Posted By Merv Newman
Emyr,

1. I've been self-employed since 1989.

2. Ratio of time spent on networking / selling / client interfacing / report writing / other admin (including chasing payments)

* Networking. Virtually zero. I try to avoid meeting potential competitors or giving out free advice.

* client interfacing. About one day a week, usually e-mails or phone. Sales visits usually come up once or twice a month. Can take up to three days depending on travel distance.

On-site "interfacing" will be either OHSAS18002 type auditing or H&S training. Up to ten days per month. Sometimes more but I try to avoid more than 4 consecutive on-site days.

* Report writing. Roughly the same time as the on-site audit takes. (3-day audit means a 3-day report)

* Other admin. Maybe 1/2 a day a week if you keep up with it and dump some on to the accountant.

A couple of points you missed ; preparation and travelling.

* Preparation for an audit can take one or two full days to research the client and go through the paperwork. Prep for a training visit is virtually zero unless you are developing or presenting a new product.

* Travelling. Almost every visit I do requires two days (more or less full) of travelling (400 miles (5 to 6 hours) there and back. And that includes possibly non-productive sales visits.

Hope this helps

Merv