The Year That Was

The Year That Was

Posted on 31. Dec, 2009 by Michelle in Work From Home Online

Happy holidays and a happy New Year to you! The end of 2009 is here and a new decade awaits us which is very exciting indeed!

Although I like to consider plans for the future more than I enjoy looking back on the past, I think it’s important to reflect and be open to really ’seeing’ what I created in my life, how that served me and how to learn from that for the coming year.

When I think about 2009 and the few years prior to that I can encapsulate them in one word -  ‘progressive’. Offline and online I feel I’ve made a tremendous amount of progress and that progress wasn’t restricted to only the aspects of my life that I set specific goals in, it also came in areas I didn’t expect it.

In terms of my online businesses there are many tangible accomplishments I’ve seen in 2009 and those things were achieved as a result of not just what I did this past year but rather a cumulative affect of all I’ve learned and done over many years. Looking back I can see that I quite literally have experienced a snowball effect beginning with my early ebook writing days in 2006 and my very first self-taught website build in 2007.

It wasn’t long after that that I took one of the major success factors I’d used offline and applied it to my online goals – I employed a mentor. After almost 18 months of solid Internet marketing coaching, advice, virtual kicks-up-the-butt and what have you from my mentor Josh Spaulding, I stand even more strong by what I’ve written previously – a quality mentor, coach, guide or what ever name you like to call it, plays a SIGNIFICANT part in how much success you will see and how fast you will see it. The other significant component is YOU.

In 2009 I also joined a program offered by Yaro Starak. This was a large investment in terms of dollars and I would pay it over again and then some for what I’m learning from Yaro. When I look at all the things I’ve learned, experienced and achieved over the last five years I can categorically say that my mentors have helped propel me forward in so many ways, so much more quickly than when I was going it alone.

I’ve joined other programs along the way and learned a lot, bought software to speed up my tasks both off and online and continued to invest in my business education via books, ecourses, ebooks, community forums, blogs and more. At the same time I’ve enjoyed the practical side of proving or disproving a lot of the theory I’ve digested.

I’m very grateful that I’ve had the good fortune of being able to invest so heavily in my online education to date, both with my time and money and I’m acutely aware that not everyone currently has the capacity to do the same. That brings me to the year ahead. For me 2010 is a year in which I hope to be able to transfer my knowledge, experience and learning to you and others so you can live a better life, achieving the things you set out to and to have the things in your life that you desire.

I hope you had a wonderful 2009 and I thank you for your patronage to my blog throughout the year. I wish you a very happy New Year and look forward to working with you in 2010!

2009 – the year that was progressive.

30 Responses to “The Year That Was”

  1. Stephen DaviesNo Gravatar (2 comments)

    31. Dec, 2009

    Hi Michelle,

    I’d like to wish you a prosperous 2010, and to thank you for writing this superb blog. Your ’square peg in a round hole’ post was brilliant.

    I can vouch for the mentorship of Josh Spaulding, but I’m interested in what program of program offered by Yaro Starak that you joined.

    Take care,

    Steve.

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    December 31st, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    Thanks for the feedback Stephen.

    I joined Yaro’s Membership Site Mastermind program. The program is currently closed to new members.

    I look forward to seeing your progress in 2010, you’ve landed on your feet having gotten into Josh’s coaching before he closed the doors. You’re in good hands. ;)

  2. Josh SpauldingNo Gravatar (6 comments)

    31. Dec, 2009

    Happy New Year, Michelle! I’ve really enjoyed watching you grow your business. And you’re absolutely right; a quality mentor will really speed up the learning curve and bring success much quicker. But like you said “The other significant component is YOU.”

    Great job growing your business and good luck in 2010!

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    December 31st, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Thanks for taking the time to stop by Josh. :) Good luck to you too in 2010, I have a feeling it’s going to be awesome!

  3. EdNo Gravatar (2 comments)

    31. Dec, 2009

    Thanks. I musn’t get interested in the Yaro guy as I musn’t get my attention dispersed too much. I regret that Josh’s forum doesn’t seem to be going as I was relying on that as back-up kind of. I just bought his Info–Success Formula and was relying on some needed input from the forum. I’ll just have to work things out a lot. I’m following the 7-day paln at the moment from his blog. Then I’ll build from there.

