My college friends and I used to have a saying that was standard response to any boast of performance not yet achieved:
“Don’t talk about it… Be about it!” {tweet this}
We can’t take credit for this saying, (I’m sure we got it from ’90′s rap music), but it is the type of harsh inward-directed motto that I try to live my life by.
I’m not going to say that I always succeed at this.
Just like I procrastinate and excuses…
…and when I do, just like you, my dreams move one day closer to never coming true.
We all talk to ourselves about the things we are “going” to do:
“Next month I’m going to lead my company in sales…”
“This year I’m going to finish the book I’m writing…”
“Next week I’ll spend more quality time with my spouse…”
“Someday I will speak at a TED event…”
Unfortunately “Someday” turns into “Maybe” which evolves into “If Only” that finally becomes “I Wish I Could Have.”
“Someday” is instant gratification.
Strive for Something Greater in 2013
I can’t complain about 2012.
In retrospect a pretty awesome year. This blog saw over 43,000 unique visitors… Up from 21,000 in 2011.
My insurance agency blog grew 467%.
I was invited to speak at 10 insurance industry events, including the National Young Agents event in Atlanta, on the topics of inbound, content and social media marketing.
I started the Content Warfare Podcast, published 10 episodes {view episode index} and start 2013 interviews of amazing Danny Brown and Marcus Sheridan.
This blog was redesigned three times first to Genesis then recently to Thesis 2.0 (which I absolutely LOVE!) The idea behind every redesign was clean, simplicity while allowing readers who so desire to connect with me further… I think I’m close.
The newsletter was also adjusted from a “Blog Updates” newsletter to an “Exclusive Content” newsletter. What that means for subscribers is content that will not be published on the blog. The newsletter will be it’s own resource and conversation with subscribers. I’m hoping the Content Warfare Newsletter will become a valuable resource in 2013… {click here to subscribe}
I was also promoted within my insurance agency from a foot soldier salesman to the Director of Marketing… which is fun.
But I have to tell you…
With every new, fun, exciting development that 2012 brought…
…it’s the relationships created and strengthened in 2012 that I truly appreciate.
It was be impossible to name all the names and show each and every one of you the proper respect for the relationship we’ve created.
Some relationships were born and remain Online… for now.
Others have blossomed and become partnerships of thought and creation.
And then others are just amazingly awesome people that I enjoy interacted with however I can.
I TRULY THANK YOU ALL!
It’s the relationships we build that make life special and successful…
…and with all the plans I have for 2013 the relationships I build will always to be the numerator… the multiplying force in the success equation.
But enough of the mushy stuff. Time to get to work.
I leave you with a little 2012 content review.
Top 10 Blog Posts Written in 2012
- Why After Three Years I Dropped Mailchimp as My Newsletter Service for Aweber
-
How-to Use Google Keyword Tool to Dominate Search Traffic for Free
-
How My Experiment in SEO Will Change the Game on Small Business Blogging
Guest Posts in 2012
- Pulp-Fiction Style Get Found Online Adrenaline-Shot to the Heart of your Small Business | Firepole Marketing
- How Cheapskates Build a Quality Comment System | Traffic Generation Cafe
- How To Blog About Blogging When It’s All Been Said Before | Traffic Generation Cafe
- Share Button vs Like Button For Best Facebook Exposure | Basic Blog Tips
- Why Free eBooks Drive Huge Email List Growth | Basic Blog Tips
- Why Zombie Subscribers Are Killing Your Email List | Basic Blog Tips
- THE COMMODITIZATION OF EXPERTISE AND WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER TRUST A GURU | Danny Brown
- The Secret to Content Marketing You Already Know… | Right Mix Marketing
- How Boxes Affect Our Success | The Skool of Life
The Rub
I started this post out by talking about becoming something greater in 2013.
Personally, I feel 2012 was the year I’ve finally stepped off the treadmill as a professional.
