I had a list of goals a mile long when I started my writing and editing business, Edit This®, a little more than four years ago. Some of those strategies were realistic while others seemed a bit far-fetched at the time – but at least they were written down.
If anything, I knew I needed to start there.
Why? For starters, I had never owned a small business before, and everything I had read or had been told stressed that setting goals and refining them over time helps you stay focused, tracks your progress, and keeps your business from being stagnant.
Also, I've always believed that writing down goals increases your odds of achieving them. So naturally, I wrote down as many as I could. Trust me when I say it was a long list, folks!
I'm happy to report I achieved many of those goals. They included everything from getting five new clients in the first year and defining my services to branding my business, building a social media following, making Edit This a registered trademark, and finding ways to be a better storyteller through my writing. I've also surrounded myself with a network of business partners and community leaders who are committed to growing both professionally and personally.
So what are some of the new goals I want to add to my list, now that I've checked so many off? After all, I'm in this for the long haul, and there's so much left to do and learn.
Below is a list of the bigger goals I've set for the rest of 2018 and beyond.
1. Add writers to my team
It's no secret I am a one-person show with my writing and editing services, but I have been toying with the idea of adding two or three freelance writers to my team by the end of the year. This is scary for me, and I'm not sure yet what it will look like if I do pull the trigger. But it makes sense if I want to keep growing.
2. Write a book by 2020
My mom is one of my biggest fans; she reads my blogs and updates regularly and even chimes in with an occasional suggestion. One of those suggestions is for me to write a book, and after years of prodding, she has me convinced to take that leap. Stay tuned.
3. Post more video content
That sounds silly to say since I'm a writer by trade, but potential clients respond to video marketing. I created a YouTube channel for Edit This a few months ago and am slowly building that library. Check it out and click that subscribe button!
4. Teach one class by 2020
I have no idea how I'd do in a classroom setting, but I have a heart for mentoring and sharing knowledge. I've cobbled together four or five speaking engagements at networking events, etc. over the last year and a half to help get my feet wet, and now I'd love to move on to high school classrooms.
5. Take on bigger projects
I love all the projects (blogs, website copy, press releases, editing, etc.) my clients throw at me. And I think being able to handle so many of them makes Edit This a valuable resource. But by the end of next year, I'd love to be averaging three to four website copy projects and two book editing or ghostwriting assignments each month.
6. Find more ways to protect my company
Over the last year, I've found a quality CPA and completed the process of making Edit This a registered trademark. I'll be exploring new opportunities as I move forward, including the possible need for bookkeeping services and additional legal counsel.
7. Meet more great people
Getting up from behind my computer and being present in my community is a hallmark of my business. I'd like to expand my networking and volunteer opportunities in the next year and get involved in at least one more local Chamber of Commerce.
Thanks for reading! *STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This, LLC, a writing and editing services company located in Denton, TX. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.