    Thanks a lot again

    Ed

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    December 31st, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    Ed to see you say you mustn’t get distracted is fantastic! I agree! Concentrate on what you’re focusing on with Josh’s Info Product Success Formula and you’ll do well. As Josh has mentioned below, he has closed off his coaching to new members. My best advice is to not over complicate things by wondering if it means this that or the other thing, just do what you think is right and you’ll learn and make progress. I’d love to hear how things go for you so feel free to come back and share. :)

  4. Joe WilsonNo Gravatar (2 comments)

    31. Dec, 2009

    Happy New Year Michelle!

    I love the post. It was interesting to here about your experience with Yaro. Of course I can’t say enough about Josh Spaulding.. He is one of the most honest guys I have had the pleasure of meeting (online) and have benefited from everything he teaches.

    Back to Yaro, I’ve read from other folks like Caroline Middlebrook who also said she really learned alot from Yaro’s teachings too. I read his blog regularly and have often considered his mentor programs too. Its good to hear you had a great experience with it.

    Thank you for all of your great posts and I’m looking forward to more great stuff from your blog this coming year!

    Take care and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    December 31st, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    Thanks for your comments Joe. :)

    I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my blog in 2009 and I’m looking forward to the year ahead too.

    Enjoy your New Year celebrations.

  5. Josh SpauldingNo Gravatar (6 comments)

    31. Dec, 2009

    @ Ed – Yep, the doors are closed for good, but maybe I’ll have something similar in 2010. We’ll see.

  6. Flippa ChickNo Gravatar (2 comments)

    31. Dec, 2009

    Hey there Michelle! =)

    I’m glad to hear that your 2009 went so well. I started to kick things in gear towards the latter part (…and I do mean latter lol) of this year in regards to my blog, however, I’m very proud of my earnings thus far with other projects.

    While I don’t have a mentor per se, I do have someone that I’ve followed for a few months, and that’s Glen over at viperchill.com. He has a few other blogs, but I began to realize that you really CAN make legitimate money online by following in his footsteps. Its good to know that there are some honest IMers out there who are willing to help — and even better that you found one who is willing to take you under his wing.

    Well wishes for 2010! =)

    – Yolanda

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    December 31st, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    Thanks for the well wishes Yolanda and good luck to you too for the coming year.

    Oh and for the record….Josh didn’t just take me under his wing for the love of it, lol. I paid him good money for his coaching and it was worth every cent. ;)

  7. Ruth - Web Career GirlNo Gravatar (17 comments)

    31. Dec, 2009

    Happy New Year Michelle! You’ve helped me achieve a lot of my goals this year and I’m also looking forwards to helping people in the future. Your blog is one of my favourites so I look forward to reading more in 2010 :)

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    December 31st, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    Glad I’ve been able to contribute to your success Ruth. I know 2010 will be super progressive for you and I’m looking forward to reading about it all on your blog. :)

  8. CourtneyNo Gravatar (1 comments)

    31. Dec, 2009

    Happy New Year Michelle! I always enjoy your posts because they are based on solid business and personal advice, and not just some flash in the pan idea. I see Josh’s influence of quality content and I’ve been excited to add you to the short list of bloggers I follow. I hope 2010 is terrific for you!

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    December 31st, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    Hi Courtney, great to see another student of Josh’s here. :) Thanks for the feedback on my blog content, it means a lot. We are going to chat more in 2010 I’m sure! :)

  9. AbeNo Gravatar (1 comments)

    31. Dec, 2009

    Happy new year everybody and wish all wellness and success.

  10. RebeNo Gravatar (13 comments)

    01. Jan, 2010

    Happy New 2010 Michelle,

    May the New Year shower you with continued success. And thanks for being one of the most real, ethical and articulate of people.

    I’m voting for you as a mentor! ;)

  11. MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments)

    01. Jan, 2010

    @Abe Thanks for your well wishes and stopping by my blog. I hope to see you here again soon.

