Recently, Chris Brogan shared his business wish list for 2010. He invited readers of the post to do the same. Chris said, “We think about our personal wishes all the time, but why not think about it with regards to our businesses?” I agree.
This list is not new for me. However, the decision to share it publicly forced me into deeper reflection about the items on it.
My Business Wish List
- I want to be a published author. Yes, I have lots of published work – books, articles but all ghostwritten. I have loved helping others birth their visions but it’s time to birth my own. More importantly than just being published I want my writing to inspire, inform and/or entertain.
- I want to teach, mentor and support servant leaders. I am profoundly passionate about creating leaders who respect their teams and cultivate a culture where success and growth flourish.
- I want to improve my blogging and grow my subscribers. I also want this to be a place where readers connect and share with one another.
- I want to help more small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) with my knowledge of integrated marketing strategies and business process expertise. This year, some of my best moments were from helping companies to navigate the changing landscape of customer engagement, new media and marketing. I want more of that in 2010.
- I want to help professionals get serious about actively managing their career and not simply trusting that “the system” will take them where they want and need to go.
- I want to give more business away. I am over the moon when I can influence referrals and help put money in another person’s bank account. In 2010, I want to put giving on steroids.
- I have longed to create information products but have not quite found the right path. In 2010, I want to find my calling in this area.
- I want to work less. One of my driving forces for creating a business was a desired lifestyle. I wanted to serve others with my talents but also have time to write, and pursue my other interests. It is time to make my dream a reality.
Sharing our wish list aloud creates accountability for turning those wishes into action. It also invites the collective support and wisdom of your community. I value that from all of you and welcome your suggestions. If you decide to post your own wish list, link to Chris’ post but please let me know too. I want to support you in 2010.
Wendi Kelly says
Karen,
What a great list. Looking at it makes me think of all the ways we can help each other to make each other’s dreams come true. I think 2010 is going to be exciting from the standpoint of how we can join hands now, and work together to make things happen. It’s going to be awesome!
Karen Swim says
Fred, so very true. Writing really helps me with clarity and writing for public reading definitely pushed me to focus! You are right about working less and while I enjoy what I do, cutting my billable hours forces me to make the tough choices that need to be made about whom and how I serve others.
Fred H Schlegel says
Funny how writing things down creates focus and more importantly guides choices. Although, if you’re like me the ‘working less’ point will probably end up being satisfied by ‘feel like I’m working less.’ Enjoy what you are doing more and you’ll seldom regret spending the time.
.-= Fred H Schlegel´s last blog ..“All That Remains Is Leadership” =-.
Karen Swim says
With the help of some very good vitamins. 🙂 Thank you so much Brad, friends like you make the whole process less scary and a lot of fun as we travel the road together.
Karen Swim says
Thanks Joanna! Without even thinking about it I would have to say being published. 🙂 Great question and just answering made me realize that I really do need to align everything around my truest desire. You are so wise dear one!
Karen Swim says
Alina, thank you so much for the support and encouragement. Isn’t Chris great? I look forward to reading you list too.(nudge, nudge) 🙂
Karen Swim says
Heather, lol, you are so funny! You continue to amaze me with all of your accomplishments and that never ending supply of energy – now I wish I had that!
Karen Swim says
Lillie, thank you for the encouragement, your words are a warm blessing!
Brad Shorr says
Hi Karen, You’ve got an ambitious and exciting list there, but knowing you as I do, I believe you can accomplish all of it.
.-= Brad Shorr´s last blog ..My Most Conversational Posts of 2009 =-.
Joanna Young says
Karen, may all your wishes come true 🙂
I’m curious – if you had to choose just one… which one would it be?
.-= Joanna Young´s last blog ..Your Writing Goals for 2009 =-.
Alina Popescu says
Karen, it feels you have given your list quite some thought! I am sure you will get all your business wishes granted in 2010 🙂 I am currently working on my wish list and you have inspired me to complete it as much as Chris inspired me to start it 🙂
.-= Alina Popescu´s last blog ..WoBM’s Essential Lines from 2009 =-.
Heather Villa says
I don’t know that my personal wishes are that much removed from my business wishes. lol
I know you’ll accomplish your wishes. 🙂 You are extremely talented and hard-working with a wonderfully big heart.
.-= Heather Villa´s last blog ..Weekend Reading: My fav’s from this week: 12/11/09 =-.
Lillie Ammann says
Karen,
Admirable wishes, all. I’m eager to see your first item–becoming a published author–happen for you. You certainly have the talent.
.-= Lillie Ammann´s last blog ..Scripture for the Third Monday in Advent =-.