Hindsight 2020: Part Two
As promised in part one I'm back to share the next phase of my planning process. We're still looking back at 2019, where we started off with the peaks and troughs of the past year. While these do key into the business overall, they are rooted in personal metrics and subjective observation. Next we need to take a step back from our feelings.
Looking back: The Business
Strengths and Weaknesses
First we must cast an objective eye over the strengths and weaknesses of our business and - you guessed it - make a list. For instance, I noted when I make sales, I consistently get excellent feedback on the product quality and the packaging. However sales are irregular, providing no sustainable income.
Does it work?
Look at the nuts and bolts of your business. Sure you work for it, but does it work for you? The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. Look at your business practices over the previous year and see what is working and what isn't. Bureaucracy is the antithesis of productivity, so it's time to check your processes. Can they be streamlined?
It's best to be brutally honest. In my case, I love doing hand drawn thank you cards and they go down really well with customers. Yet as I currently operate - doing them as and when I'm wrapping a sold item - they add unnecessary stress to post day. Should I stop doing them? Hells no, but doing them in bulk, in advance and keeping them safe until the item sells will make life far easier.
Is it sustainable?
When you acknowledge what works/doesn't for your business, you will likely realise what works/doesn't for you personally. Like I said, the two do not have to be mutually exclusive and honestly, it's best that they are not. For many makers, we are our business. So it's important that we're in tip top shape if we want to further it. Are your current business processes sustainable? Can you complete the work necessary without murdering your creativity and drive? Can you physically keep up?
In 2019 I found the most productive time for my business was when I was working to a set routine, this also happened to the time I was happiest. I was achieving things for my business regularly but also was able to make time for myself. When I dropped the routine, my morale suffered as much if not more than my business did.
It's all about balance
My year spiralled due to a lack of balance. You may have noticed a similar lack of balance in your own life; perhaps skipping activities or events so you could focus on work or work materials encroaching on non-work spaces. This is fine once in a while but as a regular occurrence is it a slippery slope. To quote my past self:
We need the physical separation to reflect our mental boundaries between work and play. Otherwise it all becomes entwined and y'know how that goes...
So check in, recap how your physical and mental health fared in 2019. Most importantly, look at what role your business played in supporting or undermining it.
What's next?
Everything you've gathered so far should give you a good idea of where you're excelling and what needs attention. Write it down. Now understanding the best and worst things about your business, you can decide what changes you need to implement to help you flourish - personally and professionally - in the new year.
With this part coming to a close, how are you feeling? We've covered a lot of ground, so you should be pretty chuffed with yourself! We're making great progress, but before we can get into the nitty gritty of our 2020 plans there is one final thing we need to take a look at; the numbers. Not to worry though, we'll face those in my next post so you've got a little time to brace yourself ^_~
Thanks for reading and see you soon.
Much love,
Tiffany xo