Business Plan To Go

I recently started reading a great new book: My So-Called Freelance Life by Michelle Goodman. I'm only 2 chapters in, and I already know that it is going to be a great resource for me.

One of the first things she suggests doing is to create a "Business Plan To Go". Now I've been freelancing full-time for over a year and a half. I've been told that business plans are a good idea, but it never seemed to be necessary for me. Well, I've now been convinced that the "To Go" version is a good idea. And if I make it public, I think I'll hold myself more accountable.

The rules:
1. Create a list of 3 realistic goals for the next year
2. Outline a game plan for each
3. Give each item a start date and a deadline

So here it goes!

Call Me Amy Design Business Plan To Go:

1. Get out and self-promote.
Start date: NOW! Deadline: March '09
- Attend more Biznik Events, and create relationships with people I meet
- Send self-promo postcards/emails out to potential clients
- Develop a good "elevator speech"

2. Gain new clients in: Green businesses, non-profits, brides (wedding invites)
Start date: NOW! Deadline: April '09
- Network with these types of people (duh!) at Biznik, WBO, etc.
- Tell my existing clients that I am looking for these things
- Find unique ways to promote myself in these industries

3. Become financially independent
Start date: NOW! Deadline: May '09
- Follow goals 1 & 2
- Keep careful track of how I spend everything
- Create a realistic budget

So there it is. Now I need to look at this often and make sure I do these things!