Business goals keep a person motivated to go after the next big fish, to be better than the year before, which makes more money year after year. But how can good, solid business goals be created and stuck to? Here are some ideas.
Identifying Ideas
First, goals need to be identified. These questions need to be asked by the individual to get a better idea of what goals need to be achieved:
- Do you want to take over your boss‘ job or do you want to be the owner of your own business?
- Do you want to make six figures or just make enough money to get out of debt?
- Do I want a corner office or a home office?
- Do I mind long hours?
- If I could get any job I want, what would it be?
Considering Goals
Now, the answers should be broken down into pieces. For example, the individual can’t just say he wants to be rich, he has to say why he wants to be rich and how he will become rich. Thinking the answers aloud can be useful.
The answers should also be tested to see if they are realistic. Making over $100,000 in the first year of business may be an unrealistic goal for a small business, but making a profit in the first year may be an achievable goal.
All of the answers should be written down. Writing your answers down makes them more concrete and real to the individual. The individual shouldn’t stop there, though. Planning about how to achieve the goal is the next step.
Here are some questions for the individual to think about and answer:
- How soon are you going to start?
- What will be your first step?
- What amount of time do you need to spend?
- How much money will it take?
- Will you need a loan?
- What help would you need?
Making Goals Real
Now that there is a plan, taking action makes the business goals real. Encouragement can be gained from posting 3 by 5 cards with the goal written out at the top, then the words "I will do it" or "I am doing it" underneath on them. This is like giving the brain a pep-talk every time the card is seen and it reaffirms the goal.
The steps of achieving the goal should be written down in detail. As the steps are completed they can be crossed off the list, giving a sense of achievement.
Goals can only be reached with much consideration and thought. The steps above can be used to motivate the consideration needed.
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