Now it’s time to demand more of myself.
2013 is going to be a year of expansion. My every effort is going to be spent creating amazingly valuable content based on my own experiences and getting that value in front new audiences.
“Someday” comes when WE say so… Not when someone else does.
Make your “Someday”… TODAY.
Become something greater in 2013.
Thank you and Good luck,
I am Ryan Hanley.
SPEAK YOUR MIND: How will you become something greater in 2013?
Very inspirational and encouraging, Ryan.
I also find it that sometimes we think too much about the things we wish we could have forgetting how much we have already achieved.
Any time you want to write a guest post for you, TGC is all yours.
Ana wants you to check out… Content Marketing Leverage System: How to Multiply Your Reach
Ana,
I’m going to take you up on that offer. Thanks so much for stopping by! And I completely agree its easy to forget where we were.
All the best,
Ryan H.
Hello Ryan I hope you have a wonderful 2013 my friend, I’m sure we have a lot to cover this year I know I do….have a great day
RobG wants you to check out… How-to Convert Your Blog Into Your Online Business, The Starting Line
Happy New Year Ryan,
May 2013 bring a lot of success to you and your site. 2012 was a great year for me. I started another tech blog in 2012 and got PR to that blog in the same year….
Ryan, this is such an exciting time for you! Congrats on all that you have achieved. In some ways I feel like you and I are walking the same path. We started blogging around the same time, got into video and now podcasting. The sky is the limit my friend so let’s rise to the top.
Thanks for all you do and I can’t wait to see what happens next in 2013.
Ileane,
It’s been such a pleasure being part of your community, we’ve helped each other grow and that’s what success online is all about.
I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings. I wish you all the best!!!
Thanks so much,
Ryan H.
2012 was a great blogging year for me too Ryan,
I have been watching you since the half of the year and I must say that I’ve learned a lot from you. Thanks for everything and I’m sure you’ll be rocking in 2013.
BTW, the new design is awesome.
Ehsan Ullah wants you to check out… Top 20 Tips and Advice on Starting a Blog – Step by Step Guide
Ehsan,
It’s been great connecting with you and getting to know you better. Look for even more great stuff in 2013.
All the best my friend,
Hanley
You had hard worked in 2012. I hope next year you post more such a good inspirational videos , quotes etc .I always used to forword that such type your things .
I wish you very very happy new year.
“Hope The New Year Brings..
A Lot Of Good Cheer For You,
May All Your Dreams Will Be True,
Happy New Near
And Good Luck With Your Resolution”
Thanks for your hard work in 2012, Hanley. Your posts, podcasts and videos have inspired me as much as anyone this year. I’m looking forward to seeing what is to come in 2013 and beyond.
I’m as guilty as anyone in regards to “Don’t talk about it…Be about it”. 2013 will be a time for me to step outside of my comfort zone, take more chances and finally get some damn content on this blog! No more tomorrow, time to start thinking today.
Keith Laskey wants you to check out… Coverage Recommendations on a PA Auto Insurance Policy
Keith,
I love that attitude dude… Are you reading http://www.SEOmoz.com? That is great site to get you focused on creating content that will get found in search engines. I’ve been hammering that site lately as I plan for 2013.
It’s all about focused content.
All the best my friend.
Hanley
Congratulations, sir – it’s been great to see you grow and I know if 2012 is anything to go by, then 2013 is going to be phenomenal for you.
And I thought I recognized the layout – Marketer’s Delight 3? I had a look at that but couldn’t get my head around Thesis 2.0 – yeah, such a luddite.
Love MD3… It’s a great Skin for Thesis 2.0, which I also love. It took me about 10 hours to figure it out. But with MD3 and what I know now I’m very happy.
All the best my man!!
Hanley
All the best in 2013 Ryan. You are doing se great things. I am excited to see what 2013 will bring. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you and your family Brent…
Here’s to killing it in 2013 brother!