It’s the last day of the year. Actually the last day of the decade. This post is a bit different than what you normally see on 10e20 (and definitely a lot shorter) but please bear with me 
What do you want to accomplish in 2010? What will you change in 2010 and beyond? What are the changes that you want to see in our industry?
For me:
- I will change my working habits. I won’t get distracted by stuff that has no real impact on my life (gossip, celebrity news, negativity in general). If it doesn’t help me, my family or my company grow in some way – I am going to try to avoid it like the plague.
- I won’t get consumed with ‘what ifs’. I am a pretty good decision maker but I find myself worrying about ‘what ifs’ a lot (both for past and future decisions). This doesn’t do me or anyone around me any good.
- Go to 5 conferences that I have never been to before. I think it’s important to constantly expand my network and experiences.
For 10e20:
- A renewed focus on complete marketing packages for our clients. I have never been a big believer that a company only needs this type of marketing or that type. But I think we can do a better job of educating our clients when we think other programs will work for them.
- Sharing more behind the scenes stuff. A lot goes on with our company and I try to share a lot of this with young entrepreneuers and friends. But I think it would be good to give more people a look into our company. This should also coincide with finally launching our newsletter….
For our industry:
- I would like to see a lot of the infighting stop. I see it in both the search and social media worlds. It seems that as our means of communication have improved so has our ability to attack one another. I’d like to see more collaboration and less tearing down. This isn’t to say that we should ignore something when it’s wrong….
- I’d love to have better tracking and analytics. One package that could really do it all. Maybe this is something for me….
What do you want to change? I’d love to hear your own goals and ‘wish lists’ for 2010 & beyond in the comments.
At the end of the day, I’d like to wish you a very Happy New Year from me and everyone at 10e20.
58 Comments
I would definitely like to see less infighting and nastiness…I have to admit that it's sometimes a bit amusing, but then it gets disgusting when you see the seriousness behind it. I'd love to spend less time feeling like I have to pay attention to the industry on a 24/7 basis. I feel the need to know absolutely everything that happens, but it's killing me! I could watch more CSI Miami if I cut down on my Twitter time, you know. I also want to tap further into the strengths of all of my staff, since the brainpower there is amazing and not always utilized as it could be, as we're under deadlines and struggling to provide clients with what they need. It would be lovely to slow down and take some time to do more business-building tasks and not just get links and send data to clients.
In the new year I want more focus. In my mind this touches on a lot of the points above. I want to focus on more of what's important – what drives results. I want to focus more on the goals I have set and a little bit less on the agenda's of others (helping is GREAT but can distract). I hope clarity of focus so there is consistent and constant forward movement rather than backwards or sideways sliding! Cheers to going in to 2010 with a clear vision and defined goals!
Awesome responses Julie. From what I've heard 2010 is going to be a big year for you and your company!
Focus is key Kristy – we are definitely on the same page there! I find that when I can just put on a pair of headphones and just bang out my work without any interruptions – I am the most productive. Unfortunately, it's not always possible (phone calls, meetings, etc) so I have to get better at prioritizing and being able to say no sometimes.
Thanks for the comment and have a great 2010!
Keep that eye of the tiger going in 2010 Tony!
Tony,
Looks like you made a great step toward further sharpening your edge with the move to BillShrink – love what you are doing there.
It was also great meeting you earlier in 09 for our panel together on SEO at WordCamp LA.
,Michael Martin
Awesome post Chris. Always good to get these down on paper…or errrr uhmmm the Web. Remember paper?
Anyway I digress. For me personally, I'm hoping to find some more balance in it all. Like you and the friends above noted…its about focusing on the right stuff, and for me–learning to pass on some things in order to prioritize friends and family.
For the industry, I'm hoping to see a renewed energy toward setting standards across the board. It's awesome we are all jumping in and figuring it all out, but let's not forget we owe the next generation some guidance, outlines, and insight from our experiences. The educator in me is also hoping a lot of what we are doing continues to make it into University classrooms…which feeds back to my personal goals I suppose
Have a great New Year everyone!
"Remember paper?" Barely….
Have a great 2010 Joanna!
Thanks Michael! It was great being on the panel and meeting you as well at WordCamp!
On the professional side I'm looking forward to:
* revolutionizing new tactics in social marketing.
* delivering outstanding solutions to clients and exceeding all expectations for marketing results.
On the personal side I'm looking forward to:
* volunteering time to give back to communities and people in need, people who are less fortunate than me.
