Ever Had That Nagging Voice In Your Head?

A nagging voice in my head told me not to plan too far ahead into 2022.

Because the pandemic will likely still be raging around the globe and a number of other issues may destabilise certain regions that I thought about visiting.

I told the nagging voice that I haven't even planned into December 2021 and to bother me when the last month of this year rolls around.

2021 Update: Still in Transition. Not There Yet. Hopefully Soon.

The years 2020 and 2021 seems to have whizzed past in a blur of scrambling confusion and mind-numbing waiting.

From talking to a number of people I know, some have successfully transitioned to new work scopes, business markets, even careers in different industries.

Others I know are still figuring their paths forward and not sure what to do next.

I suppose I'm somewhere in between - I've formed a rough plan to go on and I'm exploring avenues and work relationships to bring it to pass.

I'm definitely not a success transition story. Yet.

But I strongly believe that I'll get there.

If you are in a similar situation, I'd be glad to swap stories and learn about what worked for you. If you like, I'd be happy to share what worked for me, too.

Cooling Down Period

As the mad rush of the projects that erupted over the first four months of the year cools down, it's time to do some reflection, get some rest and prepare for the next phase of the year.

By the middle of the year, I plan to send The Introvert Teacher for printing. That means that I have to settle accounts with any potential sponsors, finish up my marketing materials (including my author photos), and plan the book launch. That's going to be rather exciting.

Apart from the book, I'm going to work on some gem and jewellery projects. The launch is projected to be somewhere around the third quarter, not too long after my book will be printed. Again, rather exciting!

I also intend to get some curriculum designed and I need to prepare for a two-week long school project at the end of May.

Freelancing isn't as relaxing as many people think it is. Without proper planning, it could easily become a mess. Here's to not messing it up!

A Class in the Business Canvas Model

Last Saturday (I realise it's been quite a few days), I attended a workshop on the Business Canvas Model.

Never having heard of it before, I went with an open mind.

What I learned was very useful for what I am doing now. It was a rather straightforward template which you fill in with information about your targeted customers, their behaviourial patterns (to help you determine what you should provide for them), how you intend to get the product/service you are providing to them, what your company does etc.

The facilitator (whom I happen to know from a previous meeting) was careful to remind us that many of the things we put down on the canvas template are assumptions until they are tested.

Even so, he encouraged us to try them out and make changes along the way. He emphasised the need to experiment and adapt because the market changes all the time and things are always moving. 

What he told me reminded me about microtrends - seemingly inconsequential small trends that, if you integrate into a big picture, can influence the outcome of an idea or direction.

Having had the opportunity to make some plans, I realise how much more planning and thought is required to get a business to work. That said, it's great to have guidelines to follow so I don't have to come up with everything by my own limited experience.

It's going to be busy these few upcoming weeks, what with major projects coming in and all sorts of events to attend. Gotta get that brain and body rested!