Quarterly Planning Your Business For Online Entrepreneurs

by Michele | Online Business, Planning-Organization-Productivity

Quarterly Planning for Entrepreneurs

Can you believe it is almost the end of June already? Crazy. Wow. Time flies when you're having fun. What does the end of June mean for you? For me, it means looking ahead at the next quarter and seeing all the things I want to accomplish in my life and business. Quarterly planning for Entrepreneurs is essential to the success of your business. As an Operations Manager, I understand that quarterly planning isn’t always an entrepreneur's cup of tea. Here are the things that go into the quarterly planning process. Do you resist planning? Here is a link to download a quarterly plan template!

Michele Duwe from Miss Task | Quarterly Planning Your Business For Online Entrepreneurs

Process for Planning Your Business Quarterly

You may be wondering about different steps in the quarterly planning process. Is creating a quarterly plan necessary? Yes, it is.

With quarterly planning entrepreneur, you figure out what you want to accomplish in the next quarter verse flying by the seat of your pants.

Do you know everything you want to achieve and the steps to accomplish it?

Creating a quarterly plan will keep you from feeling completely overwhelmed and busy daily. Calm and ease are why planning is a good thing.

Well, first off, we always get to pick our hard. You have two choices, would you rather spend a little bit of time working on the hard now by quarterly planning, or do you want your hard to be spending a lot of effort and time spinning your wheels every day?

It's your choice; you get to choose and make sure you do what feels best for you. Is creating a quarterly plan for your business the best use of your time and energy?

Psst… Yes, it is.

Figure out your time

You must be wondering what I feel is necessary when quarterly planning.

Pull out your calendar.

If you haven't already, put the dates that you're planning to be out of the office for time off, such as vacation, appointments, rest, leisure, whatever it is, figure those days out, and put them on your calendar as Out Of Office. Do it right now for the third quarter. Heck, while you’re at it, block off your out-of-office days for the remainder of the year.

Once you have all your time blocked off on your calendar, that's the number of the working days you have to move forward with all your different goals and projects that you have scheduled or are hoping to accomplish in the third quarter.

Define Your Goals.

An excellent quarterly plan should help define your goals. You need to set realistic goals so you can measure your progress. If you set too high a goal, you might not achieve it. If you set too low a goal, you won't feel satisfied.

Now grab your notebook, open up your computer, whatever it is, time to create an exhausted list of all the projects and goals you would love to accomplish in the next three months.

Start by defining what success looks like for your business. What do you want to accomplish? How will you know when you've achieved those results? Once you've defined your goals, think about where you want to go next. Are there any new products or services you'd like to offer? Do you want to expand into a different market? Or maybe you just want to make more money. Whatever your goals are, write them down.

What if everything were to go as planned? As you write out your list, think of all the “What ifs” that will help you create a big dream list of all the things you want to get done.

What are all your ideas?

Get it out. Even those crazy ideas don't matter. Whatever it is, no project is too small or too simple for this list. Write it down. Everything that pops into your mind without any judgment add it to your list.

Creating the list should not be a tremendous amount of time, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, whatever feels right for you—just enough time to get everything out of your mind. Heck, you might even be able to do it in five. Whatever works for you time-wise, set a timer, and get everything out of your head.

Now you have it. How are those projects aligned with how you want to think, feel, and your vision for your life and your business?

Cross things off the list

When you have your whole and exhausted list, look at the things that feel the most aligned with how you want your life to feel. How do you want your business to feel when tackling that list. Go ahead and cross off anything on that list that is out of alignment or does not bring you joy.

Cross off the things you dread unless it's an essential project; then, you probably need to leave it there.

However, when you break things down, they all become easier. Now I want you to go ahead and circle all the ideas you feel are in alignment with your life and your business. So what are those things?

What are those goals that are important to you? What are the things that you feel called to do and accomplish?

Mindmap the Actions For Your Quarterly Plan

After that, we have what we want to accomplish for our life and business in the next three months. Let's go ahead and mindmap out that project.

My favorite way to create a project plan is, to begin with, a mindmap. Have you created a mindmap before? If not, I recommend this to all my creative entrepreneurs.

You can do it however you want. I like paper. You might prefer to do it on an app that allows you to mind map. However, it is entirely up to you.

