Goals for 2009

Does anyone have anyone have any goals for the new year for their business?

What are your plans in achieving these goals?

I think this year I need to be more aware and accountable of my plans and goals. I tend to get really excited about things then time seems to slip away and I finish the year with a bunch of half plans. So to fix that I am not only going to make goals I am going to set a time limit and a how am I going to get there plan as well.

This first thing I want to do is update my website - I have bought a program and learned how to use it but still need to figure out how to FTP everything to my active site.

Second thing I need to do is advertise more - I have ordered a window decal for my truck, I would like to link with as many sites as possible and post on all the free advertising sites I can. Still need to think on this one.

Third I want to set time aside to practice and learn new stuff - To do this I need to book time off of life as this is just as important as cleaning the house and driving the kids around.

Anyone else want to share.

Hi Jo,

I am the same way. Gung ho on tons of things and then only every finish a couple. This year I am putting together a complete marketing plan with quantifiable goals and a set budget with a percent contingency. I am setting 10% of my estimated earnings as my budget, and then will set my goals and then put the marketing plan in place that I feel will meet the the goals within my budget.

I really don't think that you should bother with the free internet advertising unless it is with local groups. Free advertising is great, but a paid advert in the right place is much better.

Being a former marketing manager from corporate America, my advice would be to set your goals, then your budget based on 10% of projected earnings or what you earned last year, depending on how brave you are(remember that you have to spend it to make it) and then put the marketing plan in place. As I told another member, it is great to have a new logo, but if it serves to meet no goal and blows your budget, what is the point. Also, please keep in mind that many will allocate their budgets withing the first part of the new year, so don't wait to contact those with operating budgets such as theatres, restuarants, ect.

As I stated in the marketing section, I am more than willing to help you guys with marketing and strategy if you like. Please pm me to discuss.

Happy New Year!

I update my Business Plan annually, usually in January, and every five years or so, completely re-work it. I'm on an update only year!!

I also make lists - I use my Daytimer to do this. I've been using a Daytimer since the 70's and still use the paper version rather than electronic.

I list all my to dos and projects and put deadlines on them, and I go over the list monthly, cross off the done items and reassess the other things on the list.

There are my annual marketing activities that are routine - direct mail blitzes, cards to past customers, follow-ups with corporate clients.

As I have my Business Plan the goal setting is something that is looked at as a method of meeting the plan. Reassessing and updating the Business Plan takes into account changes in the market, or my interests, since the last time I updated it. (My CD Designs & Templates Volume 2 has the Business Plan format I use and an article on how to set it up, as well as lots of other forms for planning and marketing.)

I'm actually about to sit down with my Daytimer to review my activities from last year, and update my diary for the coming year with my deadlines.

Great information ladies but what about if you are either just starting out or planning on expanding? You would have last years numbers or contacts to go by.

Shannon would your business plan work for newbies too?

Metina - the free dverising I was thinking of was with local mom groups as well as with the schools and community halls in the area. I tried advertising with the local parents newspaper that goes out every other month but actaully never got any response .

Thanks again ladies.

The business plan is PERFECT for newbies.

I did my first one while I was in make-up school (not part of the program - I was/am anal retentive and was working in banking at the time so had access to all sorts of business planning material!)

It helps you to analyze the market, the competition, your goals, supply sources, put everything down on paper (it's not hard - point form is fine!). You have to think about a marketing plan, risk assessment, income/expenses, etc. etc. etc.

I cannot recommend more how important the exercise of drawing up a business plan is if you are intending to make a "business" out of face painting (or anything for that matter!)

My template is a 5 year plan that I re-visit annually. I re-do it every five years - sometimes I do it sooner if things have changed drastically. When we moved north I had to re-do it completely as my markets and service concentration changed. But now I just review and update - check to see if the goals set are being met, if not, change them... it is a tool to use to make sure you know what your goals/plans are, and a method of tracking them.

Just because you created a plan you don't need to feel you HAVE to follow it - I've changed my focus a few times. Either due to market changes or my interests - that's okay.

But, by taking a couple of days when you are starting out to get everything down on paper you can analyze and assess the pluses and minuses, potential for success and the pitfalls that may occur... it gives you confidence too!!

bump!