What Could You Do In Three Years?

Three years ago today, I posted my first blog post.

(It’s not much, but you can still view it here.)

Three years is a good timeframe to start on your own dream.

So, let me ask, what could you accomplish in three years?

Three Years of Progress

Each year I have marked the anniversary of the TMN site by looking back at what I have accomplished, and by looking forward to what is next.

(Here are the one year and two year posts.)

It has now been three years of blogging. And I must say that I have learned much.

My site has been more successful than I imagined and the TMN brand continues to grow.

Three years ago, I started building something.

I started small.

Each and every day I have added to the dream.

And I enjoy each and every step along the way.

Here are some of the biggest things I have learned during my online journey:

• People continue to underestimate the online world. – Social media continues to be written off as a fad. Well, the hucksters trying to make a quick buck may have left people with that impression. However, the online world is still a new world and for those who are explorers and entrepreneurs… there are great adventures ahead.
• Most companies still don’t get online social media. They just don’t. Most are still not in the game, and many who are… are simply going through the motions. That doesn’t work. And many big companies are learning the hard way.
• It is a long road. Creating your own website and brand online is not a get rich quick scheme. (I never thought it was). But, for those willing to put in the hard work, there are many rewards to be had. I have enjoyed watching my TMN brand grow.
• You have to experiment. My site and brand has evolved over the past 3 years. Some things I have tried have not worked. Others things that I did not think would work, succeeded beyond my expectations. You have to be willing to learn and try new things in this new online world.

Looking back at the past year, here are my major accomplishments:

• Doubled traffic and readership from the previous year. (And in some months tripled). I now get more readers in a day that I did in a month two years ago. 🙂
• Increased revenue to a self-sufficient point. While TMN may still be a hobby, it now pays for itself. I make enough in sales of my eBook, advertising, and affiliates to cover the costs of running the site. In retrospect, I could have probably increased my revenue more than I have.
• Spoke at BlogWorld NYC – A few years back, I attended BlogWorld in Las Vegas. This time, I returned to BlogWorld NYC as a speaker. My talk was appropriately titled, “How to Build a Successful Brand and Blog While Working Your Full Time Job.” While at the conference, I was able to meet in person many of the individuals I have built relationships with online.
• Have Kept TMN Social. – Most online brands are not social. I continue to interact with as many readers as possible. I answer questions. I provide advice. The online tools we have today afford a level of community and interaction not previously possible.
• Published My First Book. Last fall, I published my first book, 31 Day 31 Ways. I like to call it an eCourse, actually. It forever changed my TMN brand and has financially made this site profitable.
• Stopped Time For a Short While. I had a great year personally. My wife and I welcomed a baby girl. Time stopped for a short bit… see here.

Looking Forward to the Next Year

The journey continues, I have more exciting projects than ever on my planning list.

What is next?

• Books – I have three eBooks in the works. (Yes, three!) And another which I may traditionally publish next Spring.
• Branching Out – I have been slow on the “guest post” path which many bloggers take. Look for some high-profile sites that I am partnering with to expand the TMN name and exposure.
• More Recommendations – Look for more hands-on advice and tool recommendations. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from recent reviews and will be doing more in the coming year.
• Even More Video – I think I said this one earlier this year, but video will continue to grow here on the TMN site.
• Podcast – This is on the back burner for now. I have received much encouragement to start a TMN podcast. However, I will address this one when the time is right.

Always Moving Forward

Three years is enough to start a dream.

It is perhaps not enough for “overnight success,” but you can be well on your way.

I am very happy with the progress of the TMN site, and thank each of you for your support.

Where were you three years ago? And are you still there today?

Start on your own dream today.

I’d love to see where you go in three years.

Question: What could you accomplish in three years? What will happen if you don’t start?