Mindmap Actions

First, write one goal or project in the middle of the paper and draw a circle around it.

Second, all around the big circle, write all the ideas that pop into your mind on how to accomplish this project. Go ahead and circle those too. Connect the big circle to the idea circles with lines.

It will look like spokes coming off the big circling connecting your ideas.

Third, add the actions you need for all the ideas. These actions will also be circled and connected to the idea with a line.

Example how to use mindmap for planning

For example, if one project in the next quarter is to create a new opt-in. You’ll need a landing page for one of the items. What are the small accomplishable daily tasks to create a landing page? Here are a few ideas.

Find images
Write Copy
Create Wireframe
What else do you need to do?

Using a mindmap would be how I suggest for the brain sweep or thought download of all the actions that need to take place for that project to happen.

Now, granted, sometimes, when I'm laying everything out in my project management system, I'll have other things that pop into my mind. I didn't take that into consideration. So, that is how you do a general mindmap.

Since you have all your action items, let's get it scheduled.

Get it scheduled

Now that you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, it's time to implement your plan. This means creating a detailed strategy for reaching your goals.

If you have a project management system, you can set this up inside so you know what to do when. If not, a paper calendar or Bullet Journal will work just fine.

Once you know all the actions that will need to be done, give each an estimated time it will take to complete. A quick word of advice, if you’re not sure about the time, estimate double the amount of time you think it would take if you did know.

You should also consider who will help you reach these goals. Who will you need to hire? Who will you need to partner with? And who will you need to outsource some work too?

Let's get it on your calendar and figure out the who and the when.

Generally speaking, work from the end forward because if you know the date you want it done by, it will allow you to have the correct timeline.

Do not build too many bridges

Build one bridge at a time, focusing on one project until it is completed instead of jumping back and forth between multiple projects.

So now you have your list of everything that needs to be done. You have an idea of the due date; the next question is, who will get it done? Is it you or somebody on your team who needs to get it done?

Perhaps, you’re focused on a life goal over the summer while you’re spending more time with the kids. Are you the only one who can do the work, or can you involve your kids?

Do you need any special resources to be able to accomplish your project and get it done?

For example, if you're landscaping your front yard, what are all the things you'll need to get ordered before you can even start working on that project?

As yourself again, are you the best person to do this task? It's essential that you stay in your own lane and delegate out any task that somebody can do more efficiently because they have better knowledge of the project, and it will take them far less time to get accomplished than if you kept it on your plate.

Review Your Results.

Once you've completed your plan, review your results. Did you meet your goals? If not, why not? What did you learn from your efforts? How do you think you can improve next quarter?

What is your goal?

If you have any questions, write them down below in the comments. I'd love to hear what is the next big project your planning for the quarter?

I hope you have a wonderful day. I appreciate you.

If you need some help figuring these out, I invite you to apply for my private coaching. Here is the link: https://misstask.com/mini-session; working on all those project plans together would be fun.

Download the Quarterly Plan Template.

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Create A Lead Capture Workflow: Dubsado, Honeybook, Google Forms

by Michele | Online Business

Do you want to know a key content system that every small business needs in their online marketing? It is an efficient lead capture workflow. Trust me, getting this right can transform your business from chaotic to polished professional.

Do you know that feeling when a potential client first reaches out? Excitement bubbles up, but so does the realization that there's a ton of back-and-forth emails, scheduling, and info-gathering ahead. That's where a slick lead capture workflow steps in. It's like having a virtual assistant who never sleeps, ensuring you make a fantastic first impression while staying organized.

Now, let's talk tech tools. Whether you're a fan of Dubsado, swear by Honeybook, or are just starting out and leaning towards budget-friendly Google Forms and Google Sheets, there's a solution for everyone. Each system has its own flair for making your lead management as smooth as your morning latte. ☕

So, are you ready to dig in and find out which one is your perfect match? Let's get to it and turn your lead capture process into a seamless, stress-free journey for both you and your future clients.

Understanding Lead Capture Workflows

Alright, let's break it down. What exactly is a lead capture workflow? A workflow is every step from the moment a potential client says “hello” to the point where they're ready to dive into your services. It's not just about collecting contact info; it's about creating a smooth journey for your leads, automating communication, and ensuring that no one slips through the cracks. Essentially, it's your business's first impression – and we all know how crucial that is!

