6. Progress and time management
Importance of Measuring Progress
To achieve your long-term brand-building objectives, measuring your progress is crucial. If your ultimate aim is to become "the best artist in a particular category in your local area," this broad goal should be broken down into smaller, quantifiable objectives. These smaller goals should be trackable on a monthly and even weekly basis.
Optimal Time Frames for Goal Setting
Many successful artists recommend establishing both monthly and weekly goals. This approach allows for a more immediate assessment of progress and its alignment with your long-term vision. When starting out, experienced artists suggest focusing on goals beyond just monetary gains, as income can fluctuate and be unpredictable in the initial stages.
Emphasizing Activity-Based Goals
Shift your focus to activity-based objectives, such as producing a certain number of new portfolio pictures or establishing a set number of contacts within related fields. These contacts, often termed "unicorn-type contacts," are individuals in professions intersecting with your target demographic who could provide collaboration opportunities.
Refining Activity-Based Goals
If setting these goals seems daunting due to external dependencies, consider narrowing your focus further. Rather than setting broad objectives like the number of messages sent to potential contacts, which can be random and potentially harmful to your brand, concentrate on metrics that directly support your long-term goals without compromising your brand's integrity.
Focusing on Controllable Metrics
Identify what is directly under your control when goal setting becomes overly complex. For example, if it typically takes 20 minutes of research to identify a potential "unicorn contact," base your goals on this measurable effort. This approach ensures that your progress is tied to activities entirely within your control, based on the time and effort you are willing to invest.
Allocating Extra Time
When planning your daily schedule, allocating about 25% extra time as a buffer for unexpected tasks or issues is prudent. This could include unplanned client consultations, addressing aftercare concerns, or accommodating last-minute valuable client requests. Having this buffer ensures you can manage both positive and negative surprises effectively.
The Importance of Planning
You might question the need for a plan if unforeseen circumstances can disrupt your schedule. However, the absence of a plan poses a greater risk. Without set goals and measured activities, the likelihood of achieving significant results diminishes significantly. Therefore, plan your activities at least a week in advance, with flexibility built into your monthly goals.
Utilizing Downtime Effectively
Be conscious of how you spend idle time. Many artists realize that their downtime is often spent on activities that don't directly contribute to business growth, like aimlessly browsing social media. Instead, use this time productively for tasks that benefit your business.
Continuous Adjustment and Outsourcing
Regularly reassess the time allocation for various activities. As you gain experience, tasks like content creation, portfolio editing, and partner research typically become more efficient. However, if you find certain tasks consistently challenging or time-consuming, consider outsourcing them. Delegating areas outside your expertise allows you to focus on the aspects of your business where you excel, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.
