2018

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LET'S GET YOUR PLAN ON!
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE
We are so happy you are here and joining us for a planning party.

(yes...I say us, because we will be with you every step of the way – cheering you
on and offering a little bit of tough love every now and then.)

It’s no surprise that businesses who plan outperform those who don’t.

And I’m going to guess you are in business to succeed – based on YOUR
definition of success. This point is incredibly important.

As we dive into the planner, it's so important that you really get clear on what YOU
want. On how YOU want to run your photography business and what your end
goals are.

We all are going to have different goals – and nothing will derail you faster than
trying to set up your business to copy someone else who has entirely different
goals.

So, focus inward. Get honest with yourself. And start setting yourself up to
achieve the things that matter to YOU.

Ready?

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FIRST A QUICK INTRO
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE
And yes, we know the "about" page usually
comes at the end.
By then, you’ve read the whole thing and only THEN find out who you’ve been
‘hanging out with’—and since we’re about to start asking you some rather personal
questions, we thought introductions were in order first.

HI, I'M LISA DIGESO

owner of Milk and Honey Photography + founder
of The Milky Way

I LOVE photography...but, that wasn't always the case. When

I got started 7 years ago, I was so frustrated that my images
didn't match my vision—at all! (Perhaps you can relate?)

My goal is to help create a community of kindness to learn

together (because let's face it, running a photography
business can get lonely).

HI, I’M ERIN BRÛLÉ

the not-so-silent partner at The Milky Way

While I’ve spent some time behind the lens, my heart (and
degree) is in business and marketing. I hope this planner
inspires you to take care of the business side of things too,
even if you feel photography is more fun. (Because you
know what else is fun? Having a profitable business!)

We are on a mission to create a safe learning space for photographers to grow

and lift one another up (while loving every minute of the journey).

Welcome to The Milky Way.

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 2018
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PLANNER BEFORE WE START DREAMING
ABOUT 2018
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE
While we don't recommend going through life
looking in the rearview mirror...
there is so much value in taking an honest look at your last year and reflecting on
the highs, the lows and the moments in between.

We like to say there are no mistakes – only learning experiences. But if we don’t
actually LEARN from the experiences, we are doomed to keep repeating them!

So, I encourage you to NOT skip this section and instead take the opportunity to
celebrate your wins (which is so important to do!) and learn from your mis-steps.

Keep in mind, this is for your eyes only. So be totally honest with yourself.

{ soul-boosting activity }

Before moving on, here’s what we want you to do.

Dig up some photos from the beginning of 2017. Select a few that you think are
pretty representative of what you were shooting at the time. Now pull up some of
your recent photos. Notice a difference?

We’ll bet you do.

Give yourself a pat on the back. A high-five. A big hug.

Now...let’s get to it!

Lisa + Erin

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TIME FOR A LOVE FEST!
REFLECTING
ON 2017

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

What made 2017 awesome?
Spend some time thinking about how you have grown throughout the year. Take
this time to celebrate the wins...big/small, business-related or not! It’s time for one
big happy LOVEFEST!

If you run out of room on these two pages (and you should!), grab another sheet
of paper!

2017 was wonderful because...

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REFLECTING
ON 2017
The areas where I really grew + improved are...
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Things I did that pushed me out of my comfort zone are...

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REFLECTING
ON 2017
What client feedback did I receive that made me all warm and fuzzy inside?
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE (Keep this handy for days you need a boost of confidence.)

What did I love MOST about my business in 2017?

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TIME FOR A LESSON FEST
REFLECTING
ON 2017

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Our path is rarely a straight line.
It’s not always BAD when things don’t go as planned! (But if there is a lesson to be
learned...make sure you take the time to learn it so you don't go down the same
path in 2018!)

Some of the setbacks (and epic failures) were... (this is a good time to release
any guilt or bad feelings...just let it go!)

My takeaways from these setbacks are...

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REFLECTIING
ON 2017
Things I wanted to do and / or learn but didn’t in 2017...
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

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SOME MORE REFLECTING
REFLECTING
ON 2017

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Now take another look at the list on the previous page of things you wanted to do and
learn in 2017 but didn’t. Circle the ones still on your wishlist.

Of those circled, which are the top priorities to move your business forward?

Which ones would be the most fun?

(yup...it’s pretty important to ensure you make fun things a priority too!)

Which parts of your business did you LOVE the most last year?