Now, why is this so vital for your business efficiency? Well, I know you already have too many balls in the air. Most days, you’re praying for a miracle that nothing will slip through and drop. A solid workflow keeps those balls seamlessly gliding in mid-air.

In the first few years of my budding business, my lead capture was pretty much a manual process of one application to another. While I did create a few zaps with Zapier to make it a bit more streamlined, I still had information in a number of applications. Leading me to feel a bit out of control and disorganized.

But, the straw that broke the camel's back was discovering that my lead forms from my website were filtering into my junk mail. I don’t know about you, but I still, to this day, rarely check my junk mail.

My lead capture process was, let's just say, a bit of a hot mess. I was spending more time hopping between emails, spreadsheets, and all the different tech tools. If I didn’t reference my lead capture checklist, I’d very likely forget an important step along the process. Or get something out of sequence that required me to double back. Sound familiar?

Fed up and frustrated from losing leads that I worked hard to attract, I knew I needed an easier, more efficient system. I decided to use a CRM, Client Relationship Management, to implement a structured workflow, and guess what? Suddenly, everything clicked. My leads were tracked seamlessly, follow-ups were a breeze, and I had more time to focus on what I love – handling the online marketing services for my clients.

In a nutshell, a well-oiled lead capture workflow is not just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have for keeping your business running smoothly. Trust me, your future self will thank you for setting it up!

Diving into Dubsado

Dubsado is not just a Client Management System (CMS); it's the heartbeat of your business's workflows and processes. Designed to consolidate the tracking of leads and clients, Dubsado is a one-stop solution where you can manage client communication, paperwork, and day-to-day activities. Imagine the relief of not having to jump between multiple applications throughout your workday. This integration alone is a game changer for efficiency.

Described by Dubsado themselves as a tool “built to save you time, impress clients, and grow your business,” it truly lives up to that promise. From invoicing and contract signing to scheduling appointments, Dubsado streamlines the essential tasks of your business.

In my journey with Dubsado, I’ve discovered its versatility and the power it holds in transforming business operations. Here’s where Dubsado became integral to my daily workflow:

Applications: Simplifying the client intake process.

Invoicing and Recurring Invoicing: Streamlining the billing cycle.

Contracts: Ensuring clarity and security in agreements.

Questionnaires: Facilitating easy information gathering.

Email Communication: Keeping track of client interactions.

The impact of Dubsado is most evident when comparing the “Before and After” of my lead capture process. Initially, it was a chaotic mix of various apps and manual interventions. Now, with Dubsado, it's a masterpiece of efficiency. A client fills out a form on my website, setting in motion a seamless workflow where everything from scheduling to follow-up emails is automated and effortless.

To get the most out of Dubsado, here's my advice:

Start Small: Focus on one workflow at a time, such as lead capture.
Customize: Make sure Dubsado reflects your unique brand and voice.
Automate: Use automated emails and scheduling features to free up your time.
Test and Tweak: Implement your workflow, then refine it based on your needs.

Embracing Dubsado marked a significant turning point in my business – from feeling overwhelmed to being in control and efficient. It’s not just a tool; it’s a transformation.

Exploring Honeybook

I started with Dubsado and moved to Honeybooks. The only reason that I can honestly give is FOMO. Ashlyn Carter, from Ashlyn Writers, did a number of tutorials on Honeybook; she had a huge influence on me in my early years in business. Be that as it may, it took a ton of time to switch over. I’m happy with Honeybook. However, my time could have been better spent, I’m just saying.

What sets Honeybook apart is its user-friendly interface. It's designed for the non-tech-savvy entrepreneur in mind. It is easy to use and pretty. If you’ve been around here for any time, you know aesthetics makes many of my decisions. And the recent enhancements? They have taken the lead capture form to a new level, integrating payment and scheduling right from that form, adding more efficiency and effectiveness to your workflow.

Now, you might be wondering how Honeybook compares to Dubsado. Both are exceptional in their ways. While Dubsado focuses on the intricate automation of various business processes, Honeybook shines with its straightforward, user-centric approach. Honeybook is incredibly intuitive for managing client relationships, from the first inquiry to the final invoice. Dubsado, with its comprehensive feature set, is a powerhouse for those who love deep customization.

