Business Part 7: Your Productivity Plan
How Do You Eat An Elephant?
Have you ever heard the question “How do you eat an elephant?” If not, the answer is one bite at a time. So let’s think about how one can become productive by the way they consume large tasks. To be efficient in your time blocking, let’s break down four areas you should focus on in a day or in a week.
The four areas are as follows:
- administration duties
- client services
- learning/equipping time
- marketing.
Take your week and break each of these areas down into time blocks to focus on the duties and responsibilities of that area.
I would recommend writing down what you actually do in that time period and develop a list of skill sets and duties required to do that task. Then I would create a project management software program or SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) book. This way when the time comes for you to hire for that position, it’s based on skill sets and not personality alone.
If you like to be able to get done in twelve weeks what most can only do in twelve months, then I recommend you check out this book below to help you be more productive.
Business Part 6: Your Learning Plan
Who, What, When and How will you learn?
When it comes to developing a learning plan, it’s first and foremost for you to develop as the owner of your company or the CEO, CMO, or COO, etc. You will never go further and lead others than the knowledge you possess. In fact, there is an ancient scripture that says, “My people perish for lack of knowledge” Psalms 29:12. And then there is a famous quote that says, “You must keep on learning to keep on earning.”
So as you develop your learning plan, think about the best ways you learn and that of your stakeholders. Stakeholders can be your employees, sub-contractors, vendors, customers, etc.
What areas should you cover when it comes to learning? Personal development and professional development. Think about how you can develop as a leader or others. How to build certain skill sets; how to educate your community and your customers about information gaps in your industry, by answering their questions, etc. Develop a calendar year, a quarterly plan and then monthly when gathering topics to cover.
Business Part 5: Your Marketing Plan
How Will Your Customers Find You?
When it comes to your ideal customers it’s important that you are where they are, this way they can find you. Let’s say your service business is an on-sight service company, serving the Hampton Roads area of Virginia; but you don’t market in that area. How will they be able to find you online and offline?
Think again about your who and their “Whoville.” If you happen to be targeting Gen Z aka Generation Z, then you need to be on YouTube and SnapChat. So let’s list below the ways on how you can find your who and they find you.
- Referrals from “Circles of Influence” (Family, Friends, Colleagues)
- Target audiences in social media platforms
- Publish relevant content (Videos, Podcasts, Articles, eBooks, etc.)
- Join, engage and collaborate in social media groups (FB, LI, Twitter)
- Research target audience and cold call or direct mail your ideal customers (if you cold call prospect check the DO NOT CALL Directory first).
What results are you looking to gain from your marketing? Is it brand awareness; is it more likes and followings? Are you looking to develop brand ambassadors or acquiring customers? Think about why you are marketing. Here are some examples below.
- Increase website traffic
- Get more email subscribers
- Get more social media likes and followers
- The specific number of target leads in a given time period
- The specific number of targeted customers in a given period
- The specific number of direct mail pieces responding to promo code
- Etc.
Business Part 4: Your Content Plan
What Areas of Content Do You Need?
When it comes to developing your content plan, there are many areas you need to consider in developing. Here is a list below and then we will expand on each of these.
- Your Credentials
- Graphics & Media
- Business Forms
- Website Copy
- Online Content
Now that you know what are the primary areas to focus on when developing your content and business plan, let’s dive deeper into what each of these areas contains or could look like.
Your Credentials
I like to think about using the word craft as an acronym. Because we are to be a craftsman in our profession right? First, let’s look at the letter C for certifications. What certifications do you possess? As for the letter R, it stands for recognition. What industry recognizes your work or your credentials held in? The letter A is for abilities. Who can speak on your abilities and for the work and skill sets you are able to do? F is for fortitude. How long have you worked in your industry? And the last letter T is for the testimonials. Are you listed on a professional site like “LinkedIn”? This is a place that people can give your endorsements and reviews. And for you to place your resume on your profile.
Graphics & Media
Another important area to give serious thought is in the area of your graphics and media when developing your business and content plan.
I will give you a list of areas to take into consideration below.
- Logo
- Professional Photo of Yourself
- Relevant Photos (i.e. Your Establishment, Employees, Industry Photos, etc.)
