Now, we’re off on Stage 2 – Setting Your Goals. Actually, this should have been done well before now, but I am inserting it here “just in case” you haven’t or forgot to set specific, measurable goals for this year. It’s ok to admit it. Unfortunately, most business owners go through the entire year without a real clear picture of the goals they have for their business!
I think the reason most business owners never commit to a specific goal is so they won’t be disappointed when they miss it. It keeps them from feeling worse about their lack of a real plan to succeed. But we’re going to compete differently this year. We’re going to set very specific goals. We’re going to make sure everyone on the team knows our goals and we’re going to measure our progress towards our goals on a regular basis! So let’s start here:
What are your goals for this year’s “race” in the following categories:
- Customer Satisfaction
- New Market Expansion
- Operational Efficiency
- Revenue Growth and Profitability
If you have other specific areas that are critical to your success, then write down a goal in those areas as well. Now, if your goals are for where you want to be by the end of 2019, then go back and break them up into quarterly goals. Rather than staring at a huge, seemingly unachievable goal, it will be more motivating and more achievable if you state them in quarterly terms.
Here’s Your Profit Tip of the Day
Making the goals more timely and achievable will motivate you and your team to accomplish them. If yours is a manufacturing business or is dependent on daily, repetitive processes, then you may want to state your goals on a monthly or even weekly basis.
We can all learn from Lawrence of Arabia who led an army across the Sahara Desert, a feat never before accomplished, by keeping them focused on small, achievable goals which each led to the larger ultimate goal.
Determine how you are going to share your goals with your partners, your team and the person who is going to hold you accountable to them – your business coach. If you truly want to achieve your goals, share them and ask to be held accountable.
Measure your progress against your goals. Having a goal is one thing, but having a measurement system so you can see your progress on a regular basis is the key to success!
Keep it simple. Find a place to record your progress on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. These tactics will keep you and your team focused and will give you the highest probability of success.
Setting Your goals is a critical part of this year’s race plan. Take the time to do these NOW. You can thank me when you are standing on the winner’s podium at the end of the 2019 Tour de Profit!.
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there.
And when you’re ready, join my FREE, private FaceBook Group called The Peloton. It’s where business owners like you are learning, sharing and working together to get better every day! Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jointhepeloton/
Come on – join us! And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
