re sitting on the beach this holiday season thinking, Maybe it’s time… — it probably is. And when you’re ready, these five steps will help you start strong.
And if you need a cheerleader?
You know where to find me.
2025 has been another amazing year. Wishing you and all your family a safe and happy holiday season and I can’t wait to jump into the fun and games with you in 2026.
