Well it sure has been quite a year. I’ve graduated, gotten a job, got engaged, and lived to tell about it all. But instead of getting all warm and fuzzy and reflecting on the year that was, I want to look at what’s ahead for The Curbside Marketer.
Goal setting is a crucial aspect for any venture, and it’s something that many people overlook. Not only should you have goals, but they should be SMART goals (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely). It’s not enough to say hey I’d really like to get more people to my blog, you need to say you want x people by y date.
So, for the sake of accountability and putting these goals somewhere so that I won’t forget them, here are a few of my goals for 2010.
15% increase in page views each month.
At first I had a goal of x% by the end of the year, but thought that would be silly, how could I measure progress if I only have one finish line. This way, I can monitor my progress throughout the year.
50% increase in average comments by the end of June. And another 50% by 2011.
The posts have ranged from 15 comments to 0 comments recently, but I feel like this metric is a good measurement of both the quality of the content as well as the level of engagement both on my blog and outside of it on Twitter and other blogs.
Do at least one guest post a month.
This one is probably going to be pretty tough for me. When I write on my blog, I have no regard for what I write because I know that if it ends up bombing, I have another shot in a couple of days. No harm done. When it comes to writing on another person’s blog, I feel an extra sense of pressure to write something particularly exciting and smart. If I don’t, then they’ll be left wondering, “Man, Jackie really let me down.” I need to get over this and spread the love of The Curbside Marketer.
Redesign using Thesis and have it beautiful by the end of February.
Hooray for redesigns! Starting tomorrow, I plan on getting into Thesis and working on revamping jackieadkins.com using Chris Pearson’s terrific theme. I’m pretty excited to play around with it and look forward to unveiling some beautiful
Get one paid consulting job by the end of the year.
So far I haven’t done any paid consulting or freelance work, just a couple unpaid projects. You’re probably saying “Way to aim high, Jackie,” but much of my free time will now be dedicated to planning a wedding (or at least nodding to my fiance saying “Yes, I love those flowers for the wedding!”), so get off my back (I say that with the utmost love 
. I don’t care if this is as simple as designing a blog with my new found Thesis skills (*here’s my card*), or teaching small businesses how to use social media tools, but something’s going to happen.
Read more books and fewer blogs.
It’s not that I think that I read too many blogs, rather that in order to read more books, I need to read fewer blogs. I think a reasonable goal (for me) to read a book every month and a half, putting me at 8 books this year. Again, you probably are thinking that’s low, but for me, that’s about 4 more than usual.
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So there you have it, some goals for The Curbside Marketer for this year. I’m sure Vegas just opened up the betting on whether or not I’ll achieve each of them, so you can start placing your bets now. If I achieve all of them (which, I guess is the *goal*) I’ll be pretty psyched come this time next year.
Do you use SMART goals on a regular basis? What are your goals for the coming year?
Photo from Optical illusion
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice post, Jackie. Sounds like you had quite the year! I think your goals are great ones, very reasonable and will help you in the long run. The freelancing goal especially- I have been freelancing since I graduated in May and it is one of the best things to build your portfolio and get more experience, plus a little extra cash
I set some similar goals for myself actually and can't wait to see how 2010 plays out for both of us! Happy new year!
Thanks Christa! Yea with freelancing it seems like getting that first paid project will be the hardest, which is why I set a relatively low goal. Hopefully that can open up some doors to make a little extra money in my free time
Have a great new year!
I think you have outlined a good year for yourself. I think when we know what we are trying to accomplish and we back it up with expectation, action, and commitment we are on the right track. Thanks for sharing. Happy new year Jackie.
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment, David. It definitely is a good practice to outline your expectations and goals, that way you can know whether or not you need to step up your game.
Have a great new year!
Some great goals here, my friend, and what I like about them is that they are all attainable. The problem with a lot of folks is that they set goals that can never be met, and then they get disgruntled and give up on everything else.
I know you'll pull these ones off with style mate – look forward to hearing of your success.
Cheers!
Thanks a lot Danny! It's one thing to set the bar high for yourself to make sure you're pushing yourself, but, as you said, if you go too far it's pretty easy to get frustrated real quickly. Hopefully these will all get my career even further in the right direction
As always, thanks for stopping by and looking forward to what's in store for us both in the next year.
I share your last goal. I got Bill Simmons 700 page Book of Basketball for Christmas, and I'm on page 450 (not bad eh?). I see you working w/ the Chris Brogan/Amber Naslund/Enter other smart people here approach to SMART measurement. Looking forward to the redesign!
Enjoyed getting to know you this year, and hope you'll meet all of your goals in 2010. Let me know if there's any I can help you attain.
As for me. I have one goal for 2010: Have WAY more fun! :p
Great list of goals my friend! Being specific is extremely important (which you are). Good luck to you my friend and if you need any help rocking out Thesis, let me know buddy!
Ha, must be nice getting so much reading done when you have the whole week off, huh? For sure man, it's been great getting to know you as well, and I know big stuff is in store for you in 2010!
Thanks, Matt, it was great following you and your blog during '09 and I may definitely have to take you up on a little Thesis advice. Thanks for dropping in and leaving a comment!
Ha, must be nice getting so much reading done when you have the whole week off, huh? For sure man, it's been great getting to know you as well, and I know big stuff is in store for you in 2010!
Thanks, Matt, it was great following you and your blog during '09 and I may definitely have to take you up on a little Thesis advice. Thanks for dropping in and leaving a comment!
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