Yes, I know it’s Feb. already and this post might seem a little better suited for, say, January 1st, but better late than never 
So, I want to run down my top three goals for 2010 as it relates to my business. It’s not going to be a long post (I promise), so take a second and check it out and see if you’re in a position to help me achieve my goals – and let me know yours in the comments and I’ll see if I can do anything to help you reach yours.
Goal #1: Generate $10,000+ per month in revenue
This is the big goal for me as of 2010. Last year, I made an average of $3,500 per month from my design business and various blogs ad revenue. This year, I plan on taking it up a step and focusing more on a couple websites (more on that below) and hit the $10,000 per month mark. In January of this year I hit $4,200 so I wasn’t completely to the goal amount, but I am headed in the right direction.
Goal #2: Get 10,000 subscribers on the Guerrilla Freelancing blog
In March, the freelance blog I started will be 1 year old and at this point, it has a little over 1,000 subscribers. The reason (I believe) it isn’t bigger now is because I left it alone for months at a time after I first started it. Last month I decided that a regular posting schedule would be in put in place (2 times per week) and since then, I’ve stuck to it and have seen the traffic and subscriber count grow. So, here’s one of my goals you could help me reach – subscribe to the Guerrilla Freelancing blog
Goal #3: Start a successful design blog that generates $2,000+ per month
In the past, I’ve done a lot of half ass things when it comes to starting a blog. I have a million ideas and only 24 hours in a day – so I’m in the process of consolidating my efforts into this project. It’s going to be big. I know I can do well with it because I’ve written articles before that generated around 100,000 visitors in a months time, so if I can do 2-3 of those a week, ever week for an entire year, I’ll be flooding myself with traffic, which helps ad rates. (more on this project will be posted soon)
So, what are your goals?
I’ve told you mine, now, tell me yours
They are some interesting goals Mike. When I set myself goals, I try and use the SMART principle. That is: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Framed. My non-financial goals for 2010 are: purchase an existing business (happening in March), relocate to Germany (happening in September) and launch my design blog @addtodesign (happening in the next few weeks.) Hopefully I can achieve them!
my goal is to pay the rent at the end of the month without killing my previous savings… ah freelancing’s not funny for every one
good luck in that anyways! all of it sound reachble, so… go!
Sounds interesting!
Well, I’m personally having some “technical” goals. Which are taking the following courses:
Lynda.com – Illustrator CS3 One-On-One Essential Training / Beyond the Basics / Advanced Techniques,
Lynda.com – Typographic Principles.
Lynda.com – Designing a Logo Hands-On Workshop,
Debbie Millman – How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer,
Rockable – Personal Branding,
SitePoint – Sexy Web Design, and
Site Point – The Principles of Beautiful Web Design.
Hoping to be able to finish these this summer.
Good Luck, Mike! I always see quality work from you and an inspiration to what I’m trying to build as well. Would love to see updates on these goals as the year goes on. It’s personal info really, but as much as you’re willing to share.
Good Luck, Mike! I always see quality work from you and an inspiration to what I’m trying to build as well. Would love to see updates on these goals as the year goes on. It’s personal info really, but as much as you’re willing to share.
Hey Mike,
great article! I kind of saw myself writing this! I’ve been freelancing for about 4 years now and am tired of chasing revenue.
Starting a project, a bigger one, is really much better in the long run. It might take a while to pick up, but it’s definitely worth it.
That’s why I’ve started my new viral blog a month ago (I kind of have the same goals this year!): http://www.the10most.com and am betting everything on it (while doing some sidework waiting for it to pick up!).
Good luck with your projects as well!!
jw