What is next year about for your solopreneur business?
Like many successful solopreneurs I know, I choose a theme for each year. Some people pick an inspiring word like growth, action, or fearlessness. I’ve been choosing one big, overarching area that needs improvement for my big project of the year. In 2011, my theme was “expand my online business.” Before this effort, I had a website that functioned as more of an online brochure and newsletter sign up. I was getting one-on-one clients and group gigs mainly via personal connections. Beginning in 2010, I began to learn how to use the internet to promote my business. By the time 2011 rolled around, I was ready to get to work.
It’s been a great year and I’m really happy with the results. I’ve got a full website that functions well, my online presence is fleshed out and ready for more, and I’m finishing my first information product that will be sold from my website. Mission accomplished!
Even though I help others improve their business, I regularly get help too! Nobody can be as successful by themselves as they can with the guidance of a coach or mentor. Expanding my online presence was something I definitely wanted help with and I used two main sources for that help.
The first person I got help from was Kathleen Gage in the form of her 1-year Street Smarts Marketing VIP Club. You get one lesson a week covering just about everything you need to know about online marketing, and the lessons build on each other. At $27 per month, it’s very affordable and the value is great. If you’re interested, here is the link: Street Smarts VIP Club.
The other person I got help from is Alicia Forest. I first purchased her “21 Easy and Essential Steps to Online Success” in the spring. This is like a handbook for setting up the online part of your business. I had so much success with that program that I attended her live event the “Online Business Breakthrough Workshop.” This was an inspiring, motivating, action-oriented 3-day workshop where we learned in-depth strategies to building an online business. By the way, I’m an affiliate for both Kathleen and Alicia since I love their work so much.
2012 is the year of my signature system. I first sketched out my unique signature system at the Online Business Breakthrough Workshop in the fall. Since then, I’ve added lots of details as they come to me, but this year the goal will be to write all the text and have it for sale. Once that happens, I’ll probably add some more products and programs that use my signature system. If you’re curious, my signature system lays out the steps to set up a successful solopreneur business, i.e. to take what you know and make a profitable business with it.
If you’re not familiar with the idea of a signature system, it’s a way to package the knowledge you use with every client. Some of what you do is unique to each individual, but if you give it some thought, you’ll probably find that you say and do some of the same things with each person you work with. It was really enlightening to discover those steps in my work. Now when I’m working with someone, I can often see more clearly what they are missing in their business.
If you haven’t already done it, why not pick a them for 2012? I’d love to help you with this – click here to schedule a Quickcall with me. If you have a them for 2012, share it in the comments.
This year – 2011 – my theme was to get out there and be opportunistic. This meant I jumped at all the opportunities that showed up in front of me if they looked good… and many of them worked out! I was life model for a friend of mine, I won a few competitions, I’ve read 21 books for My Reading List, I’m currently taking on a 3-month ‘Summer Fun event’ for my book review blog too (which I’ve found to be a lot of fun to do). The most enjoyable thing is that I’ve found the courage to get myself published on Bibliotastic.com. My first free e-book is out there as of last Wednesday to read; and the first comment is wonderful and I was given a 4-star rating!
The next thing I did – the very next day – was hand in an application to show an exhibition at my local art gallery in 2013 (my first major exhibition). I haven’t heard back from them yet… so wish me luck in the New Year… it may yet happen! 😀
Mozette, that’s great! What a great way to spend a year. It sounds challenging and full of accomplishment, but those accomplishments only happened because you went for them. That’s a great reminder for us all to “get out there and be opportunisitic.” Happy New Year!
You know, I have you to thank for getting in and thinking about changing my life in the last few years; when I found your blog and began reading it. It was when I started taking my writing and art seriously. And now, it’s all beginning to take shape… and falling into place. So, thank you for giving me the courage to believe in myself.
I don’t think I’ll ever make another New Year’s Resolution again; and just be opportunistic every year of my life; for the rest of my life seeing where it’s taken me and where it will lead me. 😀
Wow, I’m stunned Mozette. That is a huge compliment, and it is really touching to me. Thank you for sharing this. You are off to a grand and rocking start to the New Year, and I’m with you – no resolutions!
National, then global recognition for what I do. There’s plenty of information out there on sales and networking. However, most of the recognized leaders, just regurgitate the same old themes. My goal, is to expand on time tested strategies and concepts, and help others see a whole new side of both disciplines.
Don,
That’s a great theme for 2012! I can see that happening for sure! I think there is a huge need for good sales and networking information. Sales is often misunderstood to be about manipulation and pressure, so I love the way you have a more linear and honest approach. Networking too, is misunderstood and a lot of people are in need of some sound strategies.