This blog is pretty short and punchy as I wanted to focus on one of the most impactful things I do in my business.

And that is dedicating some set time for those behind-the-scenes tasks and planning!

For me this planning and behind-the-scenes activity normally takes place in January, so here are some of the things I did last month that I know will help set me up for this year.

1. I plan out time to work ON my business. It’s so easy to just focus on the doing of things IN the business, but working on the business itself is critical. Part of my planning for working on my business last month was updating my speaker kit, my media kit, my podcast kits and my bio, and rolling out the new professional video and a professional photo shoot content that I had done late last year into my digital spaces.
2. In 2024 speaking will be a big part of income streams for the year, so I’m including allocating time to work on my keynote topics and workshops.
3. My website is going through a refresh, so I’m focusing on changing some pages, adding some more pages and making sure it has a real 2024 feel to it. (When was the last time you went over your website with a fine tooth comb to make sure it was accurately reflecting what you do now?)
4. My podcast is one of my business babies, but after 5 years – it’s time for a change! I don’t know specifically what that is going to look like as yet, but I am definitely up for a fresh feel. You might not notice the changes as a listening, until I told you I guess and then you’d be like “yes, I have noticed that”, but the backend and the reason for the podcast needs work.
5. I will be delighting in unsubscribing and deleting probably about 50,000 emails because it’s time for the annual audit! I normally sit on the couch, put on a movie or TV show, put all my emails in alphabetical order of sender and then start culling.
6. My Canva is a freaking mess – holy moly it is – so that is going to go through a big delete/overhaul/create loads of folders audit. I really need that to be easier when I go looking for things!  The pictures folder on my desktop probably needs the same overhaul, but that job does seem overwhelming so while it is on the list it might take some time.
7. My 2024 goals are going to be prominent this year, so I’ll be sticking them in front of me, looking at the mind-maps I created around getting to those goals, and reassessing anything that needs to be tinkered with, and coming up with a whole board of podcast subject ideas and a list of potential guests for 2024.

The best thing about this list is that it’s an example of things you can look at in your own business and give you ideas of what to tackle behind-the-scenes.

AND – you can do this at ANY TIME! It doesn’t need to wait till an arbitrary “milestone” like EOFY or the start of a new season or month – you can allocate some time ASAP and get going.

Because I can guarantee you, planning time to work on the behind-the-scenes aspects of your business is absolutely time and energy well spent in the long run!

I would love to hear from you over in my Like Minded Business Owners facebook group to discuss more how you do the behind-the-scenes activities and planning in your business – the group is such a valuable place for business owners to be encouraged and supported! And you are welcome to ask any of your other marketing or business questions too!

Or if you want to chat, get in touch.  Email me jenn@jenndonovan.com.au or DM me on Instagram or LinkedIn – I would love to hear from you.

CONTACT JENN:

I would love for you to book a free discovery call with me to talk about how I can help your nail your business goals, planning, strategy, marketing and social media! Simply click the link and grab a spot!

My Like Minded Business Owners Facebook group is also a great community to join – full of awesome people in small business!

Or you can DM me on Instagram or LinkedIn, or send me an email jenn@jenndonovan.com.au

I wish to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Yorta Yorta People, on which I conduct my business today and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples reading this blog post today.

About the Author:

Jenn Donovan of Social Media & Marketing Australia.  Jenn’s an expert marketing coach and mentor from rural NSW. She is all about empowering business owners to earn what they’re worth so they can make a bigger difference in the world.  Not only is she a sought after expert on all things marketing for Small Business, she is a keynote speaker, author of Small Town Big Impact, was the Founder of Buy From a Bush Business and a Co-Founder of Spend With Us e-commerce marketplace, and is the host of the very popular podcast Small Business Made Simple and Stories from the Bush. Jenn is all about community and humans interacting with humans!  H2H Marketing – human to human marketing. Jenn talks the talk but importantly walks the walk!

Get in touch – www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au

On Instagram – @jenndonovan_

On Facebook – Jenn Donovan

Or on LinkedIn as Jenn Donovan