Learn to Love the P Word…Planning

Are you a naturally organized person? Did you get that special organizing gene at birth? I’m jealous!

Keeping all the aspects of a business organized and running smoothly is difficult at best, especially if you don’t have a system or a plan of what to do and when. Even if you have a big-picture plan for where you want to be in five years, you need a daily plan to complete your admin tasks, along with your marketing and content creation. It’s enough to make your head spin, isn’t it?

Daily Task List

Creating a plan of action or a daily task list will keep you organized and focused from the moment you sit down to do work. You know exactly what has to get done without question. You’ll know when to write blog posts, when to send emails, when to do your billing, and when to schedule your client calls.

Make Yourself a Client

As much as you want a full calendar, leave some space for yourself to complete your administrative tasks. Running your business is just as important as caring for your clients, so prioritize your business tasks, including content creation. Blocking time is a popular way to schedule longer tasks, such as writing blog posts or managing email marketing. Set aside an hour or two, write up those posts or emails, schedule them, and then move on to the next list item. If you block enough time, you’ll eventually have two or three (or more!) pieces of content ready to publish at any given time, which will relieve some stress.

Eliminate Writer’s Block with a Content Creation Plan

No more sitting at the computer to write a blog post, only to stare at a blank screen with no thoughts. Schedule some time on your calendar to plan your writing, video recording, or other content creation —not only when you’ll get it done, but also the topics you’ll discuss. Create an editorial calendar and make a note of important topics or themes. Is there a big event coming up in your city or your niche? Write about it. Interview panelists and speakers. Become an affiliate for those companies sponsoring the event. Are you planning the launch of your signature product? Schedule special content around the launch date.

Outsource Your Content Creation

If creating content isn’t your strength, hire a writer to do it for you. But remember, you still need to have a plan or an editorial calendar. This way, your writer has firm deadlines to meet, and you will have a stress-free outsourcing experience.

Want to plan your Social Media posts?

I’ve got a planner to help you get organized and focused! The “Social Media Posting Planner” is all about working smarter, not harder, when it comes to creating content and creating good habits. If you’re tired of “flying by the seat of your pants” when it comes to creating content, then this 28-page workbook is what you need to plan your effective social media posting strategy!

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Tracey Lee Davis is the founder of ZingPop Social Media, where she helps turn small business owners into online marketing rockstars! A social media coach, Certified Content Marketing Strategist, and long-time Certified Constant Contact Partner, Tracey Lee empowers entrepreneurs to amplify their impact with savvy social media strategies and standout email marketing.

A sought-after speaker for associations and business groups, she has earned accolades such as Silicon Valley Business Journal's Silicon Valley Woman of Influence and Alignable's Local Business Person of the Year for San Jose (2018-2025). Tracey Lee also serves as the Co-Owner and Vice President of the Women's Networking Alliance, a thriving community for women business owners.

When she's not helping businesses pop, you can find her devouring books, geeking out over comic book movies (with an obligatory mountain of popcorn), or on the hunt for her next cheese fix.