It’s only natural, or supernatural rather, to look at the year ahead each January.
In the past, I kept my goals largely to myself, but now that I’m fully responsible for the direction and success of my work life, I’ve decided to spend some time reflecting on the past year and set goals for this one.
So let’s gather around the crystal ball of CBA Content and look into the future. With a little imagination, you will see five visions have already appeared!
So, what are they and what do they mean?
Here are five bright plans for CBA Content this year:
1. Pitch more articles
Writing is at the core of CBA Content. Whether it’s in the form of proposals, brainstorming sessions, compelling headlines or marketing materials, writing is how I communicate, create and bring ideas to life.
While writing will remain the foundation of my business, I plan to use it more as
The fear of being rejected is what usually held me back from not pitching articles in the past, but those days are over. My “Pitch Log” gained its first entry of 2019 yesterday and will soon see its second.
*scribbles down “New story idea” on to do list*
2. Be patient
Failure and success — landing that byline or new client project — require patience.
The first part of the equation, not hearing back or being turned down, is all too familiar to the seasoned freelancer. But for me, someone who is still learning the ins and outs of this independent work life, understanding that the next collaboration will take time to secure and get off the ground will be key in 2019.
In the early days of CBA Content, I was quick to say yes to anything. Even after a client project was in motion, I’d accept new responsibilities and take on more without batting an eye because that comes with the territory, right? Be flexible, balance your time, be the solution even if you don’t have one yet.
Yes, those are important, but so too is patience. This year, I will remember that you don’t have to jump on every single opportunity. Instead, I will practice putting myself out there more, worrying less about silent prospects and dedicating more time to building quality partnerships.
Which leads me to my next goal…
3. Focus on quality over quantity
The most obvious way to grow a freelance business is to take on as many clients and new projects as possible. Jump from one marketing campaign to a social media update to a blog post, whether for the same brand or not.
Because the reasoning goes, the more work you do, the more money you’ll make. But, there is another way.
Instead of piling on each request that comes your way, take a moment (read: be patient) and list out the pros and cons of the project. Ask yourself: How will it benefit you in the long run? Can you leverage this type of work to win new business or grow your existing partnership? Do you have the bandwidth to take it on? etc.
It’s easy to be distracted by the numbers game, thinking because you have more to do, the more successful you are; however, this year I will be more discerning about the types of projects I take on. Having one quality client partnership with a clear path forward is better than having three short-lived ones.
4. Embrace my creativity
This vision is based on another astrologer’s predictions which means it’s doubly important (stay with me!).
Time Out London, one of my weekly tube reads, published a 2019 cultural horoscope this week and I love the way CBA Content’s stars (aka mine) have aligned: “Expect new-found courage and creative energy over the next 12 months, Leo.”
So besides visiting the National Gallery and V&A more often, I plan to use these artistic adventures as opportunities to think in new ways, connect the dots and grow my work.
I’ve got my notebook in hand. Now, time to follow the stars, explore and absorb.
5. Celebrate!
After all, how are you supposed to achieve your goals without celebrating along the way?
The kind of celebration I’m talking about is showcasing my work and sharing it with all of you more often. Whether that’s through my website or on social media, this is something I really want to get better at.
In the short term, that means creating a portfolio of the marketing projects I have worked on so far. It also means keeping my list of published work up to date.
In terms of the big picture, I want to celebrate the fortunate opportunity I’ve had to start CBA Content and pursue my passion for helping others tell their stories, all in a city that I love — London.
Now that’s something worth celebrating. Cheers to 2019!