A recent conversation on the AIIP-L discussion list about the importance of setting aside time for business planning moved into a discussion of time-management techniques that AIIP members have found helpful for blocking out strategic planning time. Like many others, I set aside one full day a year—or every six months, if I am pivoting my business—to assess where I am, where my best clients are, what I’m enjoying the most, and what I want more of over the next year. After reflection, I come up with the measurable goals that I will achieve if I put my strategic plan in place.
Continue reading Strategic Doing, Not Just Strategic PlanningTag: business planning
Five Things I Learned as an Independent Information Business Owner
As I approach the 10-year anniversary of starting my information business, I have been reflecting on some of the things I learned about my business and my work processes. These five things help keep my business working:
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Recipes for Business Progress
In December, AIIP members met for one of our regular virtual Recipes for Business Progress sessions. Everyone shared their ideas and asked questions about practical, hands-on techniques that can help us improve our businesses, and this event focused on planning for the next year.
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Documenting Your Business
By Liz Fraley
First, let me state that I’m not an accountant, lawyer, financial advisor, or security professional. I’m a writing professional. I document things for a living. Writing professionals write product manuals, dosage guidelines, installation instructions, grant applications, maintenance procedures, proposals, and so much more. Wherever there’s information designed to inform and instruct, you’ll find a writing professional like me embedded in the process.
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Stay focused with long-term planning
We asked our AIIP Past Presidents to share their tips on building and growing a successful independent information business.
Marcy Phelps, AIIP President (2009-2010) shares tips on long term planning.
At meetings of the I-25ers, a group of independent information professionals located in and around Colorado, we often discuss how to stay focused. It’s getting harder and harder, with the many hats we wear and the ever-increasing rate of change in our lives and work, to make decisions about our businesses and carry them out.
Setting goals for the next 5 or 10 years provides focus in our lives and milestones for success.
It will also keep you sane.