How To Set Goals For A Business
I can remember when I was in high school and teachers telling the classes that we need to set goals, and it going way over my head. In my mind they were making things way too complicated. If I wanted something I went for it! Why write it down and break it up into smaller chunks? That was a waste of time and energy to "think" that much about it.
I spent the past week at our county fair and had a great time! My kids show dogs and rabbits, plus we volunteer to help with the 4H lemonade booth. During this time, as I was watching my kids with their dogs, I decided I needed to help them set goals for next years fair. This got me to thinking about how to set goals for a business! I started putting the two things together and the "light" went on about goal setting! I know...a little late in life, but better than never!
To start goal setting, ask your self several questions:
- What is my ultimate accomplishment?
- Is it achievable?
- How long is it going to take you to achieve this?
- Do I need any special equipment or services to achieve my goal?
- What is the cost involved?
With these questions answered, you can begin setting your goals. My example is with my kids and their dogs.
- Ultimate accomplishment - To be able to win championship in all four dog events at the fair - rally, obedience, agility and showmanship.
- Is it achievable? - Yes
- How long is it going to take you to achieve this? Approximately 5 years - depends on the child and dog, their ages and abilities.
- Do I need any special equipment or services? Yes- agility equipment to practice on and help from a professional for obedience.
- What is the cost involved? Money for buying agility equipment and time involved in actually doing the training.
Next figure out a 1-year goal that will be a step towards the ultimate goal. For my kids that one-year goal will look something like this:
- Obedience - Getting the dog to pay more attention to me rather than the audience and other distractions.
- Rally - Learning more signs and their meanings.
- Agility - Getting the dog to perform better jumps.
- Showmanship - Having better control over the dog.
After the one-year goal, we will need monthly, weekly, and daily goals.
Monthly - The dog will sit every time I halt.
Weekly - By the end of the week I will have worked with my dog for 5 days in a row.
Daily - Today I will practice halting and praising my dog every time he sits.
I know to some of you this is beginner stuff! But, watching my kids with their dogs and thinking this through on how to help them do better in next year's fair, has really translated over to "my" online business. I am now ready to sit down and write out my own goals.
Daily - Today's goal was to write out this blog and set my own goals.
Weekly - I want to finish my training here at WA this week! Yay... I'm that close!
Monthly - I want to have at least 12 more articles written on my website.
Yearly - I want to see enough income to be able to take a vacation in the fall next year.
After breaking my ultimate goal, of having a full time passive income, into smaller chunks, I feel like it is so much more achievable. I keep asking myself, "Why did I not get this when I was a teenager"!?
How do you break your goals down? Do you have any suggestions on how I can help my kids this year with a goal for dog training? How about my online business?
Recent Comments
1
Excellent post and goals. Thanks.
Have a great week,
Mickey