2022 - What's your plan?

When I was newly-single and trying to decide whether to grow my freelance writing business or get a "real" job, I signed up for a weekend bootcamp for new entrepreneurs. It gave me the courage to stay the course as a work-from-home mom, and provided me with several practical strategies that I'm still using today. 

That's why I spent this morning writing my business plan for 2022.

As a solopreneur, I had never considered the importance of setting yearly goals and committing them to paper. Today, writing my business plan is at the top of my annual to-do list. And it doesn't take long.

The business coach provided a simple one-page template, which I modified to fit my writing business. I also added personal goals to the list. Here's a rough idea of what it looks like: 

My Revenue Goal for the year goes at the very top. Then I break it down into monthly and weekly income. Since I occasionally wait months for payment, I track the amount of money invoiced. I know this goes against most advice, but it works for me. It all adds up by the end of the year, and I've only had to write off one bad debt since 2004. 

Next comes three goals each for Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Profitability.

For example: This year I want to update my website (marketing), start building a travel writing portfolio (sales), set firm and realistic office hours (operations), and stick to my guns when it comes to my rates (profitability). 

On the personal side, I want to exercise three times a week and make time to connect with friends - even if we can't get together in person. 

The final step? I tape the plan to my office wall. Having it in plain sight keeps me focused when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It helps me make decisions that are aligned with my business goals. And it forces me to reflect on what's going well and what I need to do better.

So, as the first week of 2022 comes to an end...what's your plan for the year ahead?  

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter, copywriter and content creator, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.