New to Goal Setting? Here’s What You Need to Know
Running a business isn’t easy. Sometimes, people start a business and have an idea of the end result that they’d like to achieve. This can cause business owners to get lost along the way and think that reaching the end result isn’t possible. Goal setting seems to become an important topic at the beginning of each year. Yet, many people think that it won’t make that big of a difference. Goal setting truly can make or break a business. If you’re new to goal setting, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of information that is available. Here’s what you need to know.
When to Plan Your Goals
Goal planning isn’t something you do only once per year. Business goals should be assessed every quarter or even monthly. It’s great to set yearly goals for the business, but you also need quarterly goals as well. There are many schools of thought on goal planning.
Planning your goals is only part of the equation. You must also review and assess your goals on a regular basis. Many business experts believe that you should review your goals every day in order to stay motivated.
Goal Setting Metrics
There are a lot of goal setting ideas that can be found on the Internet. Ultimately, you should find one that excites you and that you’ll enjoy following. One of the easiest and most sound ways to set your goals is by following an acronym known as SMART. SMART goal setting is used by people all around the world for setting goals that are measurable and attainable.
Specific. Your goals should be specific. There’s a big difference in setting a goal of being the best in your industry and setting a goal of gaining a 100% increase in clients. Which one is more specific? When you write your goals, they should be specific. The more detailed you are in your goals, the easier it will be for you to measure your success. Break down each goal into the steps that you must take in order to be successful.
Measurable. Your goals should be measurable. A goal is measurable when you can identify in one or more ways whether you are meeting or exceeding your goal. What will you see? What will your business have more of? A measurable goal means there is evidence. It is not just your thoughts or beliefs. It is actual proof that you are meeting or exceeding your goals.
Attainable. Your goals should be attainable. It’s not realistic to start a business and expect to be a millionaire overnight or even in the next year. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. However, in order to keep you on track, set goals that are attainable. What is realistic for your business over the next year? It’s great to set big goals. Yet, it is also important that you devote the proper time and attention to those goals if you plan to reach them.
Relevant. Are the goals you set relevant to the success of your business and to your life? Do you have the skills that you need to reach those goals? Think about why you want to reach your goal.
Timely. Think about the time that it will take to reach your goals. Is it a quarterly goal? If so, do you have the time, money, and skills it will take to reach the goal during the specific quarter? It’s also important to be flexible. Sometimes goals end up taking longer. That doesn’t mean that you failed. If you’re making progress, you are not failing.
The Ultimate Key to Meeting Your Goals
Setting goals is great, but it isn’t enough. It’s been said that a goal without a timeline is nothing more than a dream. If you want to reach your goals, you must do more than plan them. You must also take action each and every day. Taking action is the only way that you will achieve your goals. The goals that you set for your business must become a priority.
Need Help Reaching Your Goals?
If one of your business goals is to improve your customer service or accounts receivable management, call Clients ARM. With more than 30 years of experience, we can help you reach your goals. Clients ARM provides multiple services for small businesses that are cost-effective and easy to use. Call Clients ARM today to book your free review and learn how we can help you reach your goals for the upcoming year.
