Planning Ahead Without Having to Pivot

The time to have the map is before you enter the woods.
Brendon  Burchard

by Skip Cohen

There are so many times over the years that I've seen artists too reactionary to changes in the business climate. Business is slower than anticipated, and they've decided, without any serious planning, to take a knee-jerk approach to their marketing.

It's great to be able to pivot when needed, but it's important to spend a little time planning your "trip" before you decide you're already lost. That's where the "map" in the quote above comes in. It's thanks to Lou Mitchell, who went on to write:

Entering any new or challenging situation without preparation can lead to confusion and setbacks. By having a clear plan and understanding before starting, we equip ourselves with the tools needed to navigate successfully and reach our goals.

Whether business has been good or bad through the 2026 Spring seasonality, we're headed into summer, a time that can be virtually anything, up or down, in business. Whatever it is, now is the time to think about what you can do to create excitement in the months ahead and set the stage for fall/winter/holiday seasonality.
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• Think about your goals. There's no such thing as over-defined goals.
• What actions do you need to take to meet your expectations?
• What expenses are necessary for the direction you want to take?
• Who in your network can help you the most? Partnerships, when done right, are always win-win.
• What's your plan to track your progress towards your goals? Have you developed a timeline for achieving your goals?
• Do you have the skills and the gear you need to accomplish your goals? And if not, what's the timing on getting what you need?​

The bottom line is simple: What do you need to do to go to sleep at night relaxed and smiling, and wake up the same way in the morning?

There's a great expression in scuba-diving...Plan your dive, dive your plan. You're at the bottom of the ocean with limited air, and you don't want to waste a minute! So you talk with your dive buddy and come up with your plan!

Wishing everybody a terrific weekend ahead, and for all you Dads out there - Happy Father's Day.