I've had a really hard time putting together my goals for this coming year. I've brainstormed ideas and written a few things down, but I still don't have a list of goals like I've had in the past. I guess that's actually a good thing. I'm really happy with how my business is going and I just hope to continue with the same success I've had. But I also know that standing still will get you nowhere in the business world. That's why I'm dubbing this year The Year of Growth. I don't have big new plans, I just want to grow in the things I'm already doing well.
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| Sorry for the terrible color/lighting! |
As you've seen, one of my first plans for growth is in space. My business has outgrown this tiny spare bedroom and deserves a space of its own. Things are coming together so nicely and I'll be moving into my new studio in no time!
Another area where I plan to grow my business is with a part time employee. During the summer I plan to hire someone to help with all the little things that take away from my creating time. I've been making a list of things this person could possibly do for me like packing orders and printing/cutting business cards. Depending on who I hire and what their skills are, there may be other things they could do like cut guest book pages or even load/unload the laser. I hope to have this person up to speed by mid-October to help with the holiday rush.
And my last area of growth I'm planning to focus on is with my equipment/machinery. I'm debating between a second laser (bigger, faster!) or a whole new type of machine. With a second laser, I could have one dedicated to glass and the other to wood. Or just double up on jobs. Some new ideas I've thrown around are a sublimation machine so I could print color photos on tiles, phone cases, coasters...you name it. I've also looked into a CNC plasma cutter. It's a lot like my laser, but it will cut metal! The only downside is that it would have to go in the shed...fumes, gas, air compressor, etc. So I still have a lot of thinking to do in this area.
So for 2014, I'm not setting any specific goals. I will be carrying over some of the goals I had in 2013, but rather than goals, I'm just making them part of my routine. (like staying up-to-date on taxes) It feels pretty great to be in a place in my business where I don't have tons of goals I still need to accomplish. So here's to my Year of Growth!
Today's post was written for the January BBA Challenge of Plans for the New Year.
Want to join our team...see our team page here.
Today's post was written for the January BBA Challenge of Plans for the New Year.
Want to join our team...see our team page here.
You are a force to be reckoned with! Such great ideas and no fear of growth--very impressive!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your huge success. I know 2014 will be a Year of Growth for you!
ReplyDeleteCheers to that! Sometimes you just don't need a bunch of specific goals. I had trouble coming up with more than a handful myself, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for the machine that can print pictures onto things. That sounds awesome.
How exciting! The studio look great. All those windows! That must be an amazing feeling to simply grow rather than having a long list of goals to reach throughout the year. Since you are always coming up with new ideas, this will not be a problem for you. :)
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing goals. So happy your business is growing where you can expand to hire people! What type of person are you thinking of hiring? I feel like a high schooler (if you know any) would be a good part-time worker.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have some really practical plans, which is key. I think you will be so happy with an employee. I don't know what I'd do without mine! I'm so excited for you to get into your studio too. I bet this is an amazing year for you!
ReplyDeleteit's good to see your dog is helping out too!
ReplyDeleteI feel largely the same way about goals this year. I put a lot of good things into place last year, and I want to keep them going. It will be so exciting to have the new studio and some part-time help, especially for the holidays!
ReplyDeleteI know that you are going to make 2014 a huge success! Your studio is coming along beautifully. I can't wait to see it all complete!
ReplyDeleteGrowing your business is the best goal to have. Your studio looks like its going to be a dream to work in!
ReplyDeleteSounds fun! The floor is looking amazing and new machines sound both exciting and like a difficult decision!
ReplyDeletesounds great! And your blog is sure moving along, with lots of posts. I don't know how you do it! The wood floor looks fantastic - you'll be dancing around in there! {:-D
ReplyDeleteGrowth is a great goal! It doesn't have to be specific since you'll work hard without have a certain target to shoot towards. I love that you're always thinking of how to grow your business so there's no way you'll be stagnant ever! Good luck in 2014 Edi!
ReplyDeleteYour new studio looks huge!
ReplyDeleteHere's to your Year of Growth!
ReplyDeletean employee!!
a new machine!
wonderful space!
This is fantastic, and very exciting!! I think your year title is perfect and seems like your smaller goals fit perfectly on that track. Like you, my main goals this year is to work on growing the business and become more productive.
ReplyDeleteI really love the space you're building, too. It's going to be so amazing to have a dedicated area for working- you are going to love it!
I think growth in the areas you're already good at is a great plan! Nice of Harley to help lay the flooring :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are on track for another fantastic year! I'm sure all your plans for growth will only make your business bigger and better in 2014.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired