My 2020 Year In Review

This is the time of the year to reflect.

We all know the negatives of 2020 so I am not going to dwell on them but instead share some insights to a rather productive 2020.

While many year-in-review posts are self-indulgent humble brags, I’ve tried to tie in some advice & lessons learned for added value.

Thanks for being a part of my 2020.

JUST Keep Going.

My Biggest 2020 Insights

Here are the eight biggest insights I took from the past year.

1. The wisest decision I made…
Was focusing on learning & implementing brand strategy as this nearly doubled my consulting revenue with less clients.
Takeaway: Invest in yourself.

2. The biggest lesson I learned…
Sales and systems trump technical skill.
Takeaway: Experiment with your pricing strategies, funnels & customer service skills to level up.

3. The biggest risk I took…
Starting a podcast + starting two coaching mastermind groups. I also hired 7 people over the year including a VA, Podcast Editor, 3 Writers, Editor & Blog Assistant.
Takeaway: Hire to scale faster.

4. The biggest surprise of the year…
Apart from the obvious pandemic, referring over $3.5 million dollars to Amazon and earning over six figures of commission in the process.
Takeaway: Don’t underestimate the power of SEO and capitalism. 

5. The most important thing I did for others…
Started a coaching group + consistently donated to charity through B1G1.
Takeaway: Give back.

6. The biggest thing I completed..
Brand Master Secrets course.
Takeaway: Always keep learning.

7. Best thing I created
The Inner Triangle Coaching Program
Takeaway: Get out of your comfort zone.

8. Biggest achievement
Not working weekends all year (nearly)
Takeaway: Work will always be there. 

How I Make Money Online (& Help Others)

We’re all hybrids wearing many different hats and thus have to master a variety of skills. These are the areas that I specialise in and how I will help others in 2021 (aka how I make money online).

• Brand Consultancy / Design / Strategy
• Coaching
• Amazon Associates Program
• Affiliate Marketing + SEO
• Course Sales (Referring other people’s products/courses)
• Ads (BuySellAds, GoogleAds, Mediavine, VDO.IO)
• Email Newsletter Media Buys

2020 Blog Stats

• ~$15k/month Revenue (passive income)
• 6,300,000 Page Views (6.3 million!)
• 330 Articles Posted in 2020 (27.5/month)
• 5,400,000 Unique Visits
• 2.53 minutes average time on site
• 31,000 newsletter subscribers

Visit Blog

Top Content of 2020

• See our Top Articles of 2020 post

2020 Personal Highlights

Despite the obvious downfalls of 2020, this was my best year yet in terms of business & personal growth and I actually feel a bit of guilt saying this as I know how rough this year has been for people all around the world.

But in reality these highlights are a good decade’s worth of consistent effort coming to fruition.

• Bought our dream house with seperate work studio
• Bought a family car
• Had a baby girl, Mika Cass
• Added two new arms to the business: coaching & podcasting
• Lived in South Africa for 2.5 months (Jan-March)
• Exercised 3-5 times a week

Coaching 

• 130 hours of coaching
• 2 Coaching Groups (Rising Stars & Pro)
• 30 Total members
• 22x Active Group Coaching members (Max 12 per group)
• 6x One-on-One Coaching Clients

Apply here

JUST Branding Podcast

• 24 episodes (released fortnightly)
• 20 amazing Guests
• 30 5 Star Reviews
• ~2000 listens per episode
• Some advertising will start in 2021 to cover costs
• Best of 2020 Episode dropping soon’

New Hires

This year I hired 7 contractors to help run JUST Creative.

• Virtual Assistant (Podcast posting + community management)
• 3x Writers
• Editor
• Podcast Video / Audio Editor
• Blog Assistant (Wifey – not a new hire)

Awards

Although not a motivation for my work, it’s nice to be recognised for your efforts.

• 5x Logo Lounge Awards
• 10 Consecutive Years of LogoLounge Awards 
• “Best Branding Coach” by Yahoo Finance

Jury Panels

I have been fortunate enough to judge a number of award programs around the world. In 2020, I was a part of 5 different juries.

• Graphic Arts Today MVP Awards Jury
• Best Brand Awards Jury
• Horizon Interactive Design Awards Jury (2019- 2020)
• LogoWave Jury Member (2017-Current)
• International Visual Identity Awards (2015-Current)

Brand Strategy

I completed 7 brand strategy courses in 2020 along with a number of books on the topic.

• LEVEL C ‘Brand Specialist’ Certification with Marty Nemiumer
• Brand Master Certificate from Brand Master Academy
• eResonaid
• Activate Your Strategic Brain
• Brand Consulting Mastery from Future Academy (in progress)
• View All Brand Strategy Courses

Collaborations (Approx)

I lost count of how many collaborations I did this year, but it was more than all the years prior put together. Instagram Lives, Podcasts, Video Collabs, Zooms, Webinars & more. What an awesome creative community we have! So honoured to be a part of it.

• 5 Webinars
• 5 Podcasts
• 5 Video Collabs
• 5 Instagram Lives
• 100s of Zoom Calls (Not published)

Social Stats

I am so thankful for every member of our community. You are why I do what I do!

• Newsletter – 31,000 (soon to delete ~10k inactive)
• Twitter – 79,000
• Facebook – 104,000
• Facebook Group – 13,000
• YouTube – 3,880
• Instagram – 37,400
• LinkedIn – 5,000

Remember, even just one follower gives you influence. It’s not about the numbers.

2020 Year In Review

For a full review of 2020, I recommend watching this incredible video in full screen to take it all in. I got a number of goose-bump moments.

Here’s to a better 2021!

Thank you again for being a part of the JUST Creative Community.