Which parts of your business sucked the life out of you?

(you know, the things you would put off doing by puttering around on Facebook + Pinterest)

Keep these things in mind when the time comes to plan out 2018!

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PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
REFLECTING
ON 2017

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

While these questions aren’t tied entirely to your business, we’re including them
here because let’s face it – we can’t compartmentalize “business/life/motherhood/
etc” – we are the sum of it all.  And when one area is out of whack – it all feels out
of whack.

What do I want MORE of in my life?

What do I want less of?

What feels out of alignment right now?

What feels completely in alignment right now?

I like to have those written at the top of a page in a journal – and I review and add
to it regularly. Usually by just giving voice to these things, I start to make small
changes to get me on the path that feels better for my soul!

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LET'S TALK NUMBERS
numbers

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

If you are going to move forward this year, you HAVE to know where you’ve been!
If you don’t know these numbers off hand, first...take a guess (sometimes seeing
where you think you are vs where you actually are is very enlightening! And
motivating!)

- =
2017 total sales 2017 expenses* 2017 profit (or loss)

{ for another day }

* Take a HARD look at your expenses. Which ones were necessary for business
growth? Which ones were not necessary?

Now, go figure out those numbers.

....no seriously...go figure them out (we are in no rush!)

You really must, must know these numbers (and you really should be keeping
an eye on them every month so you can adjust your game plan as needed!)

Note: if you are just starting out, there’s a chance your expenses might be MORE
than your sales.

This is the time to be vigilant with your purchases.

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numbers
At the beginning of your photography journey, it is easy to fall into the “I just need
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE this one more thing to be successful." First focus on getting consistent images for
your clients with the tools you already have.

Perhaps you still have some lessons to learn about lighting, posing or editing
(shameless plug coming!!).

If that’s the case, you might be interested in learning more about classes on studio
lighting, newborn posing, editing + more (link to )

Or you might get inspired by a group of instructors in one of our (online) Retreats,
such as the upcoming Newborn + Maternity Retreat or Family Retreat.

BUT...often what you need is just more practice! (And that, my friends, is FREE!)

No amount of reading and watching can take the place of doing.

So be sure you are setting aside time to experiment and play!

Let's talk more numbers.

While we are in ‘practical number mode’ go ahead and note these figures!

How many sessions did you have in 2017? _____________________________

What was your average sale? ________________________________________

What was your highest sale? ________________________________________

What was your lowest sale? _________________________________________

How many hours/week did you work? _________________________________

How much time did you take off? _____________________________________

(as in...really took off...no work at all..and yes, that means no Facebook updates!)

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LET'S TALK ABOUT MARKETING
marketing

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Before you jump into planning next year’s promotions and marketing activities,
take a moment to look back on 2017. Which ones rocked? Which ones tanked?
Which ones were rather ho-hum? And which ones did you ‘mean’ to get to, but
just didn’t pull off because you thought of them too late! (ahem...that new holiday
promotion idea you came up with early November! Write it down now before you
forget!) ALL of your 2017 promos should make it in one of these categories.

Promos that ROCKED! (definitely should do again!)

Promos that TANKED big time.

(skip these for 2018...unless you know what to do differently to turn them around!)

Promos that sort of worked, but didn’t really get you or your clients jazzed up.

(Can you think of a way to modify them to make them more fun for you and your clients?)

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marketing
Promos you had wanted to run (but ran out of time or thought of too late).
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Any good lessons learned in terms of the timing, pricing or lead up to the
promotion? (e.g. Valentine's minis needed more lead-in time to sell to clients, need to
have sample products on hand AT sessions if I want to upgrade packages, etc)

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ONE MORE THING
marketing

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

... and it's rather important.
What is your big WHY? As in, WHY do you want to have a photography business?
How do you want it to add to your life? How do you want it to make you feel?

It’s so very, very important to understand WHY you are doing all this...so you can
make sure that when you are setting up your goals, it is supporting your ‘WHY’
(re-examine your whys at least once a quarter...they can change, and you want to
be sure that the business you are building still supports them!!!)

List all your WHYs here (and please don’t get altruist here...if you want to have
your own business to work less, or make more money, or be with your kids more,
list it here! You need to know what you are working towards!)

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A NOTE FROM LISA
lessons learned

Before we get to planning and

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

dreaming about 2018, I want to

re-share five lessons I learned the
hard way (so you can watch out for
them!). (I say re-share because I've
shared these before). However, I find
I need to remind myself often, so I
encourage you to review!

