How to Set Business Goals You Can Actually Achieve

Why Most Goals Fail

Write Your Goals Down

The first and most obvious step in the goal setting process is to actually have some goals and take the time to write them down. If it is not written down, preferably on paper (yes the old 20th century style of communication), it is unlikely that those goals will be achieved. Typing them out and reviewing them on a computer screen is certainly better than just keeping them in your head, however it is not nearly as effective as physically writing them down. There is something magical that happens on a subconscious level during the act of writing your goals down on paper. It does not matter whether you understand or believe this concept. It is just the way the things work and it has been scientifically proven, so the sooner you accept this universal law, the better off you will be. Incidentally, if you have not already shared this post on Facebook to receive the 2 most important core principles that radically boost your chances for success, I encourage you to scroll up and do so now.

Your Goals MUST Have a Timeline

I don’t recall when I first heard “A Goal Without a Timeline is Just a Dream”, but it is a statement that has stuck with me for many years. There are many reasons why this statement true. First of all, there is no way to track progress or milestones without knowing where you are in the overall process. Secondly, there is no sense of urgency because on a subconscious level, we are thinking we will get around to doing it whenever it is convenient or whenever we have the extra time. That thought process is a deal killer if you are serious about achieving your goals.

Your Goals Must Be Action Oriented

You have the best chance of achieving your goals when they are broken down into small, actionable items that can be tracked and monitored. An easy way to accomplish this is to think in reverse. Analyze your goal and determine the individual components that must be achieved to reach those goals. These bite-size pieces are much easier to comprehend and track, therefore more likely to be accomplished.

Tracking and Monitoring

Staples published an article in 2010 which stated that 80 percent of the small business owners they surveyed admitted they do not adequately track and monitor their goals. This is often a critical missing component responsible for lack of achievement of business and marketing goals. This concept works closely with the paragraph above because as it is with any journey, one must constantly assess the current status and make the proper course corrections to stay on track.

Helping Your Employees Achieve Their Goals

Many small business owners have a staff to manage, whether they are actual employees or contract workers. Since your staff contributes greatly to the success of your organization, it is important to include them as part of your goal setting process. I have consulted with entrepreneurs who often overlook or minimize the importance of this component.

After you have determined the goals you would like your company to achieve, the next step is to break it down by department to analyze what each of those groups need to achieve to contribute to the overall process. If your company is small enough, it is best to consult with each of your employees individually. Otherwise you can have the department manager do the same with them. Ideally, setting aside 20 or 30 minutes to have them write down the goals you would like to help them achieve will be immensely beneficial for them and your organization. Besides helping them to develop the proper mindset for success, it will also help them to realize the importance and value their contributions make to the organization.

Properly Reward and Incentivize Your Staff

I would recommend rewarding your staff with monthly or quarterly bonuses or incentives of some sort, whenever they have achieved the milestones that have been set for them. Regardless of how small the bonuses, people will appreciate the recognition and it will remind them of the milestones and reinforce the concept of contributing to the greater good of the company.

Need Help Developing Your Marketing Goals?

If you would like a more personalized evaluation of your current or proposed marketing strategies, contact the professionals at Your Marketing Crew. We invite you to call us today at 727-210-5046 to schedule a no-cost consultation where we can learn more about you and your business, what you would like to accomplish, and make some recommendations to see if we are good fit. We look forward to the opportunity of working with you to help you grow your business.