Looking back and forward for the new year | Jan 03rd 2008
by Jacqueline Dooley
As 2007 draws to a close, I’m tempted to write an article devoted exclusively to my business resolutions for the coming year. But the marketer in me is curious about how realistic I was in setting my goals for 2007 back in December of 2006. If I’m not held accountable for sticking with my resolutions, after all, then who is?
Last year my main proclamation for 2007 was more of an anti-resolution. My goal was to avoid rapid growth of my business and try to stay exactly the same in terms of client load for the upcoming year.
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This article was originally published in the Poughkeepsie Journal on Saturday, December 29th, 2007.
I succeeded on both accounts. I drastically reduced my workload at the end of April 2007 and enjoyed lots of time with my children over the summer. I read many books, took many naps and allowed myself to regroup for the first time since I opened up shop in September 2002. Recharging was great, but it came at the expense of financial stability. I didn’t plan very well (or at all) for the reduced income and as a result spent the summer completely broke (but happy!)
It took me all of August and most of September to build up my workload again, and I’m very happy to say that I’m moving into the new year with some amazing new clients and prospects.
In fact, as I move towards 2008, there’s only one client on my roster that I’ve carried over from as far back as 2006. All other clients signed on with me starting in March 2007 or later. This doesn’t mean I didn’t stick with my resolution of avoiding rapid growth and heavy workload.
On the contrary, my workload is extremely manageable this year compared with last. What I didn’t realize is that suppression of growth doesn’t have to mean lack of change. So if 2007 was the year of honing down my workload to a more bearable level (after the initial pain of honing down too much), then I proclaim 2008 the year of the new client.
This year I resolve to work smarter and earn more while working less. I see my business as the path to freedom for myself and my family, and intend to try out new ideas and push the possibilities, the promise and the potential of self-employment in 2008.