How to create your VERY OWN Business Binder

Hey Guys! Are you ready to learn how I manage to keep all of my ducks in a row???

I am SO excited to finally be sharing with you how I created my Business Binder! I’ve mentioned several times in the past how much this book has been a life saver for me, and I’m hoping that it can become just as valuable for you! If you have any additional questions, please shoot them my way. I love to help out in any way that I can!

During the “research” phase of my blog, I ran across a post talking about how important it was to create a “Blog Binder.” Not only does it keep your thought process organized, but it also allows you to stay ahead of the game. It was advised to have at least 2-3 months worth of material available at ALL times to prevent scrambling at that very last second to get your post put together. I implemented that in the beginning, but VERY quickly went through my material. I now try to work on posts 1-2 weeks in advance, and this works out well for me. But, with all things, there are just some posts which end up taking a bit longer. I actually have 2 posts that I have been putting together for the past several months; looking forward to their release! So, let’s get to the meat of the matter….

What is a “Blog/Business Binder,” and what do you need to make one? Well, the binder is a compilation of all things blog/business related. I have my post ideas, my research, ideas for my creations, a calendar filled with posts that I want to release on certain days, and so on. I will give you a breakdown of mine a little further down, so don’t go anywhere just yet.

When it comes to creating one, you can make it as “inexpensive” or “elaborate” as you choose. Since money was tight when I first put mine together, I went down the cheap route. I rummaged through my supplies and found a 1 inch binder, some white copy paper, and a hole punch. I then designed my own calendar, punched holes in all the pages, and secured them all inside. I also tried out the color-coded post-it notes, but passed on those pretty quickly. Basically, you choose several different colors/patterns and those will represent the different topics/categories that you will write about. That way, at a glance, you can see whether you have a good “balance” for your posting schedule. Fantastic concept, but a bit more work than I needed in my life.

While a lot of people choose to use colored markers/sharpies to create a fun and colorful binder, I prefer having the option to erase, as my mind changes so often. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to throw my post ideas back onto the idea list, because one, I just didn’t have the time to devote to that particular topic, or two, because I just wasn’t feeling it. It’s so much easier just to re-write and erase as opposed to filling in a new calendar. But, as the old saying goes, “whatever floats your boat.”

In my post, Implementing 5 Changes for a Successful Year, I stated that I have decided on a new direction for my blog, as well as for my Etsy shop. I am in Year 3 of my 5 Year Plan, and the time has come to shake things up a bit! I have been watching a TON of marketing videos, and have decided that I need to be a bit more strategic in my planning. In saying this, I am beginning to realize that it’s about time to invest in a larger binder. That 1 inch just doesn’t seem to be cutting it anymore! My ideas are LITERALLY busting at the seams

A few weeks back I decided to bite the bullet and re-organize my binder, and while I liked the new changes, it still just wasn’t quite right. Thus, I decided to change things up yet again. While my Etsy shop and my blog are certainly 2 separate entities, when it comes down to it, they are really one in the same, as they work hand in hand towards the same ultimate goal. So, I had to figure out a way to join the two within my binder. I put a lot of thought into it, and the breakdown below is what I came up with.

I still find myself struggling to remember where I have put everything, but in time, I believe that this new configuration will make my business run a bit more efficiently.

MY BUSINESS BINDER

Broadscope:

• Krista Kemp Designs-My creations-packaging ideas-shopping wish list-chart of my goals and deadlines
• From Food Stamps to a Future-My mission statement-the direction that I want to take my blog-chart of my goals and deadlines

Idea Bank:
My creation ideas broken down by category-future product lines-possible post ideas-upcoming events and collaborations

Logistics:

• Blog Editorial Calendar-my post lineup-month at a glance
• Product Launch Schedule-a list of each item in my newest product line (broken down by color, pattern, and price), my anticipated launch date, and a checklist for my promotion schedule
• My Social Media Calendar-Sucking miserably in this area!!! Need to get more involved. Each platform is broken down by section, and will allow me to fill in what type of post/promotion/video I will include at each destination
• Local Selling and Promotion-a “4 month at a glance” breakdown of what I’ve got going on around town; from advertising my shop and blog, to teaching classes, to selling creations at different venues; planning to add some local media advertisement to that list.

Food for Thought:
Upcoming Events (in person and online)-my TO DO checklist

Research and Marketing Strategies:
A safe place for all of my super important notes-a vault of knowledge for numerous upcoming adventures

So, there you have it. Pretty simple concept, huh?! If you have a blog/business/editorial calendar/binder, I would LOVE to hear how YOU have it organized!

