With 2024 winding down, many of us small business owners take stock of the last 12 months and start looking at the next 12 to plan and goal set.
So what kinds of things should a technical editor review and plan for their business year? I would suggest we are a little different here; we have a few things that we might consider in our yearly review and forward thinking that are outside the box of all the traditional fill-in-the blanks. In addition to the more general business planning, here's what I take stock of at the end of every year:
Clients
Our clients are our base, our foundation, our future business, our university, and in many cases, our friends and collaborators. Note and then analyze for 2024:
- Number of clients
- Number of jobs (and also number per client)
- Top clients by revenue
- Average invoice per client
When you look at these numbers, what stands out to you?
What can you celebrate?
Who do you love to work with and why?
How could you curate more of those types of clients?
Also, audit your customer path, as if you were finding yourself for the first time. Are there any holes, broken links on your website or missing information? This is a great time to spruce up your virtual home for guests. I love to virtually hang some twinkle lights and bake some cookies.
Workflow
Take a few minutes to visualize your ideal work day. Move through it in your mind and then write it down. Now, looking at what really happens when you get a pattern inquiry:
How can you get closer to your ideal working flow?
What worked well this year that you can amp up, streamline, and maybe automate in the next year?
What do you need to ditch, change, or delete?
Often I have thought of firing myself as a bookkeeper, and eventually found an app I love to help me not hate that part of my job so much.
Editing ebb and flow
Our industry has its seasons. As you look at 2024 and maybe the previous year(s), when did jobs come in and when was it slow? Can you tell why? It's a smart tactic to plan ahead for the slow times and decide what you will focus on when your schedule is not full. What can you put into place when you have lots of jobs to make things easier? I always have a meal plan in place for crazy months!
Connection/Community
While we do edit patterns alone, we don't have to do our jobs by ourselves. Having a trusted community to connect with and ask questions and get help is key to growing, not only in our own business, but also as a creative and important member of our industry. We are here for you!
You might also find ways to connect virtually online in other ways: industry alliances (affiliate link), in-person and online festivals, and local and national guilds.
Creativity
At the end of every year, many of us list out what we finished up, and start gathering what we want to do on the needles and hook in the coming year. At the same time, it's an awesome time to consider what to learn and practice that would make you a better editor.
Are there techniques or tools you want to learn how to use?
What is at the front of your mind that is getting you excited and enthusiastic?
How can you incorporate these little sparks into your current work?
What worked/What to do differently
Finally, look at the whole big picture of your business and make a list of the highlights and what you think needs to change. Stick this list in a prominent place or set a reminder to look at it again in a few months.
Here's to you! May 2025 be full of actions that help you grow as an editor and business owner!
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If you want to dig deeper and do a really thorough review and plan, we do it for FREE every 3 months in the Community. Sign up to grab your seat HERE.
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Exclusive workshop
This Thursday, Dec 12 at 3 pm CT, we'll be getting all the great info from Brand Maven Hollie Arnett in the TE Hub Community. Come join us for a month, get *all* the workshops, and see what an editor-only community can do for you for only $47.
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In the FB Group
Lisa has a question about best practices when it comes to measuring gauge.
What do you love to make but won't edit?
Handmade items currently worn = four,
Sarah
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I am a knitting technical editor, author, and sweater nerd. I like coffee, puzzles, many books (all at once), and a good sniff of yarn fumes. This Hub is all about helping *you* find success as a technical editor from any direction that works.
When you are ready:
- Learn to tech edit knitting patterns or crochet patterns. Get training and real pattern practice before you take on clients.
- Schedule a strategy session with me. Go deep and get unstuck.
- Join the editor-only community for collaboration, 24-7 support and more skills, including building that business.
- Or just book a virtual cuppa with me. How can I help you?
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