Today we are talking about the four different phases that you are going to use when planning for your best year yet as a photographer in 2024. The first one is reflect, the second one is dream, the third one is plan, and the fourth phase is pursue. Go grab this workbook so you can follow along with me as we plan for your best year yet!

Reflecting On The Past Year

Before we can plan for your best year yet as a photographer, it’s important to take some time to reflect on the past year. This reflection will help us identify our highs and wins, as well as our lows and fails. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate our milestones and evaluate what worked and what didn’t.

What were your highs and wins? What were your lows and fails? What were some of your milestones that you had or things that you want to write down and remember what worked and what didn’t?

To gather this information, take a moment to brain dump your thoughts and write down the first things that come to your mind. Once you’ve done that, you can move on to analyzing your data and numbers.

Analyzing Your Data And Numbers To Plan For Your Best Year Yet As A Photographer

Your data and numbers provide valuable insights into the performance of your photography buisness. They give you an objective view of how things actually went, rather than relying solely on your feelings or perceptions.

Think about how many sessions you booked for the year total. How many months did you hit your profit goal? Your booking goal? What was your best month and what was your worst month?

To gather this data, you’ll need to review your booking calendars, financial records, and client questionnaires. This will help you determine the sources of your clients, the number of new and repeat clients, and the overall performance of your business.

Dreaming And Setting Goals

Now that you’ve reflected on the past year and analyzed your data, it’s time to dream and set goals for the future. This is your opportunity to envision what you want to accomplish and create a roadmap to get there.

What are some of the goals that you want to set for 2024? What do you want to accomplish and how many sessions do you want to book for the entire year? What is your profit goal?

Take some time to think about your aspirations for your photography business. Consider the number of sessions you want to book, the amount of profit you want to make, and any other goals you have in mind. This is your chance to dream big and write down everything that comes to your mind.

Planning For Success

Once you’ve set your goals, it’s time to create a plan to achieve them. This is where the rubber meets the road and you start taking action towards your dreams.

How are you going to make those goals actually happen? What are you selling in order to hit your revenue goal? What are the little bitty tasks that need to be done?

To create your plan, you’ll need to break down your goals into actionable steps. Consider what you’re selling, whether it’s sessions, upgrades, or additional products. Determine the pricing and packages that will help you achieve your revenue goal. And finally, create a to do list of tasks that need to be completed to make it all happen.

The Importance Of Accountability So You Can Make This Your Best Year Yet As A Photographer

One of the key factors in achieving your goals is accountability. It’s easy to lose motivation or get off track without someone to hold you accountable.

Your willpower will get you by for a few weeks and then it will run out. What do you have to fall back on?

Having someone to provide structure, encouragement, and guidance can make all the difference in staying on track and reaching your goals. Consider joining a program or finding a coach who can provide the accountability you need to succeed.

Setting Boundaries And Prioritizing Self Care

In addition to accountability, it’s important to set boundaries and prioritize self care. As a photographer, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to take care of yourself.

What boundaries will you put into place in 2024? What are you saying no to this year?

Take some time to think about the boundaries you need to set to maintain a healthy work life balance. Consider when you will unplug from work, schedule personal appointments, and prioritize time for yourself and your family. Saying no to certain things can also help you focus on what truly matters and avoid burnout.

Planning Your Schedule And Working On Your Business

To ensure you have time to work on your business, it’s essential to plan your schedule and allocate dedicated time for business related tasks.

When will you work on your business? You have to plan for when you’re going to or it won’t happen.

Evaluate your current schedule and determine when you can carve out time for business related activities. Whether it’s early mornings, evenings, or weekends, find a time that works for you and commit to it. Remember, consistency is key.

Conclusion And Future To Make This Your Best Year Yet As A Photographer

As you embark on planning for your photography business, remember the importance of reflection, dreaming, planning, and pursuing. Take the time to reflect on the past year, analyze your data, and set goals for the future. Create a detailed plan, hold yourself accountable, and prioritize self care and boundaries. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals and making 2024 your best year yet.

So go ahead, grab a notebook, and start planning for your best year yet as a photographer. The future is yours for the taking!

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