You’re full of ideas for your creative business, so why can’t you seem to get anything done? Why do you feel lethargic? You might need to take some time to define the purpose of your business. Even creative work needs a good business plan! Let me show you the bare bones way to make a business plan and define the purpose of your business.
1. First, Set Business Goals
This first step is paramount. You can set monthly goals, or go the next step by setting a goal for each week. Make sure your goals are both realistic and achievable.
2. Set Revenue Goals
Set the revenue numbers you want to reach monthly, weekly, or biweekly. Many creative business owners skip this vital step!
3. Make Your Action Plans
Write a list of actions you’ll take to hit the revenue and business goals you’ve set. You might list more items on Etsy or invest in advertising, for example.
4. Schedule Your Ideal Week
This isn’t a necessary step, but it’s an extremely helpful one. Schedule your week from Monday through Sunday. Schedule time for all the steps you’ll take to accomplish your goals. (Make room for rest and fun, too!) Schedules can feel limiting, but you’ll be surprised at your accomplishments when you stick to one. (Admit it; we artsy-types need some reining in sometimes!)
5. Avoid Procrastination
The internet playground is beckoning, tempting you with cheap thrills. Don’t go down the proverbial rabbit hole and forget your assignments for the day! Don’t procrastinate. Make crossing items off your task list a priority.
Call to Action: I Challenge You”¦
To make a business plan and stick to it next week. You’ll see an increase in productivity, creativity, and sales.
Get Help: I bought Brittni’s Track This! Workbook and loved it. It completely takes the frustration out of writing a business plan. Brittni also has a free Goal Tracking Worksheet you can use to help you hit your sales numbers.
*image Do What You Love by Letterhappy
Vanessa wrote this post. She is a full time copywriter and webmarketer with a passion for art, creativity, and thrift. She writes about thrifting, creating, and saving money every weekday on her blog, Thrift Core.
4 comments | Click here to reply
That is a tough one LittleMissPip. I think everyone has trouble with procrastination from time to time, especially for those of us who are lucky enough to call looking at pretty things “research”. 🙂 I find that setting boundaries for myself helps to keep me disciplined when I veer off course.
papernstitch-Brittni
Avoiding Procrastination is especially hard online as you can convince yourself you are building an online presence by spending time looking at pretty things. Which you are within reason of course but still – I need to learn some self control!
Great post
LittleMissPipHi Meagan. Thanks for stopping by. Revenue goals aren’t always an easy thing to do. So, you’re not alone on this.
papernstitchAnd if I may, I did want to suggest something…If you feel like you are spamming people to meet your revenue goals you may want to re-evaluate the systems that you currently have in place to grow your revenue. If it is set up in a way that makes you feel like you have to do something that makes you uncomfortable, change it. Email me if you need some feedback. I’d be happy to offer my thoughts.
-Brittni
Great post Vanessa! I love the part about goals. Setting goals {measurable ones} are vital to moving forward with your business. You have to know where you’re headed.
The one thing I struggle with as far as goal setting is #2 – Set revenue goals. I’ve tried this in the past, but I feel like I end up spamming people in order to get it accomplished. I’m not sure what to do to change that.
Meagan