by Creating a monthly wrap up of business is something that I’ve always wanted to do but never felt like I was in the right mindset to do it. Since I want to really focus on developing new business for myself this year, I figured 2013 was the time to start. Whether you’re new here or you’re one of my readers, you’ll probably notice that I didn’t do a wrap up last month, so welcome to the first of what will be many wrap ups to come.
I haven’t had the time I’ve wanted this month to focus on new business for myself. My other job has kept me very busy with the preparation of my GM being on maternity leave. This of course has thrown some unexpected surprises in my lap. It’s a challenge but I welcome it and I liken it to when I was a temp; I didn’t always know what was coming but I was always the one to handle it. I think we’re finally over the newness of her being out though and I can get back to business. I love the hustle and bustle but I’m not a fan of the disorganization that a change like that brings.
New Work
Despite the busyness in the office, I was able to attend some great networking events. I’ve wanted to get out and connect with other business women in my area; not only for the opportunity of new business but just to meet other like-minded women in business. It’s been a great experience and yes, great connections were made with the possibility of new clients and work on the near horizon.
Existing Work
Two clients were out of contact last month. One was just returning from a trip to Germany (how exciting!) and I got to connect with her yesterday. I’ll be building her e-commerce site and e-newsletter. It will be a process but I think it will be good for her in the end.
My other client, (another e-commerce) was under the weather so we held off on meeting and working on her business website. I know what it’s like to come back from an illness or otherwise. The mantra there is one thing at a time and I’m patient. I’m hoping that we’ll get back to things this month.
Queries and LOIs
This is where I really didn’t push this month. I was very focused on getting things organized in the office for my GM’s leave of absence The networking events though have provided me with plenty of business cards for me to follow up with and I have a short list of publications that I want to query to. One query that I sent out hasn’t responded yet so it’s time for a follow up and while a second query did come back with a firm “Yes”, it was a blind query and now that I have more information I know it’s not the kind of writing that I want to do.
Revenues:
I didn’t hit the mark for additional revenue but then again, I wasn’t strategically planning for earnings last month. I did receive a few small payments from sites where I contribute or have passive earnings and those are always was nice but I didn’t set a a specific goal for last month. I figured anything I earned would be a bonus since I didn’t actively push anything.
Results:
I didn’t do any extra promoting last month and I’m okay with that. I always say that my year doesn’t start until January is over so I usually take February as a planning month. This month I have my plan in place and some actionable items on my to-do list, both in marketing and querying. I’m also very excited to continue on my networking path, both personally and professionally. I have a feeling those meetings and face to face connections will be what kicks things off this year.
How did February treat you? Was it better than what you expected or are you not quite in the swing of things yet?
image credit ~ rybson
