Many creative types tend to operate in more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants mode because they don’t like the idea of being pinned down. Maybe you can relate?

However, if you’re a creative entrepreneur who wants sustainable success in your business, a haphazard approach probably won’t get you the results you want and will most likely leave you spinning your wheels and worn out.

Instead of just hoping that a client will find you or merely promoting whatever product is your bright-shiny object of the day, consider bringing a little bit of strategic planning to the party.

You don’t have to confine yourself to a strict calendar or project manage your launch to death. How ’bout embracing a very simple structure from Mother Nature herself?

Here’s a fun visual tool that can help you start thinking more long-term – my Seasonal Planning Play Sheet from my second book Building Your Business the Right-Brain Way.

You can use the play sheet to brainstorm key events, activities, holidays, or themes that are relevant to your perfect customers at certain times of the year. Then align your offers to those seasonal opportunities.

For example, here in the Northern Hemisphere Summer will be here before we know it so it’s good to get ahead of the game. Are there certain summer-related themes that you can tie your offer in to? Things like summer fun (creativity, adventure), vacation/travel, bathing suit season (health or body confidence related), 4th of July (independence or freedom) or summer school (a quick and fun e-course)?

Keep in mind, too, that it’s helpful to think in seasons if you’re targeting retail shops or publications to be featured in. Retailers and publications tend to operate several seasons ahead, so the Seasonal Planning Play Sheet can help you map out what you will pitch to them and when.

If you’re newer to launching products, packages or programs, you could use this seasonal planning approach to help you brainstorm a fresh idea for a no-cost invitation that’s more focused on providing value and building relationships and credibility. Perhaps there’s a 30-day challenge that you’re inspired to lead so that you can meet like-minded people and share creative work (like Susannah Conway’s April Love challenge that I’m a guest contributor for) or maybe a no-cost webinar like the one I’m doing next week on Redefining Success where you can interact with your peeps so you can learn about what they might be struggling with or needing help with.

I’d love to hear what you’re thinking of launching this summer!

It’s also very savvy to start thinking about your Fall and Holiday launch schedule, too, even at a high-level. That way you can focus on connection and being of service now in a way that aligns with the offers coming up.

I know planning out several seasons and maybe even a year ahead is more of an advanced move, but it’s a great muscle to start building now. So have fun collaborating with one of the best creative cohorts to have you your team… Mother Nature!