1. Balance Short- and Long-Term Goals

When moving through day-to-day assignments, it can be easy to get lost in the immediate or most urgent priorities. But that is a recipe for remaining in a swirl of breathless daily activities. Instead, try to block off a few days a month to plan the next couple of editions of your publication and batch several tasks at a time. This technique—called time blocking—involves scheduling specific periods for different tasks. When you designate blocks of time for writing, editing, research, and administrative work, you’re able to concentrate on one task at a time.

2. Embrace and Leverage Tech Tools

No matter how much creatives value authenticity and originality, we can all use a little help from our tech friends. These three ways for leveraging tech tools can make a massive impact on your team.

• To assist. Despite understandable ethical concerns, AI tools can be powerful resources. They can help you conduct spot research, develop outlines for stories, or even explore new visual ground. Just be sure to set clear guidelines for the use of AI, including fact-checking, tone and style, and attribution.
• To organize. The most efficient operations start with strong content and editorial calendars. Your schedules can be enhanced by project management tools like Airtable, Trello, and There are many options for these types of tools depending on your needs and budget.
• To collaborate. When you’re working at a break-neck pace, digital tools designed with collaboration in mind can be a difference maker. Whether the team is in-office, hybrid, or fully remote, these tools are essential for sharing updates and staying connected. Consider Teams, Slack, or some of the chat functions associated with project management tools.

3. Use Data to Inform Decisions

As content and creative producers, we must resist the temptation to get wrapped up in our own pride of work. The most critical success metrics involve our audiences: what they think and what they respond to best. Conduct audience surveys, host focus groups, review website analytics, and activate social media listening to see if—and how—your target audience is engaging with your content. Data can help guide your publication’s brand as well as your content direction, publishing frequency, and channel strategy.

4. Set Up a Partner Network

Let’s face it. When you’re small, you need to be scrappy, nimble, and adept at creative staffing. A great place to start is to conduct a talent assessment of your team. Determine what strengths your team already has and where you have gaps. Once you outline your core in-house team with roles and responsibilities identified, you can plan for an extended network. Commonly outsourced functions include writing, photography, design, printing, and promotion. Using partners in strategic ways can enhance your team and also reduce your overall budget.

Think of BonoTom as your creative and strategic thought partner. We’re always willing to brainstorm with our clients on how to best achieve your communications and business goals.

5. Consider Revenue Generation

Publications are intended for sharing stories and knowledge and inspiring action. Sometimes, that action can be in the form of revenue. Promotion strategies for your publication can be just as important as the content itself. If you’re not already exploring ad partnerships, sponsorships, or opportunities for giving campaigns, you could be leaving money on the table. Consulting with experts in how to effectively monetize content could be a good first step in exploring a variety of business models.

6. Reassess Annually

Just as we recommend blocking off time for focused work, it’s also important to make time for more in-depth reflection. This can take the form of an annual strategic meeting where you and your team assess your results and determine future goals. As you reflect, identify wins but also admit misses and failures. Put unconventional ideas on the whiteboard, try a new approach if something isn’t working, and ask your network of experts to provide wisdom.