A Look Back at 2010
I know, 2010 is not quite over yet, 4 more weeks to go, I figured now is a great time to look back at 2010 and share what I thought I did right and of course what I can improve in/on for 2011. So here goes-
What I Did Right: (At least I think so)
1) Consistently stayed involved online, reached out to new connections and said goodbye to people that did not offer value, laughter, honesty or quality engagement online.
2) Re-branded a company that I launched in 2009- SmartyVA.com is now TheSmartyWay.com, I realized that trying to please or make people honest is like trying to sweep the ocean back with a broom- NOT going to happen. So I turned my company into an online training product company instead of a people management business. So far, it is the best move and decision with my businesses that I have ever made.
3) I experienced living in another country with my family (Costa Rica) for 3 months, this is a blog post in itself. Beautiful, life changing, was able to accomplish the 4 hour work week for at least one week- victory!
4) Grew my companies to higher levels by constantly getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things, yup even things that made my tummy turn like reaching out to celebrities and posting the way I really feel about something or some one online. I even did a few Yelp reviews…it was time.
5) Despite cranky people crossing my path and a few tries with my ideas and or partnerships not working out, I NEVER gave up. Giving up is just not in me. I love the lessons I learned from every situation, I am truly grateful as it opened new doors and made me stronger and even more profitable.
What I Could Have Probably Done Different:
1) Spent an extra day at each of the places I traveled to for speaking engagements to explore and relax.
2) Set higher goals because I hit all of my 2010 goals around June of this year.
3) Spend more time with my friends, followers, fans, clients. Create consistent monthly gatherings whether it be teleseminars, onsite dinners or webinars. I started off the year being consistent, then got so busy with travel, speaking engagements, product development, company stuff that I stopped the consistency. Sorry about that.
4) Read more books, I only read 22 books this year, raise my goal for 2011- 40 books. Some of my favs- Unmarketing by Scott Stratten, Business Stripped Bare by Richard Branson, Me 2.0 by Dan Schawbel, Think Big, Kick Ass by Donald Trump, Secrets of the Social Media Marketing SuperStars by Mitch Meyerson, Crush it by Gary Vaynerchuk and of course the revised version of The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris. Notice a pattern here- they are ALL MALE authors. Not to be rude because they were amazing books and awesome male role models but women- reach out to me and send me your book (or book suggestions), I might be able to do a review on my blog or in one of my columns.
5) Procrastination- There were a few projects that I procrastinated on, looking back now I just should not have taken them on as I was not passionate about them, so my new motto for 2011 is- If it is not fun then don’t do it!
6) DO MORE VIDEO!!!!! I need to carry my flipcam with me EVERY WHERE I GO! GEESHHH Starr!
Overall, I am grateful for all of my clients, my publisher, all of the media that welcomed my ideas and featured me, my family that just loved me and supported me so that I could continue to build an amazing future for us and yet still be in the present moment. I am so grateful for what I do (for my job/career), I look forward to all of the amazing new people that I will meet in 2011 and continue the awesome relationships that I have developed in 2010. I am looking forward to my 61 speaking engagements in 2011, focus on a new TV show, new partnerships, book and media tour. Thank you 2010- Fun 2011, here I come.
Thank you to UPS, Entrepreneur Magazine, Sprint, Payplus, Meeting Planners International, Jafra International, American Marketing Association, ShopModerne.com (my new clothing sponsor- yippeee, now I just need a shoe partner- now THAT would make my 2011), Fox Business, AOL Business, MSN News, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harpo Productions, CR Luxury, Tanya Payne, Jere Calmes, Giles Fabris, Gary Vaynerchuk, Dan Schawbel, Michele Rosenthal, Linda Hardenstein, Jody Jelas, Pete Baldwin, Charles & Linda Musselwhite, Terri Anne Meyer, Mary Petto, Judi Young, Tracy Kennard, Kate Volman, Nick Romer, John Fallone, Infusionsoft, Rob Pene, Stefanie Gaxiola, Jim Bob Howard, Jim Everett, TJ McCue, Beny Schonfeld, Scott Stratten, Mitch Meyerson, Chris Boivin, Jane Dueber, John Dulworth and every one else that entered my life, supported me, hired me, made me laugh and stayed along for the ride.
Always,
Starr Hall
International Speaker/Author/Publicist
Author of- Get Connected- The Social Networking Toolkit for Business
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