    @Rebe Thanks so much for your wish of success for me and your positive feedback. Thanks also for all your comments and support in 2009.

    I hope 2010 is awesome for you which I’m sure it will be!

  12. LizzieNo Gravatar (4 comments)

    01. Jan, 2010

    Happy New Year to you Michelle,and all your loyal readers…
    Thanks for the information you share with us..
    Lets have a great twenty-ten !!

  13. MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments)

    02. Jan, 2010

    Thanks Lizzie. 2010 will be great I’m sure! :)

  14. Loren JaslynNo Gravatar (6 comments)

    02. Jan, 2010

    Happy New Years to everyone! One of my resolutions was to start following blogs that are inspirational for what I’m trying to do for the new year. Appreciate all the good info Michelle!

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    January 2nd, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Thanks for visiting Loren. I hope I can provide some good inspiration for you for 2010 and beyond. :)

  15. Missy @ Kindle Owners BlogNo Gravatar (1 comments)

    03. Jan, 2010

    Congrats on a good 2009 for you, Michelle. Hope 2010 is even better.

    I think a mentor is definitely in order for me in the coming year. Just can’t decide on who to go with. I’ve narrowed it down to either Lynn Terry, Justin Brooke or Kate Anderson.

    As i’m a BIG fan of site flipping, I’m angling towards Kate. But haven’t fully decided yet.

    Are you still with Yaro. If not, who will you join up with in 2010? (if anyone)

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    January 3rd, 2010 at 3:31 am

    Thanks Missy.

    I have followed Lynn Terry for a relatively short time but what I’ve seen from her so far is brilliant. I guess it really comes down to who you’re comfortable with and indeed whether the person actually offers the level of mentoring you feel you need.

    As far as your question regarding Yaro: Both Josh and Yaro offer lifetime memberships (Josh’s program is no longer open to new members) so occasionally I might seek advice from Josh on any stumbling blocks I come across and Yaro offers regular teleconferences which I often attend and can ask him specific questions live which has been fantastic.

    I haven’t planned to join any particular program so far this year but you never know what might come along that I feel would add to my knowledge base. I will be attending Ed Dale’s event in Melbourne which is a three day event with a fantastic line up including Lynn Terry so that might meet my constant need to learn for quite a few months. ;) But as I mentioned in the post, this year I’d like to focus on transferring a lot of my knowledge to others and will be releasing a few products soon in that regard along with posting what I hope will be very helpful info here on my blog.

    Good luck for 2010.

  16. RebeNo Gravatar (13 comments)

    10. Jan, 2010

    In reply to Missy’s post:

    From your list, Missy, my vote would be Lynn Terry as a mentor.

    But then again, if she were open to doing so…Michelle would be first choice. ;) In private emails Miche has offered her expertise and assistance with things that helped tremendously…clearly and without the BS. :)

    Much to Success to Everyone in 2010

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    January 10th, 2010 at 12:32 pm

    Thanks for your kind comments Rebe. :)

  17. paulNo Gravatar (4 comments)

    10. Jan, 2010

    Hi Michelle

    Congrats on having such a good 2009!

    >>those things were achieved as a result of not just what I did this past year but rather a cumulative affect of all I’ve learned and done over many years

    I think I know what you mean. Everything we learn conspires to help us do things better in the future. Also, in my experience, past successes can often help bolster future efforts.

    Cliche Man :)

    MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments) Reply:
    January 12th, 2010 at 4:35 am

    Hi Paul,
    Thanks for the congrats and for visiting!

    I love your blog and encourage any of my readers interested in buying and selling websites to head over, danger corner is a fav of mine.

    Your posts are filled with great pointers but are also very entertaining, we share a similar sense of humour I think…oooh that could be dangerous in itself. ;)

  18. Asif AhmedNo Gravatar (1 comments)

    12. Jan, 2010

    it was so good to see a fellow blogger getting success in blogging business. hope yuo do lot better in 2010.

  19. MichelleNo Gravatar (309 comments)

    13. Jan, 2010

    Thanks Asif, I appreciate your comments. Good luck for 2010.