I'm about to hit year 3 of running my own #freelance business, so today I sat down (between my 5-month-old's naps) and mapped out my strategy for year 3. Now that I'm a parent and because we're in the midst of a pandemic, things have CHANGED.

I usually start with mind mapping. What are all the pieces of my business? What are possible new pieces I could add? What do I not want to do moving forward?

Then I worked through our @TWC_pod business plan. I defined my values, looked at daily ways to make those values happen (for example, my value = freedom of time, so daily that = not taking on hourly work). Then I also did some writing about how I want my days to look.

I also defined my services (writing, editing, coaching), created a value + mission statement for my biz, and brainstormed possible clients. I need to replace a few key clients (sigh, COVID) so this revealed that I need to start reaching out to folks soon about working together.

And, of course, there's also the financial component. This year I want to make less than I have in past years because I want to spend more time with my kid. That's new! And has taken some getting used to! But I worth it down, defined my new rates & mathed my monthly income goal.

I also like to do an exercise where I draw a line in the middle a sheet of paper. On one side I write "what's working" and on the other side, "what's not working." Next to what's not working, I propose a solution.

For example: What's working: Writing product reviews. What's not working: Working from home with a 5-month-old (LOL, duh). Possible solution: Work from my parents house at least 2x per week when my husband is on childcare duty, so I can focus and be more efficient.

This kind of brainstorming work is my fav! Figured I'd share for inspiration Things are changing and it's okay to adjust course because of it.