Welcome back one and all. I hope this week is progressing nicely for you. All is well in Hollandville and my plans are progressing nicely.
And that is today’s topic….our plans.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Paul J. Meyer
I hate to admit this, but I don’t have a clue who Paul J. Meyer is, but I like his quote.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Do you have a plan? I have found that many writers do not have one. They simply write, and if your goal is to simply write, then all is well.
But, if your goal is to make it as a freelance writer, or to be successful as an author, then you might want to consider a plan for your writing business.
Yes, I said writing business. If money is part of your goal, then you are running a business, and your writing is the product that you sell. And, as any first year business student can tell you, businesses need a business plan.
So, I ask you again…do you have a plan?
As a former businessman, and with degrees in Marketing and Economics, it was only natural that I attacked my writing career as though it were a start-up business. I wrote down what I wanted to accomplish. I researched the business and learned what I needed to do, and then I wrote my business plan accordingly. I have been building my platform (my credentials) ever since, and it is all fueled by my business plan.
Just something for you to think about.
TIP OF THE DAY
If you do choose to write a plan, be specific. Be specific about your goals and how you are going to achieve them. Be specific about your timetable. Give yourself monthly goals, yearly goals, and determine how each goal can be met….and then go for it.
And for goodness sake, if you are serious about making money doing this writing gig, then treat your writing like a business. Establish hours to write and let nothing detour you.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
Give me two sentences describing this scene, and do it without using an adverb.
NOTHING MORE TODAY
You have things to do, as do I, so let’s get busy. If you are interested in purchasing my latest novel, Resurrecting Tobias, use this link and order as many copies as you want….and of course, I thank you.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Trying my best with plans and even planning out week by week now myself. So, I couldn’t agree more that plans do very much help when you write, design and generally work from home, too. Happy Wednesday again 🙂
Janine, it comes as no surprise that you are a planner. Your business reflects that fact. Thanks dear friend.
I’ve heard this message many times, but today it’s clicking. Thanks, Billeeeeee 😀
eeeeee…you are welcome, Lizzeeeeeeee
I have a plan in my head, but haven’t given it a timeline, nor have I put it on paper. I don’t know… maybe I think I’ll live forever. Good news is, I’m starting to make some money on the content end. Funny thing is, most of my assignments are travel related! Who knew sitting on your ass could bring (pretend) travel to your door! 🙂
Actually, Sha, I knew. I wrote a hub about exactly that topic about a year ago…a good writer does not have to travel to write about travel, not in today’s digital world. Glad things are going well for you…now, about that plan?
Bill, the funny thing is, the travel projects came to me. I didn’t seek them out, but apparently I’m good at it. Plan? Right now the plan is to make enough money to pay the bills. The rest will have to come later.
I remember your travel writing hub. I never thought it was an option for me because my travel consists of travelling to the bathroom, my yard, the office supply store and the grocery store! Ha!
We live and learn, Sha. However it happened, I’m glad it did and you can pay a few bills.
Geez, i wish i had a plan. I like your site and i tweeted.
Well, Ruby, sometimes winging it is the only way to get through life. 🙂 You seem to be doing quite nicely without a plan. Thank you for tweeting and just for being you.
Do I have a plan. First the group I am in on LinkedIn had a discussion on do you have a to do list and now you want a plan. I have a feeling this is a cunning plan by my partner as she is always trying to get me organised. 🙂
I am actually working on a business plan at the moment. I should write out a complete first draft and refine it but because it is in sections I am tending to redraft each section. This is because as I am working on it I think of other information I need to add or would be better in a different part of the section I am working on or a different part entirely.
I have also been giving some thought about the Marketing Plan. I am giving myself three weeks to get the business plan finalised and then two more for the Marketing plan. I have a good idea of what I want to put into them both, it is just shaping it until it look right.
Actually that reminds me. I signed up for a short online course on Digital Marketing. It is just three weeks but just three hours a week.
https://www.futurelearn.com/
It is free and though I think it is a UK site it is open to anyone anywhere. The course is called DIGITAL MARKETING: CHALLENGES AND INSIGHTS and is the University of Southampton. It starts on the 13 October. I hope that will be of help to everyone.
There are other courses, my partner is doing one on criminal psychology at the moment. And we are both doing one on designing for mobile phones. That’s cell phones for those of you who reside on the western side of the pond.
My response to the question What’s In Your To Do Lists
Mine is start a to-do list.
Followed by write something on the to-do list.
Then it is remembering to do the things on the to-do list and then,
where is my to-do list?
Its gotten to the stage I do not do to-do lists I just do what I think is most important at the time. Usually works.
Happy Writing All
Peter
Well, Peter, I would say you have your work cut out for you. No problem staying busy with that agenda. I’m glad to hear you’re working on some sort of plan. I’m convinced that writers need to do this. Thanks for the visit.
I need to sit down and formally write a plan. It does make sense. Thanks for today’s lesson.
You are very welcome, Dianna. Good luck with it and thank you.
I agree a plan ought to be if we wanna cross even a road…lol
but on a serious note, your point is well taken, Bill
Happy Friday!
Thank you Ruchira….and yes, crossing a road calls for a very serious plan. LOL
Great advice, Bill! I really do treat it like a business as that is what I honestly think it is – being self-employed is one of the most difficult careers but I love what I do! Wishing you a great day 🙂
I love it too, Christy…..hey, if you ever want to guest blog here about writing, let me know. Hugs to you on this hot Tuesday.
Wow, I would be honored to do a guest post Bill. I already have another one pending but after that I’ll contact you to figure out a day that works for both of us 🙂 Thank-you (and today is cooler, thankgoodness)
Christy, that would be great. I admire you very much, and it would be wonderful if you could do a guest posting. Let me know when you are ready to give it a go and yes, the cooler weather is very appreciated. 🙂