This year is going to be a big one as I’m still in the first year of my small business. It’s pretty scary, I’ll admit, but it’s also really exciting and fulfilling. I’m slowly getting over the hump of being afraid to put myself out there. At this point I feel a lot more powerful for doing just that, because it’s scary and takes courage. It may come easy to some, but for a lot of us, it’s awkward and terrifying. But I know the only way to get better is to do the work and keep pushing forward. I’m going to do just that. So here are my 10 business goals for 2021.

 

BUSINESS GOALS

 

• Be consistent in my blogging.

This one seems obvious. When I created my website I openly advertised that I would drop a new blog post every two weeks. Boy was that a mistake. I had no idea what to blog about; I didn’t feel like an expert on anything! This year I’m not holding myself to a tight schedule, but my goal is to post at least 1x a month, preferably 2 or 3!

• Start specializing in seniors!

I already advertise that I photograph seniors on my website, but really that’s just because I want to photograph seniors. I still need to build a portfolio of work and start marketing to them. I’m going to start the year by building my high school senior portfolio. I will be reaching out to individuals and putting out a Model Call. I’m very excited for this next project!

• Reach 1,000 followers on Instagram.

I know, I know. 1,000 is a pretty small number. But it took me 8 months to gain 100 followers in 2020 so I think this is a pretty big jump for me. Maybe I should make this goal Reach 1,000 followers by June 1st. And then go from there. That sounds better, yes?

• Be better about my time management.

I’ll just leave it at that. Be better. Be consistent.

• Make at least five $1,000 sales on wall portraits.

Let’s be real. Unless a photographer is consistently making big sales like this, they’re not making enough to support themselves or their families. Or they’ve got multiple jobs and are probably working themselves into the ground. I haven’t had a big sale yet but I know it’s coming!

• Purchase a new laptop.

I’ve been waiting to do this for some time now. I love my MacBook. But it’s old and I worry it will die on me some days. I keep putting off buying a new one because I don’t see the point in doing so until the old one bites the dust. However, there’s a lot of danger in that! I still can’t decide if I should jump Apple’s ship and buy something other than a MacBook. Other options are so much cheaper and just as reliable. But I’ve been an Apple person since Jr. High and frankly, I just like Apple computers more than Windows. I’ve got to make a decision soon and get my hands on a new computer! What do you think I should buy?

• Purchase the 35mm 1.4 lens.

This one is all about saving money. (I already have money set aside for the aforementioned laptop.) But I can’t wait to get my hands on a prime wide angle and I’ve heard great things about the Sigma 35mm 1.4.

• Start streamlining my client services through Honeybook.

I may have Honeybook before I even publish this blog post! But there’s a lot to utilize within Honeybook so the learning will probably never end with this one.

• Start collaborating with other small business owners.

This is a big one. And I will admit, I don’t have a lot of knowledge on how to do this well. But you’ve got to start somewhere, right?

• Pursue being an educator.

I already work in education so why not extend it to the other thing I am so passionate about? 😀

 

There you have it, my 10 business goals for 2021. You know, if you’ve ever dreamt of switching careers or starting your own small biz, it’s never too late to start. I know it may seem daunting in light of the current state of the world, especially if you’re someone who has lost their job or god forbid, a loved one, in the past year. But know that I am rooting for you and things will get better. You can start small if you don’t have a lot of resources at your fingertips right now. Start networking or master the skill you want to share with the world. And let me know what your goals are this year, business or personal, so that I can cheer you on! Drop them in the comments below. I promise to get back to you. Have a beautiful Friday my friends. <3

Warmly,

Skyler