Setting Goals That Will Grow Your Business

It’s critical for every business owner to set up long term goals but even more now in today’s new business environment.

What’s the use of building a business in the first place if you lack a sustainable plan?  Your long-term goals are what provide your business direction. Can you imagine building a house from the ground up without a proper blueprint?  

When you have goals in mind, you can come up with ways to accomplish your objectives faster. 

As you sit down and think about the long-term goals you want to achieve for your business, think about the plans and activities you can do to reach the point of success. 

So how can you make goal setting work for you?

Zero In On Your Targets

The first thing you need to do is to set your priorities. 

• What do you want to achieve for your business in five years?
• Will you be expanding the products or services you’re selling?
• Will you be tapping markets outside your community?

You might not achieve these objectives now, but they help you set yourself up for the long haul.

Make Clear-cut Goals

Building a successful business is a process that can take ages to come full circle. Depending on your priorities, you should always end up reaching a definite Point B.  Your goal should specify what you want to achieve – don’t set a goal that you want to make lots of money.  Set a goal of, I want to make $10,000 selling widgets within the first year.  The more specific your goals are, the better your plan.

Be Realistic

Make sure your goals are actually attainable. Goals that are always beyond your reach are frustrating and unrewarding.  Breaking your goals into stages allows you to celebrate a win as you finish each phase.  Having this feeling of accomplishment will keep you motivated to continue on course.  

You have a long way ahead of you, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make things happen. The possibility of success is always there. We just have to work hard until we find an opening.

Include Excitement

It is going to be much easier and enjoyable if you make goals that you find fulfilling and exciting.  This is your business so you can design it to be whatever you want.  Nothing says you cannot put some fun in the mix!  

Keep Focused 

It helps to keep track of your goals to see how your business is living up to its potential. 

Writing down your goals is one way to know if your business is making its mark. Use a journal to document what it is you need to achieve and add new goals along the way. 

Not everything always turns out for the best. Businesses face a myriad of challenges that either slow down them down or maybe even find themselves contemplating to quit.

When that happens, you may have to pause, step back, and analyze the situation. 

At times, it is advantageous to revise your long-term vision.  Throughout the lifespan of your business, you will need to tweak your original plans. Remember it is a plan that is not made in concrete.  Remain flexible and focused; adjust your goals with the times as needed.  

Enjoy The Journey

Success is tied to the overall vision you have for your enterprise, so it’s always important to always look ahead. But instead of looking all the way down a long road, embrace your journey.  You will find inspiration and innovation along the way.

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.”

― Andy Rooney, journalist

All you need is to stay persistent. Never lose sight of your long-term goals. By staying true to your vision, anything your business aspires for is achievable!