The five lessons I want to share are...

1. Why you need (and should want!) big beautiful boundaries.

2. The reason should-landia is NOT a place to linger.
3. How comparison is the THIEF of joy...and how to avoid it.
4. Finding ‘happy places’ and ditching ‘soul suckers.’
5. Why you need to UNPLUG to recharge.

1. Boundaries! (Yes! You need them!)

I really can’t stress this one enough. You NEED to have clear boundaries...not just
for your clients, but for yourself (otherwise, you’ll end up driving yourself—AND
your family—crazy!).

By nature, I like to say “yes!” far more than I say “no”—and I am a ‘people-pleaser.’
Without clear boundaries, this is a recipe for disaster! Sliding in an extra two
sessions in an already full schedule...oh sure, no problem. Get your images back
in 24 hours because Aunt Mary is going to be here? Oh..OK! A client emails me a
question at 6:30PM on a Saturday, well, of course I’ll zip to my office to get back
to them RIGHT then, instead of enjoying the meal with friends (without my iPhone
flashing notifications at me).

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lessons learned
Any of these sound familiar? Yeah...time to get boundaries set! Remember, these
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE don't have to be set in stone (if you happen to resist routine like I do!) I realize your
schedule will vary week to week, but having some general guidelines is a good
place to start.

Work days (and no...checking all seven days here is NOT a good idea!)

o monday o tuesday o wednesday o thursday o friday o saturday o sunday

Work hours

Times I respond to email

Yes...your client may have emailed YOU at 9PM, but, do you really NEED to email back
within 10 minutes?

Types of sessions I’ll take

Turnaround time for client galleries: ___________________________________

Studio policies on deposits + product orders:

Facebook time: ___________________________________________________

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lessons learned

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

2. Should-landia is no place to linger!
Ever find yourself living in “Should-landia?” You KNOW what I’m talking about!

I should have a better workflow to stay organized. I should make a better file
naming system. I should be making more money by now. I should be eating
healthier. I should have starting doing “X” in my business four months ago.

Yeah... “Should-landia.”

Also known as the-land-that-holds-no-purpose-in-our-lives-other-than-to-make-

us-feel-bad-and-rob-us-of-energy-to-move-forward.

Seriously. Here’s the thing. “Shoulds” usually surface for one of two reasons:

1. You take on what you feel other people believe you ‘should do’ (whether real
or imagined) and add it to your own ‘should do’ list.
2. There is something you REALLY want to do, but moving forward on it pushes
you out of your comfort zone (so instead, you stay in the safe zone
of ‘should’).

I want you to write down every single ‘should’ statement you’ve had (and keep this
paper handy...because when a ‘should statement’ pops up, I want you to write it down!

Thoughts living in ‘Should-landia': I should...

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lessons learned

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Now, ask yourself, this....

“Dear self, do you REALLY believe this “should” statement?

Does it feel right TO YOU?”

If the answer is no, toss the thought aside (why carry guilt about something you
don’t even believe in?).

If it’s YES, lay off the excuses and MAKE. IT. HAPPEN.
(yes...that is my loving kick in the pants!)

3. Comparison is the THIEF of joy! (~ Theodore Roosevelt)

You know exactly what I’m talking about. You start feeling pretty good about your
photos...then you take a peek at a couple of photographers you admire, and
suddenly, you feel lousy.

GG Why don’t my images look like that?

GG I wish my editing style was similar.
GG I can never get newborns to relax into props.
GG My maternity lighting is so boring compared to that.
GG and so on...and so forth.

My friends, please, please pretty please, do not compare your chapter 1 (or 2 or
3) to someone else’s middle. I know that’s cliché, and you hear it all the time. But
please. Take one minute to really absorb this.

Comparison is the thief of joy.

When I started out, I literally had to ‘un-follow’ dozens of other photography pages
because each time one of their images popped up in my feed, I felt deflated (and
then...jealous—eek! The green monster!)

After I took a bit of a newsfeed break and focused on MY work, MY style, and MY
growth, I suddenly began feeling a whole lot more secure.

And I was able to look at photographers I admired, and feel excited to push myself
(but that only happened once I got past the need to compare my work with theirs).
I’m not saying this is an EASY thing to do...but oh so necessary.

