A Look Back, a Look Ahead

Last year, I posted my business goals for 2008. Yep, there they are, in all their glory. I had great intentions--I even broke everything down into small, manageable goals. And then life intervened. I really don't like it when that happens.

Here's a look back at what I didn't accomplish--and what I did instead.

Moving to Wordpress.The most important goal from last year was moving this blog off Blogger. As you can see, I'm still on Blogger. And it's not for lack of trying--I tried with Wordpress. I really did. And what I learned was that I am not a designer. Really. I have no eye for these things. And if I want to look professional, I should find people whose strengths lie where mine lack, and pay them. That's what professionals do. I"m going to have to make this a priority in 09.

Streamlining my marketing. Still hasn't happened. I did market more last year, but aggressive marketing still isn't how I get most of my business. I believe, however, that I can get higher paying gigs by actively marketing myself to higher paying clients--rather than just waiting to see what comes along. Lots of work does just come along--enough to do fine without marketing at all--but I need to start taking charge of my career. So I'm keeping this resolution.

Finishing my article marketing. This one I actually did accomplish. Last year my business was still coming largely from Elance; this year none of it was. Many of my new clients this year found me through online searches--my ranking was boosted a lot by this campaign--and from reading (and liking) those articles. A few people contacted me in person to ask if they could use my article marketing pieces in print newsletters, which I allowed--the start of several professional relationships that led to lucrative gigs. Article marketing works.

Passive income streams. It takes a lot of time, and I was focused on other things this year. THis is definitely an ultimate goal of mine, but maybe I'm not ready yet--I'll haul this one out again in a few years once I have these other goals taken care of.

This year, I'm not going to announce any specific resolutions other than growing my business and doing the best I can for my clients. Here's wishing everyone a happy new year full of prosperity.