July to August .:. Monthly Business Goals

I think the phrase that best sums up July was: Worse than Lame on the Biz Goals. Here's my list from July:

JULY Goals:

1. Send out 15-20 more e-mails to blogs who cover art and artists
2. Work on developing web site that will work for my art as well as tying together etsy shop, and blog 
3. Work up ideas for the 3 different series of posts for blog: goal is to launch first series in early August: So You Want to Be a Freelance Designer 
4. Write and send out my first newsletter by 15 July. Plan ahead, and send out once a month at mid month
5. Create 3 new card sets for the shop.  
6. Update the shop with new prints of paintings 
7. And finally, remind myself in the lulls of activity, that there are so many others out there doing and trying and experimenting and learning and working with their art, with their craft, with their skills and with their full hearts... I may not know them all by name, but they are out there, and there is huge comfort in that.

I have to honestly say that I cannot cross one single thing off this list. I did a few things to work towards about half of these goals, but never completed one of them. My reason is largely that I was gone pretty much the whole last part of July, and probably should have thought about that before making this grandiose list, BUT I also think as I look back on the month that sometimes I get in my own way. How? Well, reading others' blog posts, visiting other artists' web sites, and then realising that 2, 3 or even 4 hours have sped by. Please tell me you all do this sometimes too (?).

I also had a big realisation: That I do not stay as focused on my own business tasks as I do on my deadlines for other clients. SO my goals for August are going to include:

• allowing time and energy to focus on my own work
• reminding myself that this is just as important as the work I am contracted to do for others  

And so, August Goals

1. Send out 25 e-mails to blogs who cover art and artists
2. Develop a web site that will work for my art as well as tying together etsy shop, and blog 
3. Work up ideas for the 3 different series of posts for blog: goal is to launch first series in mid-late August: So You Want to Be a Freelance Designer 
4. Write and send out my first newsletter by 15 August. Plan ahead, and send out once a month at mid month. Create "columns" and regular topics
5. Create 3 new card sets for the shop 
6. Update the shop with new prints of paintings  
7. Brainstorm another product type for the shop 
8. Get in 10 hours of painting/creating a week - away from the computer 
9. Practice thinking beyond the paying clients, and even think of Myself, as my own best client 

Want to join the Monthly Goal Meet up with Jena at Modish Biz Tips? Think that maybe having some instant accountability might help you on your path? Go here!

Comments

[Cyn]

Don't beat yourself up, Liz! I think each month we learn something from our lists, whether we completely accomplish them or not. And I think your shop is great - the colors are just wonderful!

And Google Reader is both my enemy and my friend :)

[Andrea]

Hi Liz,
I think I spend most of my time lately looking at other artists work and not working on my own. One of the many downfalls of the internet! One up side is this, of course, sharing, encouraging and inspiring other people...
I just looked at your Etsy shop. Your work is beautiful. The colours fabulous! Do you sell any originals?
Good luck with your August Goals. :)
Andrea

[Jessica]

Oh, I am so with you on getting carried away by browsing! There's just so much talent out there. In fact, just two minutes ago my sweetie remarked "I thought you were going to sew tonight?" and then he joked that maybe I'm addicted to the Internet. But I agree with Andrea, it's so good to share, encourage, inspire, and be inspired. We just have to be mindful of our time!

Best of luck in August!

[Amelia]

Fate brought me here tonight! I can relate so much to this post- I have been feeling myself being gently tugged (perhaps a harsh snatching would be more effective and get me moving) to move towards the side of me that loves photography and focus less on the client services that I provide (which is not even art related) but, I get contacted by someone who needs career counseling and get drawn back in, postponing my desire to pursue my own "stuff." When I do get time, I am guilty of perusing the internet- which is a double edge sword. On the one hand, I found this blog and now I don't feel alone- on the other hand, it is a time killer- and, I can sit and admire the work of others and allow myself to doubt my own- there are so many remarkable talented women our here. The bottom line though is, I am accountable to me for whether or not I lead an authentic life- thank you again for this post!
Amelia

[Sarah ~~Rebel Cat~~]

Oh definitely! Sometimes I rationalize spending such amounts of time reading the blogs of others by telling myself its research. Or gathering Inspiration. And sometimes it is. But often, I use blogging as a distraction rather than a motivation for doing the work I know needs to get done.

You are not alone Ducky.

p.s. Your blog is among the most lovely of creative distractions

[Sam]

I understand how the computer can become a distraction! I'm trying to limit my computer time and try to spend that time more actively creating. Definitely make time for yourself - the creative process is WAY WORTH IT.

This image is quite inspiring to me:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27704560&ref=em

[Deb]

Great list, its totally important to find that balance, especially in the summer. Looking forward to hearing about your freelance designer series! Its so inspiring to see how others are doing at the freelance gig! Good luck for August! :)
- deb

[Anna]

Yep, I'm one of the many-hour blog browsers too. There is so much inspiration out there, and I can easily stray. Sometimes I just have to get off the computer and focus on making things, etc. But I go through phases of meandering. Plus, summer is just, summery. ;) I'm inspired by your list!

[Candied Fabrics]

Many MANY hours have I lost blog surfing - you are not alone! You have a huge list for August, why not break it down into smaller tasks, or use %'s, so that if you only get partway through the task, you can indicate all the work you DID do!

[Laura Bucci Handmade]

Yep, I do sometimes spend too much time reading other blogs -- but not when I'm busy, then I just can't afford to and wish that when things were slow that I had done all those other businessy things. Maybe being a tad more specific with your goals might help. For example, set a day of the week and time that you will focus on sending out emails. Define the actual steps or phases to design that new website, etc. Best of luck in August!!

[Monica]

Hi there Liz, Sounds like we have the same problem with moving from one task to the next. Good luck on your biz goals for the month, and thanks for stopping by my blog. Love yours BTW:)

[My @ tha Hotness]

I know exactly how you feel. I had to make a conscience effort to schedule time to work on my own business as hard as I do for our clients. It is amzing how quickly the year is going. Best of luck on your goals for August.

[Christina]

Oooooh.... I'm looking forward to the freelance designer series!

Motivation is such a hard thing for me. I hope being part of the Modish biz goals will help!