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lessons learned
So...when you find yourself feeling jealous or deflated after seeing someone else’s
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE work or hearing about their business, first ask:

GG WHY am I feeling this way?

GG What part of this story am I longing for?
GG Where am I feeling insecure right now?

See if you can pinpoint it...and work on it!

If knowing what part of the story resonates with you and motivates you to take
action—awesome! But, if it just makes you feel lousy, cut it out of your life.

Seriously.

Unlike their page. Stop looking at their blog.

Focus on YOU!

4. Happy Places and Soul Suckers

The internet opened up a whole new world for us. Information, tutorials, online
classes, and forums are now at our fingertips (24/7).

We can connect with other photographers on their journey. There is, however, a
dark side to the great big interweb, and it’s what we refer to as ‘soul suckers.’

These are the things / people / online spaces that deflate you.

Places that undermine your confidence. And bring out your own negative nelly!

These can totally sneak up on you. What started as a space of growth and
encouragement can quickly spiral into a negative vortex.

How do you know when you’re in a negative vortex? You'll see posts that are:

GG complaining about clients who are cheap/don’t value work/are unreasonable

GG blaming new “shoot n’ burn” photographers for wrecking the industry
GG knocking of other photographers' editing/posing/pricing...ANYTHING!
GG those silly ‘you really think we charge too much’ posts (read our thoughts on
those here!)

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lessons learned
Generally speaking, you have accidentally found yourself in a group that may have
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE some insecure individuals, who are feeling a little burned out, and are unwilling to
‘step up’ in their business and life. You might say they’ve adopted a wee bit of a
‘victim mindset.’

However, YOU have the power to change your business. And your life.

{ side note }
I once found myself in a forum that quickly turned into the place to complain about
‘new shoot n’ burn’ photographers and...clients! (what!?!) Now, you can’t control
other people, but I can tell you this...when you are in a space filled with positive,
nurturing, supportive people, Negative Nellies don’t linger! And, when you are in a
space filled with people caught in a negative vortex, your positive people run for
the hills (which tends to make it an even BIGGER negative vortex).

So, if you found this has happened – no worries. Just get the heck out!

A note on receiving feedback online:

If you WANT constructive feedback, ask for it. Then be prepared to accept it (yes...
it can sting. But you will learn a lot faster by seeking input). If you just want to share
an image you are proud of but don't want ‘feedback’ on it—say so!

A note on giving feedback:

Remember you are speaking to a real human (with feelings!) Help them grow.

There is no need to sugar coat, but try to find something you love about the
image, then offer a tip to improve it. If someone hasn’t asked for feedback
(especially if it’s on their business page)—for pete’s sake...don’t chime in with your
two cents!

(How do you think the client feels when they read something like, “oh..too many
props in that one!” or “I wouldn’t have tucked in the shirt.”)

We know YOU wouldn’t do that...but if you see a colleague doing it, maybe send a
little note of encouragement to leave that kind of behavior behind!

And when someone is GIVING you constructive feedback, remember, they too are a
human (with feelings, who have taken the time to provide you with their thoughts).

But soul suckers aren't just found in the form of online forums. As I mentioned in

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lessons learned
#3, perhaps there is a particular blog you follow that leaves you feeling frustrated
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE or unsure of yourself.

Maybe there are some particular photographers you follow and admire...but
instead of feeling inspired when their work fills your newsfeed, you feel bummed
out. My friends...it’s time to limit or cut off your exposure to these things.

List all the places/online spaces that bring you down (limit your time here...or
better yet, cut it out entirely if possible!):

Now list all the places/online space that LIFT YOU UP (spend your time here)!

(psst...if you aren’t part of it already, The Milky Way’s free Facebook group,
The Joyful Photographer is a safe, positive place to connect with like-minded
photographers!) This year, focus on filling up this second list and deleting those
things on your first list! IMPORTANT: also remember to take responsibility for the
energy YOU bring into a space. If you just had a really bad experience, perhaps
the space to vent is one-on-one with a close friend (not in an online forum!)

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lessons learned

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

5. Unplug (to recharge)
We all NEED to unplug from time to time.

Not only for our sanity and our relationships, but to be productive at work.

We talk about how being constantly plugged in is one of the biggest productivity
killers. You stay in a constant reactive state and your own original ideas and
creativity are smothered by constant messages.

We’re calling for a group intervention—the Unplug Challenge!

Here’s what we propose you try!