A Little Update

I apologize for not posting on Friday like I generally do, but I discovered that the post I had in the works is a bit more detailed than I had originally thought it to be.  (Teaser Alert…it’s about opening an Etsy store, so stay posted)

This past week at work has proven to be quite stressful (more than usual), and between that, surprise doctor’s appointments, dentist appointments, oil changes, first of the month bills, gift wrapping, Christmas decorating, posting 40 new items for sale on various online sites, and this nagging head cold, I’m just a bit tuckered out.

My wonderful Mama took me shopping yesterday (my life saver-don’t know what I’d do without her!!!) to get prepped for all of this glorious winter weather we have on the way (BOO!), and we made out like bandits!  She got me 2 pairs of fuzzy boots (to keep my pigs warm), 2 new pairs of jeans (I’ve gone down 2 pant sizes-YEAH!!!), 2 SUPER thick fleece lined hoodies with over sized hoods, and 4 new T-shirts (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink Floyd, Link from Zelda, and an NES controller).  We saved over $300!  Those coupons make ALL the difference!  After that, hubby and I ventured out to get some stocking stuffers for the kiddos, and later while wrapping gifts and working on a Thank You gift for a very special lady, we watched Vacation.  We laughed all the way through it!  If you haven’t seen it yet, go rent it…a must see!

I am also working on a very special post that I think you will enjoy.  I’ve never attempted an interview before, so this could prove interesting.  My subject is an insanely talented artist, so you definitely DO NOT want to miss out!

Just wanted to touch base.  Until next time…

My Writing Process

I am a super busy woman, who is constantly on the go. I call myself the “bag lady” because I tote around multiple bags everywhere! My business/blog binder is always with me, and this is where my thoughts are recorded, my plans are implemented, my posts are created, my inventory is accounted for, my goals are made, and my desires are notated. Absolutely everything that I do begins in this binder, and I’ve already had to tape up the seams up after ONLY 5 months of use!

When I write, I go old school; pen to paper, scribbling as fast as I can before I’m interrupted or lose my train of thought. It works best for me! Once I have everything edited how I see fit, I dig out the laptop and type it up. I prefer to wait until I have several things to type, but it doesn’t always work out that way.

I enjoy having the tunes cranked up while I type, and here lately, hubby man has been jamming out during my typing sessions. Yeah!!! Gorillaz, Insane Clown Posse, Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, Korn, and so on… It’s been fantastic!

I always make sure to have my caffeine fix sitting next to me and something to munch on is always a treat, even though that doesn’t happen very often.  So there you have it; my writing process.

So, how about you? What is your writing process?

Tell All Tuesday Series: Are You Reserved?

Question: Do you hold back when you write blog posts?

Answer: Depending on the topic or the people that I am discussing in my posts, I may hold back certain details or keep things vague as to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings. But, with others, I tell it EXACTLY like it is! If you wanted people to share flattering stories about you, then you should have behaved better; end of discussion!!!

The way I write is the way that I live. While I detest controversy and drama, and take every step possible to keep the peace, there are times when my line is crossed. I am very tolerant up until that point, but once you get me riled up, watch out! I am a VERY opinionated woman, and have dealt with just a little too much shit in my time to allow anyone to walk all over me! I will fight you tooth and nail to prove my point, and if you are stupid enough to bring my babies into it, you better believe I’m out for blood!

When I was younger, I had a ferocious temper. I have tamed down quite a bit since becoming a mama, as I didn’t want my babies to suffer repercussions for my actions. But, that little girls still hiding in the shadows, waiting for her opportunity to pounce. I pity the fool who challenges her!

How about you…are you reserved in your writings or do you tell it how it is?

If you want to learn, teach yourself. I did!

Throughout the years, I have obtained the majority of my knowledge on my own.  If I found a topic that interested me, I found a book on the subject.  As the years progressed, the Internet became more readily available, and the content has continued to increase with each passing year.  There is SO much on the web now, you could spend every second for the remainder of your life and still not run out of things to learn.

I decided a couple of years ago that I wanted to learn to crochet.  I went over to YouTube, typed in “Crochet Tutorials for Beginners” and hit search.  I was blown away when I saw the number of videos that catered to that specific title.  YouTube and Pinterest have become my 2 go-to destinations, as nine times out of ten, I can find exactly what I’m looking for there.  So, if you want to learn about something, go for it!  There is NOTHING standing in your way!  Videos, articles, tutorials, webinars, podcasts, blog posts, and the list goes on and on and…

Formal Education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.     –Jim Rohn

What is your self-taught talent?