Setting up a lead capture workflow in Honeybook is a breeze, and here's how you can do it:

Integrate Your Inquiry Form: Start by linking your website’s inquiry form directly to Honeybook. This ensures that every new lead lands right where you need it.
Automate Responses: Set up automated responses to new inquiries. Honeybook lets you send personalized yet automated replies, so leads aren’t left waiting.
Utilize Templates: Honeybook offers a variety of templates for emails, proposals, and contracts. Customize these to fit your brand and business needs.
Schedule and Follow-up: Use Honeybook’s scheduling tool to set appointments and its automated reminders to keep you and your clients on track.
Monitor Your Pipeline: Keep an eye on where each client is in your process. Honeybook’s pipeline view makes this incredibly easy.

In essence, Honeybook is like a breath of fresh air for solopreneurs seeking simplicity and efficiency in their CRM. It’s the perfect blend of ease and functionality, making it an ideal choice for those who want to spend less time managing software and more time growing their business.

Budget-Friendly Option: Google Forms with Google Sheets

For those just starting out or operating on a shoestring budget, there's a wallet-friendly solution to manage your leads: Google Forms and Google Sheets. These tools are a great option for early-stage entrepreneurs. They’re simple, efficient, and best of all, free!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a straightforward yet effective lead capture system using these Google tools:

Create Your Google Form: This is a simple way to capture new lead information from your website, or if you do not have a website you can direct leads from social media to the Google Form. Customize a Google Form to capture essential information from potential clients – think name, email, service interest, etc. The beauty of Google Forms lies in its simplicity and customization options.
Link to Google Sheets: Once your form is ready, connect it to a Google Sheet. Every time someone fills out your form, their information will automatically populate in the sheet. It’s like having a self-updating database without the need for manual data entry. In addition, make sure to set up it up to send you an email when a form is completed.

– The Google Sheet will be where you keep track of your lead follow-up.

Set Up Gmail Canned Responses: Now for communication. In Gmail, you can create canned responses for common scenarios, like thanking someone for their inquiry or providing additional information. This saves you the time of crafting individual replies while ensuring prompt responses.
Integrate with Google Calendar: To streamline scheduling, use the appointment slots feature in Google Calendar. You can share your availability with leads, allowing them to book meetings with you directly. This integration cuts down the back-and-forth emails to find a suitable time for both parties.
Use Google Meet for your discovery video calls and weekly client meetings.
Monitor and Follow-Up: Regularly check your Google Sheets for new entries and follow up as needed. This hands-on approach keeps you engaged with your leads and helps build a personal connection.

Using Google Forms and Sheets may not have the bells and whistles of Dubsado or Honeybook, but it’s a practical and effective starting point. It provides a solid foundation for managing leads and can significantly improve your efficiency and organization, all without breaking the bank

Mapping Your Workflow: A Practical Exercise

Mapping out your lead management process might sound like a chore, but trust me, it's will make the process so much easier!

Grab a piece of paper (or open a fresh google doc) and let’s map out your journey from lead to client. This simple exercise is your roadmap to automation and efficiency.

List Your Current Steps: Jot down each action you take when a new lead comes in. From receiving the inquiry to your final follow-up, document every single step, no matter how small. This is your process.

Identify Key Information: What details do you need from your leads? Name, email, specific service interests? Pinpoint exactly what you need to know right from the start. This will shape your lead capture form, whether it's on Dubsado, Honeybook, or Google Forms.

Consider a Discovery Call: Do you want a personal touch with a discovery call for each prospect? If yes, outline what this call entails. Draft a framework of questions that will help you understand the client’s needs and showcase your value.

Automate Email Responses: Look at your typical email responses. Can you turn them into canned responses or automated emails in your CRM? This step saves heaps of time and ensures timely communication.

Post-Call Actions: Decide what happens after the call. Will you send a proposal, a follow-up email, or maybe schedule another meeting? Having a clear post-call action plan is crucial.

Create a Workflow Template: To help you out, I’ve created a downloadable template. It’s a simple yet effective tool to map your workflow. [Insert link to template] Use it to visualize your process and pinpoint where automation can make your life easier.

