Quarterly Planning for Creatives: A Guide to Goal Setting for Growth
As a service provider, it’s easy to get so caught up in the day-to-day tasks of serving our clients well that we start to lose sight of our long-term vision. And honestly, that’s just fine and dandy if you’re happy with where you are, but if you, (like me), have felt stuck, or stagnant in your business, then a planning sesh might be just the ticket to get you out of the slump.
Just this year (my fourth in business) I started to step more into my CEO role, and one of the things I knew I had to implement was a quarterly goal-planning session. I’ll go ahead and preface this by saying I think annual plans are great, but it’s in breaking things down into 90-day chunks that I’ve been able to really move the needle.
This is my chance to step back and look at the big picture—evaluating progress on those big lofty goals I set back in January, and setting fresh intentions for the next few months. This way, I’m not just “keeping up” but actually working on projects that improve my business and help me grow.
In my quarterly CEO days, I do a deep dive into everything from client management to operational processes. This practice gives me a clear roadmap for the next 90 days and keeps me moving forward without losing sight of the bigger picture.
Quarterly CEO Day Routine: From Reflecting to Goal Setting
Every three months, I set aside a CEO Day (or two!) dedicated to quarterly planning. I’ll admit, I make it a bit of an event—my favorite playlist, a fresh notebook, and no distractions. These days are about getting into CEO mode and planning with the big picture in mind. I like to think I’m a fairly reflective person, so I try to really listen to my intuition (and gather hard facts and data) before I decide what I should be doubling down on, and what we should throw out the window.
1. Review Reflections from the Past Quarter
I kick off my quarterly CEO day by revisiting my weekly reflections from the last few months. This is where all those quick notes about wins, challenges, and ideas come together to tell the bigger story. I’ll look for patterns—what kept showing up in those reflections? Where did we make the most progress, and where did we struggle?
By gathering those insights, I get a much clearer picture of where the business is thriving and where it could use some fine-tuning. It’s a mini-retrospective that helps set the tone for my goals and strategy in the coming quarter.
Missed my weekly CEO day post? Check out how I gather reflections and insights weekly here!
2. Reviewing Finances and Adjusting Revenue Goals
Finances can be a bit of a reality check, and not always the most pleasant, but that’s what makes it so important. During my quarterly CEO day, I review the financial data, including revenue, expenses, and profit margins. I look at trends over the past quarter, which helps me see if we’re on track with our financial goals or if we need to make adjustments.
This process is an opportunity to adjust projections, set new income targets, and create a cash flow plan that supports our growth plans for the upcoming quarter.
3. Client Management and Team Development
Lastly, I take a close look at client management and team development. On the client side, I review feedback, assess project timelines, and look for any ways to improve the client experience. This can include brainstorming new services, streamlining communication, or identifying ways to add more value.
For my team, I assess what’s working, where additional support might be needed, and if any training or resources could help us work more effectively. This last step ensures that everyone on the team has what they need to stay motivated, empowered, and ready to hit our goals for the upcoming quarter.
4. Strategic Goal Setting and Project Mapping
Once I have a feel for what’s working and what’s not, I shift into goal-setting mode. I lay out both big-picture and achievable goals for the next 90 days, making sure they align with my broader vision. This is also when I map out any new projects or initiatives that support those goals, using Asana to outline tasks, deadlines, and any team members involved.
For me personally, my key goals are always to improve processes, update marketing, and find opportunities to surprise and delight our clients. So we’ll likely be looking at plans for projects to help us do just that.
By the end of this session, I have a clear roadmap for the quarter, with steps and due dates. The structure helps me move from vision to actionable plan, and this roadmap keeps everyone in the loop and on target as the weeks go by.
Incorporate Quarterly Goal Planning into Your Business
If you’d like to try a quarterly planning session of your own, start with an afternoon of quiet, dedicated time to reflect on your business. With a bit of planning and intention, you’ll be amazed at how motivating it is to set goals that align with your big-picture vision. The idea is to step out of the daily grind and dive into the heart of it all—what’s working, what isn’t, and where you want to go next.
Need a little more structure to get started? Grab The Creative CEO’s Growth Blueprint! This free guide will help you create an intentional 90-day plan with realistic goals you can follow with confidence and ease.
Download The Creative CEO’s Growth Blueprint and start planning for sustainable growth today!
