#108 - 3 questions you should be asking this year to grow your business

If you’re looking to grow your business this year, here are 3 simple yet transformative questions you can ask yourself. These will help you move forward and see tangible growth: in the clients you attract, the work you create, the money you earn, and the confidence you feel.

By focusing on these, you’ll say a resounding "yes" to your business by the end of the year.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your next step, let me share three ways to get more clarity, and direction and get the wheels moving.

1. “Who do I want to work with this year?” 

The intention is everything. 

This year, ask yourself: Who do you want to work with? 

Whether you're a photographer, blogger, or content creator, get crystal clear on who you want to pursue this year. According to data from Format.com, 83% of photographers work with three or fewer client types, and 37% focus on just one. Why? Focusing on fewer categories allows them to focus on a particular client type, build a strong portfolio to serve that client category, and become the go-to expert in their field.

Choose the clients you want to serve this year. For example, choose client categories like restaurants & magazines. Then direct all your energy toward pitching, creating portfolios, and building relationships with those clients. Clarity and focus will drive your actions, take away the confusion, and second-guessing, and save time in decision-making.

2. “How can I Diversify my Business?”

Are you leaving money on the table? Diversification is a game-changer. It’s about finding additional revenue streams using the skills you already have. Don’t get overwhelmed by the term—think simply. Are you satisfied with your income? If not, consider new ways to expand your offerings.

For instance, a food photographer can offer more than just photos. There’s potential in videography, content creation for global brands, or even teaching. 

Diversification reduces the dependence on a single income stream, increases financial security, and enriches your portfolio. Who doesn’t want these?

As you ask this question, identify one new service or product you can introduce this year. Whether it’s offering video content, hosting workshops, or exploring new client types, take the plunge and start diversifying your income streams.

If you’re interested in finding out all the ways you can diversify your business, I’ve created a mini-course outlining 13 ways to diversify. Check it out HERE.

3. “What is one new skill I will learn this year?”

At the end of each year, we should be able to name at least one new skill we learned. This keeps us on a path of growth, raises our value, and helps us stay competitive.

Something I recently heard from a top entrepreneur was that at the end of of each year, when we look back, we should be able to count atleast 1 or 2 new skills we learnt that year. Imagine, if we continue like that for a few years, we will always be on a path of reinventing ourselves, enriching our skillset, and getting better every year. So, if you haven’t thought about it yet, think about a new skill  you would like to learn this year. 

It does not have to be complicated. Go about it your way. Either choose a skill you want to work on or set a goal that will involve learning a new skill.

It is easiest to identify a skill aligned with your goals for the year. Whether it’s improving your writing, learning new software, or mastering video editing, commit to learning and applying it this year. This will give tangible results, and who knows might become an area of diversification in your business in the future. 

The Ripple Effect of Intentional Actions

Every intentional action creates a ripple effect. By focusing on just three strategies — getting clear on your client this year, diversifying your income, and learning a new skill—you’ll see benefits across your personal and professional life. From financial growth to enhanced skills and confidence, the rewards are inevitable. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a long to-do list. Start with these three, and watch your business transform.