GG checking email: three 10 minute checks throughout the day (morning, noon,
and 4pm)
GG Facebook: three 10 minute check-ins throughout the day to respond, comment
and share info
GG random inspiration browsing: two 15 minute blocks throughout the day
GG two days per week COMPLETELY (and we do mean completely) unplugged

In between those reactive tasks, you should try to create blocks of productive
work. That could be a 90 minute editing session, a 2 hour blogging spree or one
hour of examining your customer experience process to see if there are things
that need tweaking.

We can’t multitask. That’s simply being distracted.

One task at a time. (This is soooo hard for me!)

Here’s the second part of this equation though…and it’s something we need to
collectively work on as a society.

We must stop expecting an immediate response. And we need to be

OK with it!

Seriously. We need to call off the (slightly unreasonable) expectation that everyone
will respond to us immediately (and getting really annoyed when it doesn’t come).

Ever find yourself tapping your foot impatiently because you had to wait 20
minutes for an email response? How about waiting a whole day?

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lessons learned
(hey…we’ve been there…we’re not proud!)
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

You see, someone might have decided to take the afternoon off. Or the day. Or
even TWO WHOLE DAYS away from the computer.

That’s OK, right? I mean, if it’s for something that’s incredibly urgent, there’s usually
a phone number available—right?

So, part two of the pledge is to be OK when people take time to respond.

We’ll all be happier for it—promise!

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 2018
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PLANNER WOOHOO!
2018 income goal
LET'S BRING ON 2018!
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE
You DID complete the previous sections right? Especially the section on your
numbers. If you skipped over it, head back. Really. Otherwise, you are flying
BLIND!

We’re creating a 2018 PLAN here...

not a ‘someday I might do this’ list.
Listen, we are all for BIG THINKING, but you also need to be a realist, and
ensure you outline concrete action steps to get you to your goal. In order to be
actionable...they need to be do-able...so think big, but plan small steps!

First, we want you to identify one word you want to FEEL about your business.
Write it in the space below. It might be creative, joyful, busy, successful, calm,
inspired...there is no right or wrong answer. The key is to ensure that you set up
your business to fulfill YOUR desires.

_______________________________________________________________

And now...write down

your 2018 sales goal:

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PLANNER NOW... HOW ARE WE
GOING TO GET THERE?
getting there

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

OK, the goal has been stated! Are you shaking a little? Yes? Good...that means you
are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Now, let’s start thinking about how
you are going to reach this goal.

What is my current average sale? _____________________________________

How many sessions will I need to do to reach my goal given this average sale?

Is this a manageable number of sessions? o YES o NO

What can I do to increase my average sale?

(And/or) How can I increase the number of times a client books with me
in a year?

{ side note }
Remember the Pareto Principle...which, when used as a rule of thumb in business
suggests that 80% of your sales will come from 20% of your clients. For me, that
isn't *quite* accurate, but I definitely have loyal clients that come back serveral
times each year! So, it would be worth some time brainstorming ways to get your
current clients back more!

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getting there
On Page 9, you identified the top priorities you need to work on to move your
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE business forward. Re-read that list. Are there any other priorities you want to
add for 2018? If so, add them here.

Do any of these items require you to learn new skills? If so, list the skills you
need to work on this year: (eg: selling techniques, marketing, website, studio lighting,
outdoor lighting, newborn posing, editing, etc)

Start researching different resources to help build up your skill set: (e-courses,
online retreats, in-person workshops, books, forums, websites, mentoring opportunities)

Remember...sometimes what we really need is PRACTICE (not another course!)

We offer classes and online retreats, so we obviously love them—but, if you
already have the knowledge, don’t spend more time and MONEY until you’ve
practiced what you've already learned! Budget money and time according to your
needs. We are quick to run out and buy the latest action set, prop or template
design...but rarely will that move our business forward! Prioritize based on what
gives you a return on investment!

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PLANNER IDEAL TIME MANAGEMENT
VS REALITY (PT. 1)
TIME MANAGEMENT

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

We usually have pretty good intentions of how we are going to spend our working
hours. This rarely involves scrolling through Facebook for hours on end, and yet...
that can happen when you aren’t mindful of your time.

In the following pages, fill in the timelines showing what typical activities you are
doing on a shoot day, an office day and a play day (you DO have those, right?).
You may wake up before 6AM, and go to bed later than 10PM...but, we put those
times in because we want you to really, REALLY think about how much (or little!)
sleep you are getting. Being overtired is a dangerous thing...it wreaks havoc on
our bodies!

