Small Business Success

[#1]

It’s February and, like me, you have probably gone from making New Year’s resolutions to “adjusting” your resolutions to out right breaking them all together – all in one and a half months.  Or, maybe you “don’t make New Year’s Resolutions.” Well, I do make New Year’s Resolutions every year and by this time of the year, I’ve pretty much gone through the process outlined above.  One of my resolutions this year was to lose weight (along with 65% of the population according to some studies).  I started out by saying, “I going to cut out all carbs”. By week two, my plan changed to “I’m going to cut back on carbs”. And finally to, “this is crazy, I’m way too stressed to not eat carbs; I’m being unfair to myself! Forget this!” So, thus was the end of my journey towards weight loss. While setting a goal is certainly the smart thing to do, my mistake was not setting a very “SMART” goal.  Sure, getting fit and losing a little weight, for me, was a “positive” goal, but being positive doesn’t make it SMART.  And by SMART, I mean: 

S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely

 

Many businesses fall into this same trap.  Either they haven’t set very SMART goals or they’ve set no goals at all.  Setting goals is essential to setting a path for success and growth.  Having goals will keep you focused and on track in uncertain times by giving you a target at which to aim.  Finally, seeing progress towards the attainment of your goals will keep you and your team motivated even in a whirlwind.

 

Now that I’ve convinced you that you need to set goals, how do you make your goals SMART?

 

First, make sure that your goal is specific.  Make sure you outline what you are trying to accomplish, why you are trying to accomplish it, and how you plan to accomplish it. In my New Year’s Resolution example, I wasn’t specific. My goal should have been: I want to lose 15 lbs. by limiting my calories to 1200 calories per day and exercising for 45 minutes three days per week. So that I am more fit and feel confident wearing skinny jeans

.

Second, make sure your goal is measurable. As the old adage goes, if you can't measure it, you can't manage it. In my example the ultimate measure was the loss of 15 lbs. However, short term “check-ins” to make sure I’m on track would be the loss of 1 lb. per week. When you measure your progress, you stay on track and stay motivated to continue to move towards the attainment of your goal.

 

Third, your goal should be attainable. It is important to take stock of the feasibility of a goal.  If a goal is too outlandish, you could be setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.  If my goal was to lose 15 lbs in one week, I would certainly be setting myself up for failure and disappointment; while 1lb. per week is certainly attainable. Having a goal that is attainable will not only keep you motivated, but provide you with a feeling of success.

 

Fourth, your goal should be realistic.  Realistic doesn’t mean easy.  Realistic means doable.  It means that you have or can acquire the skills and resources to accomplish the goal. My goal of never eating carbs again was unrealistic, which is why it changed, and changed again. While your goal should be realistic and attainable, be sure not to set your goals too low as not to stretch yourself. So, no cookies and cake for desert!

  

Fifth, make sure your goals are timely. Set a timeframe for the goal: next week, three months, one year. Putting an end point on your goal gives you a clear target to work towards. Without a time limit, the level of commitment required is too vague and there's no urgency to start taking action now.  By placing a timeframe around your goal, you can more accurately measure and monitor you success.

 I’ve revisited my New Year’s goal.  While, I commend myself for having a goal, I’ve gone back and I have made that goal SMART. Now, I’m on my way to skinny jeans!

Message Edited by WinniferC on 02-16-2009 03:44 PM

[#2]

thats really good!!!