* helping my friends and family in every aspect of their lives
Excellent goals Jake. Looking forward to working on some of them with you
This is precisely why you are the leader you are in this industry Chris, and I mean that with all sincerity. Creativity is my focus in 2010. http://www.katemorris.com/2009/12/new-year-focus-...
I can't wait to see what comes from 10e20 next year, and love your 5 conferences goal. I've had many conversations with key people (coughJoannaLordcough) who feel the same way. Time to branch out of the industry. Not to say that I won't attend some of my favorites, but time to spread the Good News of Search Marketing. </gospel>
All my best to you, Danielle, and Vi. Kisses to that adorable child.
I agree with your personal plans, especially distractions and focusing on things that are irrelevant to your happiness or success. For me nothing is worse than my own @#$% emailbox to get me off-track, and for the first part of 2009 I was actually doing great checking email only twice a day max, but by Spring I was back to my old bad habits.
Going to 5 new conferences for me is probably out of my budget – but attending TWO new ones are are my plan, and I've already booked my first one in April.
As for my business goals, I'll stick to the same as last year, which is to have1/3 fewer SEO clients at the end of the year than I do at the beginning for my third year in a row. My plan has been to be 100% client free by May of 2011, and I'm still heading in that direction, trying to focus on other things ranging from affiliate sites to personal projects.
Industry-wise, I hate to be a wet blanket, but I just don't think the infighting will stop, and in fact will probably get worse and worse. Our industry is just a microcosm of the rest of society, and face it, we're a bunch of uber-critical stone throwers – Hell, look at our "leaders" in Washington DC! That said, I CAN try to ignore it more, and certainly will try not to participate – I'm actually pretty happy (and surprised) at the avoidance level I've shown so far…
I think the tools for analytics are there, but I agree about desiring one package. What I really want is to find a way to become more efficient at analyzing the data I can already get, which is an awful lot.
Finally, my #1 goal for 2010 – (but probably unattainable – )
Become less reliant on Google for the majority of traffic – If I could just get a SINGLE site or project to have less than 50% of it's traffic from Google, I'd be a happy camper. Unfortunately, the only way I know how to do that involves blocking them with my robots.txt file, or removing URLs with Webmaster tools – not a very profitable strategy – ;(
Thanks so much Kate, that means a lot. I just read your post and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what you accomplish in 2010 & beyond (I am sure it will be a lot)!
Great post, Chris! For work, I want to be more productive and be a top contributor, focus on my business savviness, help bring in more clients, increase my Internet marketing and social media marketing knowledge.
Personally, I want to be in the best shape of my life this year, PR in a few races and survive my first full Ironman.
I also want to possibly buy a house — we'll see.
I am definitely looking forward to seeing you grow more & more professionally, 2010 will definitely be fun & exciting for you at 10e20!
Don't forget about the SOS either
SOS in 2011 — I need to pick your dad's brain about it.
Great post Chris – I would say your goals for 2010 are in-line with most people in this industry. 2 things I see happening in the search industry in 2010:
1) Collaboration and building (instead of tearing down) will be a necessity for success as search heads into yet another phase – the 3rd one by my count.
2) There will be less focus on specializing in one area or another – 2010 will be the year people in this industry realize they need to be true online marketers to make a difference and thrive.
Hey Kieran – I know that you and I have had discussions about your point #2 before and it's super true. My friend Todd wrote a good post along those lines yesterday: http://www.stuntdubl.com/2009/12/30/business-mana...
Dead on post by Todd – my favorite line is "I will most likely focus on online business management consulting, and improving business’s overall online profits through refining processes and strategies." The bottom line in regards to the true value you bring to your clients / companies is what sets certain people / companies apart from everyone else.
Oh and a goal I have for 2010? Is to make Disney Digital Books a massive success.
I love all of your goals David (especially the Industry one
One of my other goals is to make sure I hang out with you more this year! I always enjoy and get a lot out of it
Hanging out with the Mihm always makes for a pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty good time.
For sure – he'd love to have you do it with him
Wonderful meme.
I'd say be careful what you shut out. You've got to have your priorities, for sure, but time skips past pretty quick and things that seem to be distractions can be seriously meaningful if you give them more than a passing glance. I think much of what we are sold as meaningful is seriously off the mark. That goes along with your note about listening to the industry chatter… in my experience most of the good stuff is not addressed by that chatter.
For 2010? Developing a few web projects designed to mature gently over the next 10 years, as gifts to my children. I primed them after their births, with similar intentions. My how time flies!