Get out some coloured markers! How do you feel when you see how your time is
spent? See any adjustments you would like to make? If you do not see any large
blocks of time scheduled, you may be wasting time ‘multi-tasking.’ Instead, try
setting aside blocks of time to get editing, newsletters, blogging, etc done! Don't
forget to schedule in time for learning and practicing...seriously...those things don't
just "happen on their own"—you need to make them happen!

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time management
Shooting Day
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE
6AM 10AM 2PM 6PM

7AM 11AM 3PM 7PM

8AM NOON 4PM

8PM

9AM 1PM 5PM

9PM+

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time management
Office Day
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

6AM 10AM 2PM 6PM

7AM 11AM 3PM 7PM

8AM NOON 4PM 8PM

9AM 1PM 5PM 9PM+

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time management
Play Day
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

6AM 10AM 2PM 6PM

7AM 11AM 3PM 7PM

8AM NOON 4PM 8PM

9AM 1PM 5PM 9PM+

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LET'S PLAN 2018
2018 plan

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

On the pages that follow, we have some monthly planning sheets, along with
a 2018 calendar (in case you don’t have one you can scribble all over!) We
recommend printing them out, putting them in a binder, and reviewing OFTEN!!

The key is to create realistic goals.

They can make you stretch. But you want to ensure that you have a manageable
amount of to-do items on your list. Otherwise, it is WAY too easy to throw your
hands up and say, “I’ll never get that done!”

Also, it’s a good idea to try to focus on one or two key areas in your business
each month (or quarter).

We've moved to the 90 day planning method, as it seems to be enough time to

accomplish some pretty large projects, but short enough that you need to be
focused to hit your deadlines! However, some projects don't need more than a
couple weeks to get done.

For example, if the next thing you would like to work on is refining your newborn
posing and reworking your policies, give yourself a reasonable amount of time
to work on the tasks. (Note: don't give yourself TOO much time...or you'll fall prey
to Parkinson's Law...where "work expands so as to fill the time available for its
completion.") But, make sure you are filling your blocks of time with activities that
are productive, not just activities that keep you busy. There is a BIG difference!

If you are revamping policies, don’t just update a few words here and there...really
look at each item. What’s been working? What’s been confusing? Have you run
into any situations this past year with a client because of an unclear policy? We've
heard you should try to mention important points at least three times (people
scan!) If this is on your list, you can check out some done-for-you contracts over at
TheLawTog.

Working on posing? Or lighting? Set aside time to PRACTICE! Learning about it is

one thing, but the real changes happen when you DO!

And, don’t miss the ‘NOT WORK’ related items. It is so easy to keep putting off
the dinner with friends, date with partner, massage, etc—but it is critical to your
happiness that you don’t!

PAGE 32
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER THINGS I WANT
TO DO THIS YEAR { not business related }
2018 plan

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Make sure you have several of these listed in your monthly plan! (You saw
what "all work and no play" did to Jack, right?)

PAGE 33
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER THINGS TO
MOVE MY BUSINESS FORWARD
2018 plan

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Ensure that the priorities you identified on Pages 8 and 26 make this list. And
throughout the year, add to this...then use this list to fill in your monthly plan...
breaking it down to weekly and daily plans!

PAGE 34
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER
LET'S DO A BRAIN DUMP
2018 plan

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Use this page to list ALL the ideas you have for your business and things
that are currently swirling around in your head. Don't worry about putting them
in order; just write it all down! Keep this somewhere handy...and when you get
another idea, or come across another resource, jot it down here.

Now, put a star beside the ones that are time-sensitive and need to get done and
the ones that will move your business forward the quickest.

These are the first ones to focus on when filling in your planning sheets.

PAGE 35
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER
SAMPLE: MONTHLY PLAN
MONTHLY
PLANNERS

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE INCOME GOAL: $4500 NOTES:

put school and summer holidays in calendar

THINGS UNRELATED TO WORK THAT
look into local biz networking groups
I WANT TO FOCUS ON:
use Christmas spa gift certificate!
Moving my body 3 times a week!
Date night with my hubby!
Getting more sleep (in bed by 9 twice a week!)

