Resolutions are hard. That’s a good thing.

3 for 5 I guess on the 2011 Resolution Scoreboard.

Bionic Blogging, Check. Terrific Tweeting, I like to think so. I stayed even on LinkedIn, not more not less. I got out of the office and comfy clothes for a little ‘real world’ local networking but not enough. Revamped website and lighting the SEO on fire with superior biz managment, tragic fail.
someecards.com - I hope the world ends in 2012 so I can't be held accountable for my New Year's resolutions
The Year that Was

If the economy was rebounding I certainly saw no signs of it. Most people I’ve talked to are just as reluctant to part with any money, make any moves. (I’ve got a nice rant cooking.) They want all the emails and inbound marketing and ‘free publicity‘ and social media juju – right now! – still don’t want to work/pay for those great expectations.

The Year that Will Be

Like many a person making resolutions this time a year, motivation isn’t the problem. It’s understanding the goals and objectives. It’s a matter of prioritizing change and making this part of my life forever, not just this year.

Less is more blogging. Twice a week isn’t a hard and fast rule; if I’m not feeling it, I won’t force it. I engage enough, share enough, so I’ll take off some of the pressure.

More me. I have to find a way to incorporate more examples, what I know, what I can do. I’m a generalist, working with all kinds of small businesses – B2B, B2C, in Atlanta and parts elsewhere. Did you know I’ve worked with franchisors in the past? Surprised Adam Toporek with that one.

someecards.com - Thanks for not laughing at my absurdly unattainable New Year's resolutions No more Cobbler’s kids’ shoes. My blog is part of my portfolio, part of my networking and social strategy is to drive traffic and deep-pocketed clients to my website, then damnit – I need to WILL roll up the sleeves, learn more WordPress and redo the website. Something with some SEO and hopefully, a functioning RSS feed.

Hire Me. The resume, it’s gotta get updated. Why? Whether it’s for a full-time gig or a consulting job, my resume, CV, fact sheet needs to be right. See also the LinkedIn profile.

Go forth and conquer. Find opportunities, don’t wait for them to find me. Get out and ask for the sale. Be more assertive, aggressive. This will be the toughest, without a doubt.

Live healthier. This is not some bullshit short-term thing targeting a random weight-loss number; for real this time. I’m too young to be this old. I will opt for the flight of stairs, a 30-minute walk or one less coke a day, do what I can to live and be a little healthier.

Get it Done

I know I’m not the only one who’s struggled, so this isn’t a whine. (Wine, maybe.) Nah, this is just the first of many hard looks at realignment, recalibration (go team!) that will continue throughout the year. I’ll be back every three months to update you – and myself – on my progress.

Hat tips to Paul Wolfe, Judy Gombita, Neal Schaffer, Neicole Crepeau, Mike Zavarello and many more for their help and encouragement. Here’s to 2012, I’m coming for you.

Want More? Keep Reading.

10 thoughts on “Resolutions are hard. That’s a good thing.

  1. May I just say? I think you’re over thinking all of this.You rock the comments with your expertise and insight. How about just get up and go and let the cookies fall where they will as you carpe diem with a little less reflection on how you’re doing?

    You have so much knowledge about our world, and with the 3 Hats you wear (why are you limiting yourself to just 3, I know you wear more), you are an asset to anyone.

    Let me know if a little brainstorm action is a good idea? I’m game. We can Skype or speak via phone. Reflection is good, but not when it feels like you’re being so hard on yourself. Just sayin’.
    Jayme Soulati recently posted..How To Pimp A Blog Post

    1. I’ve done that for a while Jayme, riding all the market lows but not many of the highs. Or so it feels; can’t afford to leave too much to chance or fate or Yoda. 😉

      I get what you’re saying, appreciate it and am probably being too tough on myself. I actually DO wear more than 3 hats, a Jill of many trades; the trick is figuring out the right fit for clients (or a possible employer). And being able to SELL that, self-promotion is my weak spot for sure.

      Thanks for the encouragement, we’ll have to do that Skype chat soon. Plus, I’ll get to see you at SoSlam, right?!

      P.S. Sorry for the slow response.. travel, play, work, the usual suspects.

  2. I know new people are coming into social all the time; but it seems like an awful lot of us are ‘maturing’ at the same time. It will be interesting to see who is left standing in 6 mos and what they are talking about. I still see a lot of silly stuff being written by some people who should know better…………

    You will find your groove; rock-n-roll in ’12.
    Bill Dorman recently posted..Thoughts to ponder and it’s not SOPA

    1. Bill, I found my groove .. it´s just not the ¨best¨ fit for my business. I could sit and chat – or type – about some of this stuff all day long, but it ain´t gonna pay the bills. I will be doing more, doing less, working in different places – shaking things up to see what works in which ways. Have a good one. 🙂

  3. Hah! You did surprise me with that one.

    I’ve got to say that SEO just can’t be ignored. I’ve been mostly off the blog and social for a few days now and the SEO strategies that I’ve been working the past few months have kept the traffic higher than ever.

    Great list! Wish you best success in achieving it all!
    Adam recently posted..5 Examples of Customer Service Skills You Can’t Ignore

    1. I’ve got decent SEO for some things, but not near enough organic traffic generated by the blog. It’s gotta happen this year Adam, so it looks like I got some more WordPress learnin’ to do. Thanks.

    1. Absotively Neal, focus is my goal for this year. If I can cut out some noise, the unproductive and counterproductive, focus on what works.. I’ll either get ahead, or at least be less behind. We’ll see how it goes.

  4. I like the “cobbler’s kid’s shoes”–never heard it before, gotta swipe it. Rather than learn it, though, I had to go ahead and hire somebody for my place’s (coming) new look. No resolutions here in particular, but I am trying to be a bit more strategic. I figure last year was my learning year, so I want to make this year my growing year.

    Looking forward to your three-month update.
    Shakirah Dawud recently posted..Marketing Copy Turns “Sticks And Stones” On Its Ear

    1. Wanna say Erica Allison reminded me of that expression, maybe a few folks from the #soloPR chat. We always do better work for others don’t we Shakirah? I mean, I hate my business cards – but it’s the ‘best’ I could do at the time. It’s good you realize that you have to learn before you grow; in many ways I’ve been working backwards, then playing catch up. Hopefully 2012 will be the year we get there, thanks.

Comments are closed.