4 Tips For Setting Business Goals

I recently took a hiatus from the ABCs of Small Business to explain 3 Ways a Virtual Assistant Can Be Your Holiday Helper. Today I will resume with G for (business) Goals. I believe we all aspire to grow our business in different forms; it may be through new clients, employees or services/products offered. I haven’t met anyone that is satisfied with only having one client for 10 years.  As business owners, our goals may not be identical but the way we reach them may be similar.

This post will share ideas to keep in mind when setting your business goals for next year. I will use the illustration of obtaining two new clients.

1. First, is this goal attainable? I believe in dreaming big but having attainable goals. You may want 10 new clients, but is that realistic. It’s okay to have big dreams and you should not let any dissuade you from them; however, attainable goals are very important too. Ask yourself, do I have the resources and time to support  my two new clients.  When you reach a goal there is a sense of accomplishment that will continue to propel you forward to your dream. Once you get two clients then you can focus on new goals to obtain the next eight.
2. How will you do it?  Strategize how you are going to obtain these clients. Are you going to increase marketing efforts or attend more local networking events? Learn from previous mistakes and do not make them again. Listen to a trusted friend or mentor that offers useful advice  and understands your goals.
3. Once you know how you are going to do it- put it in action. Set a deadline and start implementing the changes. Follow-up through each steps and be accountable for them. If you have a problem with accountable you may want to enlist a friend to serve as your accountability partner.
4. Lastly, be persistent; don’t give up. Keep trying until you reach your goal.

Do you have your goals set for 2010? Please share your tips.