Yes, I’m a writer, and no, I don’t do taxes.  But I have to pay taxes of course so that’s part of my business.  I’m fortunate though. My husband is a knowledge bookkeeper and tax man and he’s free – for me anyway.

But this is just a friendly reminder that it’s that time of the year.  It’s time to think about getting your taxes done and filing and if you’re like me and scared into a corner by numbers you likely aren’t doing it yourself.  While my husband is free for me he does do Canadian taxes for others for a reasonable fee.  I can’t give you specifics of course because I don’t know you’re situation but if you’re interested then use the Contact Me page to send a message and I’ll make sure he gets back to you.

Don’t let that guy in the picture be you!

So, finally got around to setting my New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Take advantage of real life business opportunities. For the most part I’ve concentrated my business online.  I’ve blogged, built websites, tweeted, etc.  But in real life I haven’t done much.  I’ve got business cards (finally!) and I’ve started working on some real life networking opportunities.  I’m even talking to someone about doing some public speaking – about my almost done e-book (how’s that for inspiration to finish it?) and about writing e-books.
2. Spend about 5 hours a week on my own projects. I tend to get carried away working on clients’ stuff and forget that I had started this project or that project. I know 5 hours a week isn’t a lot but it will be enough that I’ll make progress.
3. Don’t settle for less than I’m worth. I sometimes take writing projects at prices I know are below the quality I deliver.  So this year I’m setting some realistic rates.
4. Write and market 6 e-books this year. Is that too many?  I don’t think so at the moment.  That’s two a month and I know I can do an e-book in 2 months.  I’ve done clients’ e-books in 3 weeks!  So, it is just a  matter of giving it the time it requires.  This isn’t necessarily included in those 5 hours!
5. Make better use of online networking. I need to focus on one or two things so I’m going to focus on the Facebook Fanpage and Twitter.  I’ve already made a good connection on Twitter today!
6. Obtain and keep 3 long-term/regular clients. I’ve already got two that are looking to become long term.  I should know for sure in the next couple of weeks.  But I’d rather have a few regular clients than many clients that are just off and on.  Not that there’s anything wrong with the off and on – they fill in the cracks so they are appreciated!
7. Actually DO the 31 Days to a Better Blog workbook. It’s been sitting in my OneNote for a long time and I really need to put that to work!
8. Master time management. I always say this is my biggest task.  This year, I am planning to plan!
9. Plan time for family and friends – all work and no play makes Danielle a real drag!
10. Plan time for me – all work and no play makes Danielle kind of nutso!

Did you make resolutions (or even just goals – I know some don’t make “resolutions”) this year?  If so, drop a note in the comments and share!  I’d love to see them!