By mapping your workflow, you're taking the first step towards a more organized, efficient business. This clarity is not just about saving time; it’s about creating space for what truly matters – connecting with and serving your clients.

Gathering and Utilizing Data

Data collection and analysis might not sound like the most thrilling part of your business, but it's essential to the growth of your online business. It's all about gathering insights from your leads and clients to steer your business toward growth and success.

The Role of Data in Lead Management: Every interaction with a lead or client generates valuable data. From basic contact information to detailed preferences, this data is a goldmine. It helps you understand who your audience is, what they need, and how they found you. Tracking these details enables you to refine your marketing strategies, personalize your communication, and ultimately, convert more leads into clients.

Collecting Data Effectively: Whether you're using Dubsado, Honeybook, or Google Forms, ensure you're capturing the right information. Tailor your lead capture forms to gather not just contact details but also insights into what your leads are seeking. This could be their pain points, interests, or how they heard about your business.

Analyzing and Acting on Data: Once you have this data, the real magic happens in the analysis. Look for patterns and trends. Are there certain services that are more in demand? Do your clients come from a particular source more than others? This analysis can guide where to focus your marketing efforts or even suggest new services or products to offer.

Using Data for Personalization: Personalization is key in today’s market. Use the data you gather to tailor your communications. Address leads by name, reference specific interests they’ve shared, and make them feel seen and understood. This personalized approach can significantly increase engagement and conversion rates.

Data for Long-Term Growth: Regularly review the data you collect to inform your long-term business strategy. It can reveal insights into market shifts, evolving client needs, and areas where your business can expand or improve.

In essence, the data you gather and analyze is a compass guiding your business. It informs your decisions, shapes your strategies, and helps you navigate the ever-changing world of entrepreneurship. So, dig into your data – it’s one of your most valuable assets in the journey to business growth.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Wow, we've covered some serious ground today! Remember, the right system for you is the one that resonates with your workflow, enriches your client interactions, and, ultimately, makes your life easier.

If you're leaning towards the robust features of Dubsado or the user-friendly interface of Honeybook, I've got a little something for you. Check out these affiliate links to get started with Dubsado or Honeybook, and enjoy some sweet deals:

Dubsado: https://misstask.com/Dubsado

Honeybook: https://share.honeybook.com/misstask

So, take a moment, think about what you need, and make the choice that feels right. Whether it’s the comprehensive capabilities of Dubsado, the straightforward ease of Honeybook, or starting out with the basics of Google Forms and Sheets, you’re taking a big step towards a more organized, efficient, and successful business. Here’s to making lead management a breeze and focusing on what truly matters – growing your business and serving your clients. You've got this

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Download this free resource: Content Creation Workflow for Online Small Business Owners

Content Creation Resolutions and Goals for Improving Consistency

by Michele | Online Business

As the year unfolds before us, the buzz of resolutions fills the air, nudging us to ponder our own aspirations and goals. Personally, I've always had a unique take on resolutions. I remember one year, my only resolution was to start flossing daily. Guess what? Flossing is still a daily habit, while I’m sure it is protocol when the hygienist still asks if I floss my teeth every day. My standard answer is yes, but don't you already know that based on my teeth? Still, I’m proud of this daily habit that has remained for years.

It's a small victory, one that brings me a sense of pride and achievement.

Now, let's turn the spotlight on you. Are you the type to scribble down a list of ambitious resolutions each year? If so, how often do they revolve around grand visions that somehow get lost in the hustle and bustle of life? It's a common story: we set lofty goals, and at the first stumble, instead of pausing to regain our footing, we're tempted to throw in the towel. But what if we approached it differently? What if we embraced each setback with a laugh and a dose of self-compassion? What if now is the time to be as kind to ourselves as we are to a stranger?

In this spirit, I'm setting a resolution not just for myself but one I hope you'll join me in to be kinder to ourselves, and to allow grace in our entrepreneurial journey. Especially when it comes to one of the most daunting tasks we face as business owners—consistent content creation, let's dive into how we can make this resolution a tangible reality, transforming our approach to content creation from a source of stress to a stream of success.

