Goal Setting: Start with Dreams, Not Dollars
Traditionally, business goal setting starts with designating a revenue goal and working backward to determine the other goals and activities to focus on for the year. In my experience, this just isn’t the best way to set goals for small business owners.
While it is important to have a good idea of your business finances and set revenue goals each year…it’s not the best first step in the process.
The reason? Most small business owners didn’t start their businesses with the intention of dedicating every waking moment of their life to turning a profit. Wouldn’t you agree?
We’re human, not machines. We have lives. We have moods, encounter obstacles, have strengths and weaknesses, and often, we’re running our business by ourselves or with a very lean team. Sure, most of us know what we should or could do to reach a specific goal…but what will we have to sacrifice to do it?
The pursuit of every goal comes with a trade-off.
What are you willing to give up, shift, change, or prioritize in your life to meet your business goals?
If you want the best chance of moving your business forward in a sustainable way that aligns with your personal values and priorities, you must ensure that the goals you set are informed and influenced by your ideal lifestyle.
Goals do not exist in a vacuum. And your business goals aren’t the only goals you’re probably setting this year.
So I want to encourage you and give you permission (if you need it!) to start goal setting by envisioning your ideal life. What is most important to you? Be honest with yourself about your time and resources. What are you willing to dedicate to the pursuit of growing your business?
That doesn’t mean abandoning the activities and efforts that will contribute to your success. Instead, look at them with clear eyes and an open mind.
What can you reasonably accomplish given your current circumstances and your personal preferences? What assets or resources could you invest in that would allow you to move more easily toward that goal?
If you think through these things while you’re setting goals for your business this year, you’ll have a better chance of accomplishing them! To help, I’ve created a Goal Setting Workbook based on my philosophy. You can download it here for free.
Let’s make 2023 the best year for our businesses yet!
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With over 15 years of experience, I've worked with countless small businesses just like yours. I can provide you with the tools and resources that will help make marketing less overwhelming.