Setting SMART Goals

Do you stop long enough to really look at your business finances or are you too consumed by the day to day tasks of running it?

It’s important to take the time to review your numbers from last year and reflect on how successful your business is. By taking the time now, you will be able to intentionally move your business forward.

Some things to think about when reviewing your year are the financial health of your business, your communication with your team and your clients/customers, and whether you are consistent with your brand, values and mission.

Start with a general idea of what you would like to work on. Here are some general ideas of goals to consider:

• Boost your productivity

• Reduce ongoing business expenses

• Increase your customer service

• Add value to your services

• Increase traffic to your business website

• Increase your social media presence

• Find new opportunities for networking

• Create a better work/life balance

Once you decide on your general goals, make them SMART goals. SMART goals are: 

Specific - attach some details to the goal, 

Measurable - you won’t know if you accomplished anything if you can’t measure it, 

Attainable - make your goal a stretch but also make it something you can achieve, 

Relevant - the goal needs to fit with your business and your life, and 

Timely - have a deadline when you would like to achieve your goal. 

If you have big goals, break them down into smaller ones to make it easier to track your progress. Review your goals so you know whether you need to course correct or ramp up your efforts. When you accomplish your goals, acknowledge that and celebrate! Then set your next goal. This will intentionally move your business forward. 

Take the time to reflect on 2020. Concentrate on the good things that came out of this very different year. Focus on how you are going to make 2021 even better. A new year is an opportunity to celebrate your successes, learn from what didn’t work, and get excited about all the possibilities.