The Reality of Resolutions

As entrepreneurs, especially at the start of a new year, we often find ourselves setting sky-high resolutions. It's like standing at the base of a mountain, looking up at the peak, and deciding to sprint to the top without a second thought. We're fueled by a burst of inspiration and determination. You know the feeling right, the excitement of all things new. But what happens at the first stumble? For many of us, the initial stumble – maybe missing a day of writing or falling behind on our content schedule – becomes the spot where our resolution journey halts.

I remember setting a goal to publish a blog post every week. The first few weeks were a breeze, filled with enthusiasm and fresh ideas. But then, life happened. A client needed extra attention, my kids' school events piled up – and just like that, my well-intended plan hit a snag. Frustrated and burnt out from content creation. I used the stumble as an excuse to scrap pretty much all content creation in 2017. While I wish I could tell you that I bounced back with consistency, that didn’t happen into the end of 2018. I’ve been consistent each week since.

That's the trap of the ‘all or nothing' mentality. We set these enormous goals, and when the inevitable hiccup occurs, it feels like a catastrophic failure.

But here's the thing: what if we adjusted our lens to view these setbacks not as failures but as part of the journey? What if, instead of aiming for flawless execution, we aimed for consistent yet imperfect action? The shift from perfection to consistency was a game-changer for me. It's about embracing the reality that some weeks, I can craft an in-depth, thoroughly researched post, and other times, a quick, heartfelt update is all I can manage – and that's okay. This mindset transforms our approach, turning our resolutions into sustainable practices rather than daunting challenges.

So, let's rethink how we approach our goals. Instead of reaching for the stars with a single leap, let's focus on building a staircase. Each step, no matter how small or imperfect, is progress. It's about celebrating the two-paragraph post written in between meetings as much as the “Oh my goodness, this is the best thing I’ve ever written for my blog” during a quiet afternoon. Achieving our goals requires consistent steps, taken day by day.

The Power of Grace in Your Business Journey

In the hustle of running a business and managing personal commitments, we often forget one crucial ingredient: grace.

Grace for when things don't go as planned, grace for when we're juggling too many balls and one drops. It's easy to extend understanding and compassion to others, but we're often our toughest enemies when it comes to ourselves.

Think about how you'd comfort a friend who missed a deadline because their kid was sick, or how you'd reassure a fellow entrepreneur who's feeling overwhelmed.

Now, imagine offering that same kindness to yourself. It's about acknowledging that it's okay to have a day when you eat three Reese's Peanut Butter Cups instead of just one or to skip a workout because a meeting ran late. It's about understanding that being a bit short on patience with your family doesn't make you a bad person or a failure; it makes you human.

Bringing grace into our business journey means recognizing that we're doing our best, even if that best isn't perfect every day. It's about celebrating the small wins and learning from the hiccups. Most importantly, it's about acknowledging that every step, no matter how small or faltering, is still a step forward. This grace becomes a powerful tool, allowing us to approach our business and personal lives with a sense of balance and kindness.

So next time you find yourself being hard on yourself, pause and ask, “Would I say this to a friend?” Chances are, you wouldn't. Let's make a pact to treat ourselves with the same compassion we readily offer others. It's not just good for our well-being; it's good for our business, too.

Practical Steps for Consistent Content Creation

Creating content consistently doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. It's about breaking it down into small, manageable actions that can easily fit into your busy schedule. Let's explore some practical steps to make this a reality.

Start with the Ten-Minute Action Plan

The ten-minute action plan is a simple yet effective way to kickstart your content creation process. Dedicate just ten minutes each day to a specific content-related task. Grab your favorite pen and do a thought download of all the different ten-minute daily actions you can take to be a consistent content creator.

Here are a few ideas to get you going, it could be brainstorming topics, outlining a blog post, or jotting down ideas for your next podcast episode. These short bursts of focused effort can add up to significant progress over time.

Build a Story Bank

One of the most valuable resources you can have is a ‘story bank' – a collection of personal stories, client success stories, and life lessons. These stories enrich your content and make it more relatable and engaging for your audience. Whenever inspiration strikes or you have a meaningful experience, or my personal favorite, a laughable adventure, add it to your story bank. This reservoir of ideas will be a lifesaver on days when you're struggling for content. Plus, it is great to use with social media.

