2010 – Bring it on!

Earlier this week I posted a review of 2009. I went through the ups and downs and tried to understand why the year went as it went. Summarizing 2009 helped me identify the strengths and the weaknesses and in such situations I believe it is important to focus on the strengths.

I believe one should always focus energy on strengths and not spend time trying to improve weaknesses. Being very good at a few things is better than being just good overall.

iStockphoto was strong

Getty Images was weak

Focusing my portfolio was strong

Not investing money wisely was weak

2010 should be a better year and to achieve that, I am going to outline the goals I set for myself. Defining proper goals is important and for that I used the SMART methodology.

To keep you updated, I will post quarterly blog posts with a report on how I am doing on my goals. Sharing the goals and quarterly reports with you will motivate me and help me stick to them. You can always snap at me, if I miss my targets!

Goal 1: Increase Production by 25%

In 2008 I produced 111 images and in 2009 I produced 110. In 2010 I want to increase image production by 25%, which results in 138 images.

Goal 2: Sell Exclusively on iStockphoto

All imagery I produce in 2010 will be sold exclusively on iStockphoto. The aim is to reduce sales channels and the efforts associated with selling. This will also apply to paid jobs: in 2010 I will not actively search for paid jobs anymore and will only do them if my complete fee is paid.

I want to focus my efforts on the sales channel which brings the highest reward. A side-goal will be to have 15% of my 2010 images accepted in the premium Vetta Collection.

Goal 3: Reduce Production Costs by 25%

My production costs consist mainly of studio rental, hair and make up, wardrobe styling, model fees and equipment rental. My costs in 2009 were almost double those of 2008, for the same amount of images. In 2010 I must invest wisely: I will reduce my overall costs by 25%.

Goal 4: 50% of my Images will be Produced On Location Outside the Studio

Working on location is challenging, technically, logistically and creatively, but more rewarding, personally and financially. In 2010 50% of all images should be produced outside the studio.

Goal 5: Produce Two Photography Workshops in the Area of Glamour Lighting

In 2006 and 2007 I organized and carried out workshops for iStockphoto. Those were fun experiences and I want to repeat. This time the workshops will focus on the area of photography in which I am most active: commercial glamour. The first one should be in early Spring.

And finally (not a goal because it is not measurable) I want to continue working on this blog, improving my relationship with my readers, sharing tips and tricks and learning from you.

So there you go! Those will be the 5 goals guiding all my business decisions this year! The challenge will be to keep quality while increasing production and reducing costs. I believe this is possible.

What do you think? Possible or impossible? What goals did you set for 2010? How are you monitoring them? I would be interesting in learning about them, post a link!