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS + MARKETING ACTIVITIES

seasonal mini sessions (to get custom greeting cards)

Canvas sale (on any 2017 session)

AREAS TO FOCUS ON TO MOVE BUSINESS FORWARD

(Try to focus on one or two - otherwise you will end up with too many things on your plate and it will feel
impossible to accomplish!)

Learn new wrapping techniques

Add new products to ‘menu’ for clients (canvas + photo blocks)
Work on in-person sales presentation (book one trial!)

PAGE 36
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER MONTHLY
MONTHLY
PLANNERS
PLANNER month

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE INCOME GOAL: NOTES:

THINGS UNRELATED TO WORK THAT

I WANT TO FOCUS ON:

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS + MARKETING ACTIVITIES

AREAS TO FOCUS ON TO MOVE BUSINESS FORWARD

PAGE 37
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER
SAMPLE: WEEKLY PLAN
WEEKLY PLANNER
SHEET

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

MY WEEKLY "GET IT DONE" LIST

Looking at the top items you need to work on, pick 3-5 to work on this week ( unless
they are really big projects...then just pick 1 or 2 ). Write them down in this space.
Work on these, and only these for the week (unless a time-sensitive matter comes up). 

MY WEEKLY WORK HOURS NOTES

mon: _

tues:
By thinking about how
much time you have in the
wed: coming week, you can set
thurs:
realistic goals. 
fri: Be sure to schedule days
sat: O F F!
sun:

PAGE 38
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER WEEKLY { week of }
WEEKLY PLANNER
SHEET
PLANNER
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

MY WEEKLY "GET IT DONE" LIST

MY WEEKLY WORK HOURS NOTES

mon: _

tues:

wed:

thurs:

fri:

sat:

sun:

PAGE 39
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER
SAMPLE: DAILY PLAN
DAILY PLANNER
SHEET

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

TODAY'S what hours are DAILY SCHEDULE

jot down any WORK
business HOURS
you working?  7-8am_______________________
development 8-9am_______________________
ideas here...
review them TODAY'S MUST DOs 9-10am______________________
when setting 10-11am______________________
next week's plan  Create a realistic set of tasks for today This is the place to note
11am-noon___________________
based on the hours you're working today
and your weekly priority list. appointments,
noon-1pm____________________

and to schedule your

1-2pm_______________________
We aren't really capable of multi-
tasking, so focus on one task at a time 'til work ... e.g. "2-3pm
2-3pm_______________________
it 's done. Break large projects into small return client emails and
3-4pm_______________________
tasks so you have a sense of completion.
telephone calls" or
4-5pm_______________________

"8-9pm proof
5-6pm_______________________

and publish blog post "

6-7pm_______________________
DON'T FORGET:
7-8pm_______________________
FF ____________________________
FF ____________________________ 8-9pm_______________________
FF ____________________________
don't forget about "real life" ... this is 9pm+_______________________
FF ____________________________
FF the place to jot down reminders like
____________________________
FF "get groceries" or "make cupcakes for
____________________________ BIG PICTURE GOAL REMINDER:

FF school bake sale" or "schedule dentist

____________________________ make sure your activities are getting you closer!
________________________________________

FF appointment " or "make reservation for

____________________________
WHAT'S MAKING ME SMILE TODAY:
FF ____________________________
date night "
FF ____________________________ take a moment to reflect on what you're
________________________________________

FF ____________________________ grateful for today!

________________________________________

FF ____________________________ ________________________________________

PAGE 40
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER DAILY { today is }
DAILY PLANNER
SHEET
PLANNER
DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

TODAY'S DAILY SCHEDULE

WORK
HOURS 7-8am_______________________

8-9am_______________________

TODAY'S MUST DOs 9-10am______________________

10-11am______________________

11am-noon___________________

noon-1pm____________________

1-2pm_______________________

2-3pm_______________________

3-4pm_______________________

4-5pm_______________________

5-6pm_______________________

6-7pm_______________________
DON'T FORGET:
7-8pm_______________________
FF ____________________________
FF ____________________________ 8-9pm_______________________
FF ____________________________
9pm+_______________________
FF ____________________________
FF ____________________________
FF ____________________________ BIG PICTURE GOAL REMINDER:

FF ____________________________ ________________________________________

FF ____________________________
WHAT'S MAKING ME SMILE TODAY:
FF ____________________________
FF ____________________________ ________________________________________

FF ____________________________ ________________________________________

FF ____________________________ ________________________________________

PAGE 41
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER
ONE FINAL NOTE
one final note

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

Don't feel like you need to sit down and fill out the entire planner in one
sitting – unless you become totally inspired and the ideas are flowing out of you
(then roll with it!)