Apply Coaching Principles to Content Creation

As a coach, you're already equipped with skills that can be transferred to content creation.

Here are a few tips:

Goal Setting: Just as you set clear, achievable goals with your clients, do the same for your content. What do you want to achieve with each piece? How does it align with your services?

Accountability: Hold yourself accountable for your content goals. Consider partnering with a fellow entrepreneur for mutual check-ins or sharing your content plans with your audience to create a sense of commitment and excitement for what’s to come.

Reflective Practice: Regularly reflect on what's working and what's not in your content strategy. This reflective practice will help you refine your approach and stay aligned with your audience's needs and interests. If you’re not tracking your metrics, you must. Your numbers tell a story.

Embrace Flexibility

Lastly, be flexible in your approach. My sister gave me one of my favorite signs. Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle. Every year, when I put away my Christmas decor, I contemplate leaving it up all year round because it is a nice reminder to embrace flexibility.

Some weeks, you'll have more time and energy for content creation than others. Adjust your plan accordingly, and remember that consistency doesn't mean rigid adherence to a schedule; it's about making steady progress in a way that's sustainable for you.

Overcoming the Inner Critic

One of the most significant hurdles in our content creation journey, and indeed in our entrepreneurial path, is the inner critic.

This voice of self-doubt often echoes the harshest judgments we can imagine, holding us back from taking action. Whether it's whispering that we're not good enough, or questioning the value of our insights, this ‘mean girl' syndrome can be a major roadblock.

Silencing the Inner Critic

To tackle this, the first step is recognizing that this inner critic is a part of us that's trying to protect us, even if it's in an unhelpful way. Acknowledge its presence, thank it for keeping you safe, but don't let it take the driver's seat.

Here's how you can start:

Challenge Negative Thoughts: When a negative thought arises, challenge it. Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” Often, you'll find that these thoughts are based more on fear than reality.

Focus on the Impact: Remember, God put this calling on your heart for a reason, Friend. Your content has the potential to touch at least one person's life. When self-doubt creeps in, shift your focus to the impact your words can have. Even if you reach just one person, you're making a difference.

Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to counteract negative thoughts. Phrases like “I have valuable insights to share” or “My experiences can help others” can be powerful rebuttals to self-doubt.

Journaling as a Tool for Reflection

Journaling is an excellent way to process your thoughts and overcome negative thinking. It allows you to:

Reflect on Your Feelings: Write down your fears and doubts. Seeing them on paper and experiencing with peers, your life coach, or a mentor they want to provide you with support and different perspectives on make them less intimidating and more manageable.

Write a letter to Jesus: When you find that you can’t get yourself out of the thought pattern. Sit down and pen a letter to Jesus asking for his help and guidance. He answers, Friend.

Celebrate Your Wins: Make it a habit to jot down your successes, no matter how small. This practice can build your confidence and remind you of your progress.

Plan Your Steps: Use your journal to plan out your content ideas and strategies. This can help organize your thoughts and make the task of content creation feel less daunting.

Remember, You're Not Alone

Lastly, know that every content creator and entrepreneur faces these challenges. You're not alone in this. If being an entrepreneur was easy, everyone would do this.

Do not be afraid to share what you are feeling and experiencing with peers, your life coach, or a mentor. They want to provide you with support and give you a different perspective on overcoming self-doubt.

It’s Time to Wrap This Up: A Call to Consistent Action

As we draw this to a close, I want to leave you with a call to action that goes beyond the short-lived motivation of New Year's resolutions. It's a call to embrace consistent, imperfect action in your content creation journey.

This isn't just about ticking off tasks on your to-do list; it's about recognizing the powerful ripple effect your words and insights can have on others, even if it's just for one person.

Reflecting on my own journey, I recall the moment I decided to commit to regular content creation, no more excuses.

Despite the challenges and the occasional self-doubt, I've seen firsthand how my stories and experiences resonate with my audience. This commitment has not only strengthened my business but has also allowed me to connect with and inspire others in ways I hadn't imagined.

So, as you set out on your own path, remember that your voice matters, your experiences are valuable, and your content has the power to impact lives.

Start small, be consistent, and let the magic of your unique journey unfold. Here's to a year of meaningful content creation filled with growth, learning, and the kind of success that feels deeply satisfying and authentically yours.

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