I was hoping you would give your thoughts here John. You are another person that I have really enjoyed getting to know better over the last couple of years and I definitely value your opinion a lot.
I definitely don't want to 'shut off' anything but rather try to get too consumed by it and let it distract me from my own goals & priorities.
Awesome goal for 2010. I've been thinking of doing the same for Vi
My goals:
Write code that makes grown men cry. Write blogs that make beautiful women swoon. Conquer real time search. Eat more doughnuts.
Haha, best response yet.
Chris -very well expressed … especially the ideas regarding Self-Family-10E20.
I am looking forward to a seamless & exciting transition into this next decade
Thanks Chris I always appreciate your positivity efforts.
When I was a kid I met a great man who bought a bottle of Port in the year of his son's birth, to be given as a gift when the boy reached drinking age. He invested wisely.. that bottle would be worth about $600 now, reaching the end of its peak drinking age. If I was that kid, I'd have saved it until I was 40, and shared an awesome vintage port experience with my kids grandpa. I always thought that was an awesome idea. But he lost his son to a car accident at 17, and the tragedy almost destroyed him. I witnessed that part, too.
I vowed to be with my kids now…every day I can. Call it a shift from long term to short term investing. I think it pays awesome dividends.
Wow, that's a heartbreaking story but it's also inspiring to think about how thoughtful your friend was about his child's future memories.
Great post and great ideas for things to do in the new year.
For me, my main priority is going to be spending more time with family and friends and getting to know more about them. I especially want to get to know more about and spend more time outside conferences with people in our industry. I also want to be able to take more time to inspire and teach others to take the initiative to do their own thing and work for themselves. For the past few years, I've been limited as to how much of that I can do but now I can, so I will.
Personally, I plan on losing 40+ pounds, moving to a new state (probably Colorado), and being more active than I have been in the past few years.
Hey Brian -
"and getting to know more about them…"
That part really resonated with me. I guess it's easy to say that you're spending time with your family & friends but are you really getting to know them and building better relationships? Awesome statement and something for me to really think about as well.
I am really glad we met and have gotten a chance to know each other better. Looking forward to more in the coming year/s!
Love it Joe!
"I think it pays awesome dividends."
I agree John
As am I
Thanks for sharing your goals with us Chris, and opening the forum to share ours.
2010 is going to be a year of change both professionally and personally for me. Moving the family from Denver to Seattle will be quite the adventure for our small family.
Professionally I plan on participating more in the community, which for me means everything from the SEOmoz site, to social media, to other sites/blogs. I also plan on focusing on improving my public speaking skills and expanding my "marketing" mind (since I'm a dev at heart).
Personally, I look forward to a new city with my lovely family. I also plan on getting into a workout routine, and getting more active in general.
Thanks again Chris!
Hey Jen -
It's definitely my privilege to get to here so many great things from people that I know (and some that I don't even know).
Good luck with the big move. Seattle is going to be a better city with you in it (and it's already a damn fine place filled with some brilliant minds and some of my really good friends.)
I'm glad we got a chance to meet this year and I hope to see more of you over here on the 10e20 blog – you always have really good things to say
Thanks Chris! I'll definitely be around more often.
Chris,
Great post to get people thinking towards the new year! Personally, I'm going to look to weed out unnecessary distractions and push myself to stay focused on my personal and professional goals. Professionally, I am going to work on creating new relationships with people as well as maintain current relationships with people locally and on the Web. I believe that in order to stay focused on your goals, you have to surround yourself with people who are as driven and as focused as you are. This is something I think is imperative to being successful in whatever professional field you're in. I will also attempt to continue to push my businesses in the right direction while keeping a keen eye open to new business ideas in 2010.
Personally, I look forward to exploring the city of Chicago and all it has to offer and spending time with friends and family.
I wish everyone a health and prosperous 2010!
Hi Kyle -
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here. It seems like we are very much on the same page
"you have to surround yourself with people who are as driven and as focused as you are"
This is such a true statement. Throughout my life I have had to stop being around people that I felt were bringing me down (or were just downers in general). Sometimes this meant ending long friendships but I feel I am a better person for that.
Enjoy Chicago – it's a wonderful city! Hope to see you here more often in 2010
Thanks Chris. You'll definitely see me here more often in 2010!
Chris, great job on a look forward to 2010.