- Video (i.e 1-3 minute About Us or Why Us)
- Portfolio/Gallery of Work or Projects completed
Business Forms
Think about what business forms you will need to develop in your business. Down below will be a list of the most frequently needed and used forms.
- Client Assessment or Intake Forms
- Proposal Templates
- Client Agreements
- Non-Disclosure Agreements
- Invoice Template
- Customer’s Marketing Permission/Release Form
- Testimonial Template
Having these forms develop and on hand will save you time and headaches.
Website Copy
Most freelancers and service professionals know it’s important to have a presence on the web. But what they don’t know necessarily is what they should have covered on their website; or what are the main areas to have on their website. So let’s cover what you should have below.
- Headline
- About Page
- Service Page
- Portfolio/Work Samples
- Testimonials
- Contact Us
Having these components above is the bare minimum you should have on your website. Over time if you would like to rank higher in the Google search engine, then you can add a blog. A blog is either daily, weekly, or monthly posts about your business, services, events, etc.
Online Content
When it comes to developing your online content, there are many areas you want to consider how you create and develop a systemized way of developing it. First let’s list areas that are important to consider and then how you could create a system of development. See the areas below.
- YouTube Videos
- Podcasts
- Articles
- Blog Posts
- PDF’s Reports & eBooks
- Online Courses
When you are developing your content, not only think about the topic but how that topic can be displayed in various ways and the order of building on the way it’s delivered.
Plus, think about if there is a way you can monetize your article that brings value to your audience. For example, if you are explaining how to do a service you provide as a DIY (Do It Yourself), then think about the tools or software needed to do the job. Use an affiliate link (have an affiliate disclosure on your website/page) to give you the ability to earn from your knowledge you are imparting.
As for creating a system of content, think about doing a live video on a social media platform like Facebook/LinkedIn. Then upload it into YouTube. Transcribe the video or write an article/blog post. Then at the bottom of the post have an offer for your “Freemium.” A Freemium is something that is of value that you give your viewer/reader an opportunity to learn more while capturing their contact info in a web form. Then in your Freemium (your PDF Report or eBook) offer an upsell to your Online Course and/or your services. This is an example of building a progression of content.
Business Part 3: Your Technology Plan
What Technology Will You Need?
Whether you are an online or on-sight freelance service provider, in today’s times you will need to use various forms of technology to stay in business.
You may get away with not using much technology in the beginning but for the long haul to stay in competition with your competitors, you will need to use technology. So let’s look at the various types of technology you could need for your business depending on what type of service professional your business will offer.
- Project Management (i.e. Asana, Trello, etc.)
- Time Tracking
- Invoice/Billing (i.e. QuickBooks)
- Web Platform & Host (i.e. Godaddy)
- Social Media Management (i.e. Hootsuite, HubSpot)
- Appointment Scheduler (i.e. Calendly)
- Communication (Mobile Carrier)
- Content Storage (Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)
- CRM (i.e. Infusionsoft, Constant Contact, Mail Chimp, etc.)
These are just the main ones listed to help you to think about what you may need in the area of technology. Again, this is not an exclusive list.
Business Part 2: Your Financial Plan
Think about what you want your monthly and annual revenues to be? If you want to earn a six-figure a year salary then you will need to take that number and divide it by twelve to know what you need to aim for. Here is an example, if I want to start out at $100,000/yr divided by 12 equals $8,333.33 month.
What Do I Need?
If you have been working as a W-2 Employee, what will you have to have in order to replace your current income? Be specific! If you have been earning a $50,000/year salary, then this is the bare minimum you will have to make to replace your current income as a freelance service provider.
What Is Your Budget?
You need to also consider your monthly expenses when it comes to planning on the amount you will need as a bare minimum. Don’t just consider your personal expenses but also consider any additional business expenses that you may inquire for being out on your own.
For example, if you are an online service provider, who aids your customers in video production and editing you may need a high-speed internet provider.
If you happen to be an on-sight freelance service provider like in the home services arena, you may need a heavy-duty pickup truck or van. Your personal car may have been fine to get you to your Employer’s business and using his/her company vehicles, but what about you now as a self-employed person just starting out?
Setting Your Budget
When it comes to setting your budget, think about the one time expenses and the recurring monthly expenses.