Do you use a planner?

Building a brand starts with proper planning but where do you keep those plans? Where do you write down those ideas and keep track of them? There’s a reason why planners are so popular. In fact, I might even say they are essential. 

Using a planner to make a list of your ideas and goals is a good idea. Depending on what type of planner it is, you can make it multi-purpose, where you have your personal and business ideas in there. Now, when you start using one for your business, there are a few ways to use it.

I recommend keeping your why at the beginning of the planner so you can keep referring back to it on those hard days when you’re second-guessing your decision. 

The best types of planners are those that let you see everything in real time and has a place to keep your thoughts. It should also help you schedule your time effectively – how many people sit down to do one thing and your thoughts start going from one thing to the next? I’m raising my hand right now, even though you can’t see me.

What should you put in your planner?

As an entrepreneur – everything. The mind carries tons of information every single minute. Between trying to get your to-do list done, forgetting appointments, writing down new tasks and goals, you’ll always have a place to go when you’re wondering, what was that idea I had?

Nothing is too small. Write it all down and thank yourself later. You can go a step further and carve time out at the end of each day to review what you wrote down and plan out what needs to be done the next day. That’s self-care. Some people even plan their week on Sunday. As an entrepreneur though, you know how quickly things can change.

What type of planner?
 Your planner should have enough room to write down ideas for inspiration. While it’s primary use is to check things off and make sure you don’t miss anything, you really want to keep your ideas and dreams there to stay inspired. 

You should have space to work on your business and not just in your business. Make sure you add in self-care practices. When you write them down, you’re more apt to get them done.

Okay, let’s talk about some of the reasons you should use a planner:

1.       Time management

Although I touched on it, it’s really important. You’ll be able to schedule events, errands, appointment, and of course “me time” because that’s important too. When you start putting yourself on a schedule, setting specific due dates and deadlines, you will start appreciating the fact that you did. You may even find extra time to do the things you always seem to run out of time for. 

2.       Productivity
 Being productive isn’t just seeming like you’re busy. It means you’re getting things done. Productivity is important at work and in everyday life. When it comes to your brand, planning can help you stay on track with each task you need to complete. Actually, it feels really good crossing things off. When you can see you’re making progress, it pushes you to keep going.

3.       Stress relief
 Planners can help alleviate stress. When you have a lot of things going around and around in your mind, it can add additional pressure to your thoughts because you’re feeling like everything has to get done right then. Think about how fulfilling it is to seamlessly go from one thing to the next without worrying that you’ve missed something, are running late, or have to reschedule meetings or other things at the last minute.

4.       Health Benefits
 Yes, planners help you stay healthy because you can track and write down how you feel when certain projects are coming up. One of the things I think is most important is making sure you take time to walk away, walk outside, get some fresh air and vitamin D. You know, mental health benefits help you work better, which makes your brand better. Journaling pages to write down thoughts and ideas work wonders.

5.    Creativity

When you use a planner, you’ll be able to write down those creative ideas and actually see something tangible. That helps in deciding if you want to move forward, or even put it to the side for a time. This is a place where you can dream and manifest ideas for your brand.

6.       Keeping Records
 Your planner is a great place to keep records of what happens and when. When you signed certain contracts. When you ordered things. When you decided the date of a campaign. You may have other places where this information is but having those dates easily accessible when you need them makes a difference.

Using a planner for your brand helps you become more ambitious because you can see your ideas on paper, you’ll be more consistent, and you won’t miss important things.

You’ll be able to plan out your days, weeks, months, and years, and guess what? Some of those things you can share, and some you keep to yourself.

Every good strategy starts with a plan. Use your planner to help create the foundational strategy behind your brand. You’ll be able to look back and see how far you’ve come, what things can be restructured, and more. 

Thank yourself later.