Hey creatives and small business owners, this blog post is for you!
It’s often that we find ourselves with off-seasons as creatives. For me as a wedding photographer in Chicagoland, wintertime is my off-season. So, in honor of our seasons slowing down, I’m sharing some ideas for winter business to-do’s for creatives and small business owners. These ideas are to-do’s that I check off of my list every winter and off-season, so I’m happy to share here!
Set Goals
The start of the new year and winter season is the perfect time to set goals for the year ahead. In your off-season, carve out time (yep, on your calendar!) to sit down, dream, and set goals for the weeks and months ahead. How are we supposed to work towards our goals and dreams if we never give them time and space to exist!
Look at your calendar for the year
I’m a big fan of marking days off on my calendar throughout the year… Weeks and months in advance, that is! As creatives and small business owners, it’s easy to go, go, go all the time, but we also need time to rest and relax. Marking days off work on your calendar during your slow season is one of my favorite things! When we’re under less stress as creatives, it’s easier to see clearly and visualize what you want your schedule to look like. Be a good boss for yourself and plan ahead with your calendar! You’ll be so thankful you took the time to take care of yourself before you even thought you needed it.
Prepare for Tax Time
Yep, I’m going there with the “t” word… Taxes! The winter season (in Chicagoland at least!) is the perfect time to organize your tax documents from mileage to home office expenses to business expenses to independent contractor documents to receipts and more. Taxes are due in April at the start of spring, so don’t procrastinate, and be sure to organize your tax documents during the winter months of January through March. It’s your job as a creative and small business owner to make sure you’re a legit business… Taxes are a huge part of that! It’s always best to stay on top of your tax documents throughout the year, so set yourself up for success and create a system in the winter months at the start of the year to stay organized. I promise it makes tax time that much easier!
Make updates to your website and marketing materials
The off-season is the perfect time to dive into your website and marketing materials with fresh eyes! Update photos, copy, and more throughout your website and marketing materials to make sure they’re consistent, on-brand, and up-to-date. Don’t want until you’re in a “busy season” to mark these to-do’s off your list!
Take a day off work
Can you tell I’m a big cheerleader for creatives and small business owners that try to be their best boss?! In the winter or off-season, give yourself permission to take a day (or two or three or more!) off work. I will always encourage fellow creatives to take time off to recharge – despite it being your slow or busy season. Turn on an email auto-responder, unplug, and relax – you deserve it!
There you have it – my favorite winter business to-do’s. I hope this blog post has been encouraging for you and your business in this season!