For me personally, I'm looking to spend less time on the negativity and distance myself from it, just like you mentioned, also, I will spend less time around the people that are negative and try to avoid conversations like it. I want to be a more productive person in 2010, I lost some of that edge in 2009 and need to get that back…I've always been great at decision making and productivity and I want to get back to being in tip top form. Finally, being an effective communicator and leader in organizations is big for me, and, really sharpening those skills further is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT.
For our community of marketers, I want to see more collaboration and education for the larger technology industry. And, I want to see improved analytics, easier aggregation of data, and better reporting.
Happy New Year Everyone!
Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts Scott. I've definitely enjoyed getting to know you better over the last 2 years through ThinkTank & ER. And trust me, your #1 goal is definitely attainable…
Good comments by all so far.
My work-related goal is actually the reverse of one of The Commander's…I've gotta do a better job of staying on top of email. And while I don't want to go client-free altogether, it would be nice to really focus on the clients I care about (which is all of them, at the moment–lucky me) and be able to spend time scaling out some more offerings on GetListed.org…there just aren't enough hours in the day
Industry: I am hoping to become a more active commenter on the 10e20 blog in 2010! Stay tuned for another "industry" announcement in the next couple days also…similar to yours and Joanna's and Scott's with a slight twist…
Personal: Get back to Ireland to play golf for at least a week. Has it really been three years since I've been to Carne? Ugh.
I'm sure this probably sounds selfish, but 2010 is the year to do things for me. I have had so many people tell me that:
– I can't write
– I won't make money online
– I won't be able to quit my job
And all sorts that have all been conquered. I will listen to myself more and let the haters / jealous people stay in their own rut.
Great post, and can't wait to see what you guys share in 2010.
Happy New Year!
I've heard the same negativity. I won't make money online. I shouldn't quit my other jobs. I should be more practical and get my head out of the clouds.
In 2009 I overcame all of these. I have a successful company, have quit my other jobs and rely solely on my company for income and every overzealous move on my part has proven profitable.
So, I agree listening to yourself is where it's at. The haters can continue to suffer through the daily grind and think negatively. I'll continue to enjoy my head being in the clouds.
Hi Nikki -
"In 2009 I overcame all of these. I have a successful company, have quit my other jobs and rely solely on my company for income and every overzealous move on my part has proven profitable. "
That is awesome! I'm hoping that 2010 is even better (I'm sure it will be
Hey Glen -
As you obviously know: Don't listen to those people
I hope we get a chance to talk more in 2010 and possibly collaborate on some things. And oh yeah – be sure to let me know when you're coming to the US!
My New Year's Resolutions:
1. Continue to be profitable with my company, Snag Everyone Online
2. Get a blog on the front page of SEOmoz (small goal, but I really, really want it!)
3. Enjoy every minute that I get to spend with my boyfriend. After all, it's mostly him and work that I manage to make time for.
Hi Nikki -
Thanks for these ones too – very cool. Talk to Jen (above you in the comments) about goal #2
Great stuff Chris. Brilliant way to help people solidify their aims for the year ahead.
For myself there are two main goals for this year:
Career-wise it’s time to make the leap and go freelance. I know I can do it and the circumstances that have arisen over the last year have given me the push I needed to make it happen in 2010. I’m sure it won’t be easy but it’ll sure as hell be worth it and there are plenty of great folks (many of whom have commented on this post above me) who inspire me to work harder and get better every day.
On a personal level, the big goal is to get married to my lovely finacee, Megan, later this year. Nothing’s set in stone yet but the plan is to get married in Vegas around September-ish then travel on from there to Australia to visit my family and have a honeymoon before returning to the UK. Meg’s sister lives in New York so we’ll be stopping off for a brief visit there along the way. Time allowing it’d be nice to meet up with you and Danielle while we’re there. I’ll hit you up with more definite details closer to the time.
Chris,
Thanks for sharing.
For me:
1. Simplify. Tie up all loose ends, and keep things simple. Less complexity. (Legal, Contracts, Deals, Investments, etc.)
2. Invest time in $$$ generating activities. Support investments. Measure progress.
3. Outsource everything I don't like to do. Focus only on my strengths.
4. Add value to everyone I meet.
Those are the big things for me this year.
Those are perfect goals Dan
welcome to
I just wish can learning more knowledge! Thank you!
In the new year , i would try to focus more on my work and stay away from negativity. It is good to hear everyone's plans for the new year.
hmmm nice post.. First of all Happy New Year.. I have also made some resolutions this new year.. just hope i'll be able to accomplish those.. May you accomplish your goals..
I’m going to travel to United Arab Emirates – it is one of my remote dreams.