Grow is my theme for 2012

One word to describe what your focus is going to be for the coming year. For me this really helped the last year. One word to remind yourself everyday what your focus is. One word you can use to say Yes or No to new projects.

Grow

Last year I found this blog post by Mari Smith on her One-Word Theme for 2011, Commitment. I saw the potential of this one word theme.

International
My one-word theme for 2011 was: International. I thought I wrote a blog post about it, but I can’t find it.

My goal is to speak internationally. I love working, investigating, being involved in various cultures. My goal is to speak at international events.

Although I haven’t spoken at an international event in 2011, I feel that this word made a significant change in my focus for the past year.

What I did do was write more on this blog, I paid more attention to English updates on Twitter and Facebook. Together with Stephanie Ward I organized two English webinars and converted these to products for sale on this website

It always played a role in my monthly mastermind discussions. Especially the full day mastermind session in August 2011. In the preparation and during that day I have decided to switch to English in 2012.

Meaning that I will blog less on ernohannink.nl and my main focus will go to this website and blog ernohannink.com. Articles, pages, products and services in English. Twitter updates in English, Facebook focus more on my English page and so on.

To give this a good start I have developed a 30 day free course, with 30 short tips in videos of 2-3 minutes. We will start 2012 with a great program “Attracting Clients and Grow Your Business

Maybe I was a bit optimistic for 2011 but the attention was there and the shift is happening now.

Grow

The last 2 months I have blocked most of my time for planning and preparing for 2012. I have worked out the details for the program that starts January. Boiling down this one sheet with my plan for 2012 I concluded it is all about growing.

I want to grow on many levels.
One of main goals is start a foundation to help the self-employed in developing countries.
One other goal on my list is to get this blog on the AdAge Power 150 list. I want to become visible internationally. Grow my audience, grow the traffic, grow the number of subscribers for my newsletter to 25.000, grow.

I want to grow as an entrepreneur
On my expenses list for 2012 this is visible, two trainings, one on copy writing.
Hire a business coach – she will help meon a weekly basis to grow.
Speak at 4 international events – yes, expenses to go to these events and speak, just to get the experience.

I want to grow my clients
Help as many as I can. Change the way I am working. Have programs and products so I help more people than just 1-on-1.
Substantially grow my clients and show them the fast track to, more visitors, more subscribers, more ideal clients, attracting clients.

I want to grow financially
Yes, I will talk money this year. I have been afraid about this word and feeling way to long. It has been a roadblock for me. That has changed since August 2011. Like I said here, I need the money to accomplish my big and bold goal.

What is your one-word theme?

So let’s share. What is your one-word theme for 2012?
It will help you to focus on your goals.

I just read that I am on a similar path as Mari Smith. Her one-word theme for 2012? Growth

Credit photo: Growth by Caleb Roenigk

By Erno Hannink

Sparring and accountability partner for entrepreneurs who create sustainable positive impact. Explores decision-making. Shares his insights on this in, articles, books (Dutch), podcast, newsletters, and tools. Has a life mission to reduce social and ecological inequality. Father of two children, husband of M., runs, referee for the national soccer league, and uses stoicism for calm. Lives in the Netherlands. Speaks Dutch, English, and German.

7 comments

  1. I’m not being very original here: my word is GROWTH as well πŸ™‚

    I’m going to reach more people; grow my list; make more money; have more impact and attract international clients.

    To name just some of the things I’m going to accomplish in 2012 πŸ˜‰

  2. Hi Erno and other great small business leaders:)
    My one word for 2012 is: BOLD!

    “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
    Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    I wrote this on many X-mas/Happy New Year cards, so started sharing boldness again with many friends and my clients. Ready for a BOLD 2012!

  3. Hi Erno, inspired and moved by a presentation at TED by Benjamin Zander my 2012 word is CONTRIBUTION.
    When holding a speech or a presentation it’s all about the audience: the content, supporting powerpoint and way of delivering.
    My contribution for 2012 is to spread this thought to as many people as I can, so there will be no boring presentations anymore only ones that inspire.
    Good luck living growth in 2012!

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