Yesterday I asked what your biggest lessons of 2009 were. Here are some of the responses I received:

“Luckily I have a day job to pay the bills as I try to start my online art business, with the hopes of retiring in a few years. This year I did not make a profit. I bought two blogging e-books, did tons of research, started to re-design my blog into a business tool, opened an Etsy shop, tried to keep a presence on eBay, and started a Facebook account. What I have learned is the “Field of Dreams” delusion – just because you build it does not guarantee they will come.”

“Be very clear about your message, and learn to say it as simply as possible, while being relevant and informative at the same time. This is not easy, especially if you know a lot about your subject/niche, but if you can’t explain exactly what your business is about, how are your clients going to understand?”

“With two family members battling cancer, I realize that I can’t keep putting off what I want to do … sometimes sheer fright can motivate you to a place you thought impossible! Yes, I’ve been faced with other serious challenges in my life before, but these challenges coupled with my age, lets me know later is now! I’ve actually failed myself by my fear of success and shyness! This year I’m working on this from so many angles, in addition to putting myself out there. It has and will be financially difficult, but the bottom line is, I want to say, I’ve given it my best shot and know in my heart that I have.”

“The biggest lesson I learned in 2009 was to slow down and do things right the first time.  Even if it takes you a bit longer, it will be very well worth the time spent.  I tend to be impatient, but 2009 forced me to see the value in waiting.”

“2009 was the year my boyfriend left me, so I learned to forgive, let go, move on and start building a new dream. In that process I also let go of internal blockages, pay offs and programs that were running my life, such as self-pity and punishment. It felt like I also let go of a lifetime of grief and sorrow that I was not expressing but holding onto all these years. I am in such a great place now, totally ready & jazzed for 2010.”

“Diversification is not good for business unless it’s well thought out and right on your mission! Simple, I know… but I definitely fell into the trap of thinking that, to make money, I needed to diversify, diversify, diversify… I know now that, while that’s true, I need to make sure every venture, every marketing avenue, every new idea I explore must be rooted in my mission as a business owner and individual, or I’ll just drive myself nuts. I also learned that I really must revisit that mission in the next few weeks to make sure it is as clear and unique as possible.”

What was YOUR biggest lesson of 2009? Leave your response in the comments section below.