But, be kind to yourself. If you are stuck on some things, leave them for a
while. Give yourself some time to let the subconscious go to work. It really is a
marvellous, under-used asset!

{ shameless plug }
If you need a little help with your lighting, posing or editing, be sure to take a peek
at our online classes and online retreats.

We also have an incredible group of photographers who help one another grow in
a kind, supportive (drama-free) community!  Find us at The Joyful Photographer on
Facebook.

If you would like to share some ‘aha’ moments from this planner, offer feedback, or
just say hi, drop us a line at [email protected].

Hugs,

Lisa + Erin
TheMilkyWay.ca

PAGE 42
 2018
YEARLY
PLANNER
SHARING IS CARING
one final note

DOODLE & NOTE ZONE

LET'S BE SOCIAL! If you know someone who would enjoy
a copy of this planner, please share!
WEB • FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM • PINTEREST (We just have one itty bitty favour
to ask!)

Could you kindly send them the link

below so they can get their own copy...
that way we can also make sure they
receive the extra free printables we're
working on!

(Plus...this gift is for our Milky Way

family—so we want to be sure they are
IN the family!)

http://themilkyway.ca/freeyearlyplanner

PAGE 43
2018 AT A GLANCE
JANUARY 2018 FEBRUARY 2018 MARCH 2018
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

APRIL 2018 MAY 2018 JUNE 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
29 30 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JULY 2018 AUGUST 2018 SEPTEMBER 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 30 1
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

OCTOBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 DECEMBER 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 30 31 1
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

2018 HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS

January 1............... New Year's Day May 21...................... Victoria Day [can] October 8............. Thanksgiving [can]
January 15............. Martin Luther King Jr. Day [us] May 28......................Memorial Day [us] and Columbus Day [us]
February 14........... Valentine's Day June 17................... Father's Day October 31............ Hallowe'en
February 19........... Presidents Day [us] July 1....................... Canada Day [can] November 11......... Remembrance Day / Veteran's Day
March 17................ St. Patrick's Day July 2...................... Canada Day [observed] November 22...... Thanksgiving [us]
March 30............... Good Friday July 4...................... Independence Day [us] December 24...... Christmas Eve
April 1...................... Easter Sunday August 6................ Civic Holiday [some can] December 25...... Christmas
April 2..................... Easter Monday September 3........ Labour Day [can and us] December 26...... Boxing Day [can]
May 13.................... Mother's Day December 31........ New Year's Eve
JANUARY 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6

new year's day

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

martin luther
king
jr. day (us)

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

DECEMBER 2017 FEBRUARY 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

31 1 2 1 2 3

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28
FEBRUARY 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

valentine's day

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

presidents day
(us)

25 26 27 28

JANUARY 2018 MARCH 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
MARCH 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

st. patrick's day

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

good friday

FEBRUARY 2018 APRIL 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 30 1

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

25 26 27 28 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
APRIL 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

easter easter monday

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

MARCH 2018 MAY 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31
MAY 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

mothers' day
canada + us

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

victoria day
canada

27 28 29 30 31

memorial day
us

APRIL 2018 JUNE 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

30 1 1 2

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
JUNE 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

fathers' day
canada + us

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

MAY 2018 JULY 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31
JULY 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

canada day canada day independence day

canada (observed) us

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

JUNE 2018 AUGUST 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 1 2 3 4

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31
AUGUST 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

civic holiday
canada

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

JULY 2018 SEPTEMBER 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 30 1

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
SEPTEMBER 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

labor day
canada + us

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 AUGUST 2018 OCTOBER 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31
OCTOBER 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

thanksgiving
canada
columbus day
us

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

hallowe'en
canada + us

SEPTEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

30 1 1 2 3

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30
NOVEMBER 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

rememberance
day / veterans day
canada + us

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

thanksgiving
us

25 26 27 28 29 30

OCTOBER 2018 DECEMBER 2018

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 30 31 1

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
DECEMBER 2018
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

christmas eve christmas day boxing day

canada + us canada + us canada

30 31 NOVEMBER 2018 JANUARY 2019

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
new year's eve
25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31
canada + us