PRE-S: We're gearing up for a Rock Your Web Design Business Black Friday special. Click here to let us know if you're interested. (You'll simply be directed to our sales page, but you'll be tagged to be the first to know.) - - - - With 2017 drawing near, I'm already itching to hit the drawing board with what I want to do with my business(es) in the new year. Part of being an entrepreneur is being comfortable (and maybe even excited!) about diving into the business part of doing business. Getting familiar and comfortable with taking control of your business in this way will make you a great, proactive business owner. It puts you at the helm of your work, driving your way towards your goals. For me, I like to do a couple of things to plan for my business: Get clear on my offerings What do I offer one-on-one - paid and free? think your products or services, any free coaching you might do, etc What do I offer one-to-many - paid and free? think of your blog, newsletter, podcast content, group coaching or workshops Make revenue goals Divide revenue goals into launches and/or months Decide what things I want or need to invest in, and when that should happen Once these things are mapped out, I know what the year will look like. And I don't do anything fancy here, just pen to paper to get the basics laid out. And once this is done, once you know how and when you'll make money in your business, you've begun defining a business model. It feels good. Whether you're doing the same things in your business year after year, or making big transitions in how you make money as we have at Indie Shopography over the past year, doing this exercise keeps you in charge. Like a boss. TO-DO FOR YOUR: Begin planning for 2017. Use the prompts above to gain clarity around your model, then begin laying it out and making it do. |