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Will smart goals affect your success? Ah…YES! A common ingredient that professionals often omit is setting goals for producing the results they want for their business and career. We all get busy doing activities – often the right activities – but our busy-ness has no context or relevance. Research says that when goals are planned and written out, there is a high probability for success in reaching your goals.
S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for the 5 goal-setting steps: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. You’ve likely heard about this before. It’s a simple, popular tool used by businesses and professionals to go beyond the realm of fuzzy, ooey-gooey goal-setting into an actionable plan for creating results.
S.M.A.R.T. Goal-Setting
Specific: Great goals are well-defined and focused. The moment you focus on a goal it becomes a magnet, pulling you and your resources toward it. The more focused your energies, the more power you generate. What you focus on grows and expands, e.g. “I will have generated three new clients by the end of September.” Or, “I will have generated $50K in sales by 12/31/14.”
Measurable: A goal without a measurable outcome is like a sports competition without score keeping. Numbers are an essential part of business. Put concrete numbers in your goals to know if you’re on track. A white board posted in your office can help as a daily reminder to keep you focused on the targeted results you want to achieve.
Attainable: Professionals and small business owners often set goals beyond reach. No one has ever become a billion dollar success overnight. Yes, dream big and aim for the stars, but keep one foot firmly based in reality. Check with your colleagues and professional associations to get a handle on realistic growth in your industry to set smart goals.
Relevant: Achievable business goals are based on current conditions and realities of the business climate. You might long to have your best year in business or increase revenue by 50%, but if a recession is looming and three business competitors opened in your market, then your goals aren’t relevant to the realities of the market. Tweak them. Be current.
Time-Based: Business goals and objectives just don’t get done when there’s no time frame tied to the goal-setting process. Without a timeline, due date or deadline, you simply have a wish with no power.
Need help setting goals? Creating outcomes? Don’t suffer alone. Reach out to me. I’d love to help you become smart, savvy and successful! Contact me today to get started.
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