Let's Get It Started

Presents are opened. Traveled and came home. Finished all the work on my desk for 2007. Now it is time to move on to 2008.

For the first time, I decided to write up a business plan. It's not that I never had goals or plans in the past, but this year was fairly successful, and I want to build on that success. In November, I wrote out a fairly detailed list of what I accomplished. From there, I was able to define where I'd like my career to go this year.

First and foremost, I want to increase my income by at least $20,000. I did that this past year, so I don't see why I can strive to do that again. I want to be a six-figure writer eventually.

Second, I want to break into more consumer markets this year, so I've written that into my business plan.

Third, I want to grow my client list.

Fourth, I intend to travel to conferences and/or to meet editors this year.

That means a busy, focused year of marketing and querying and research. That means every day, I'll have time dedicated specifically to making my business grow.

I do have some personal goals, too. I am looking how to fit little bursts of fitness into my work day, to complement my evening work outs. This is especially important on days I can't get to the gym. I want to try and read a book a week, or at least read 40 books this year. I've been averaging around 2 per month for several years, and I'd like to increase that. I also plan to be a better blogger and stay in touch with friends and family. I want to improve my networking this year.

I'd love to hear from anybody else who has pulled together a business plan or set up goals for 2008 and how you plan to reach them.