How To Use The BETTER Business Goals System™
In this blog, I’ll guide you through how to use the BETTER Business Goals System™ that I created for my clients. Sooner rather than later, you need a vision and goals! Using an analogy inspired by my Strategy Cycle™ business model: Picture your business growth as a bike journey, with your goals as the destinations on your route. Without a map and clear directions, you might end up on the wrong path or get lost along the way. That’s where the BETTER Business Goals System™ comes in.
Define Your Vision
The first step to using the BETTER Business Goals System™ is to define your vision. This is your ultimate goal, what you want your business to achieve in the long term. Take some time to really think about what you want for your business and write it down. This will serve as the guiding force for all your goals and actions moving forward. Having the right strategy is what will make your vision become a reality.
Identify Your Objectives When Setting Better Business Goals
Once you have a clear vision in mind, it’s time to break it down into smaller objectives. These are the milestones you need when setting better business goals that will ultimately lead you to your ultimate goal. Identify at least three to five key objectives that are essential for your business growth. This framework will help ensure that your goals are clear and achievable.
Let’s gear up and explore the art of setting clear, achievable business goals. Just like planning a bike ride, I’ll help you map out your path, ensuring your goals are like scenic spots along the way that align perfectly with your vision. I’ll make sure you have a well-maintained bike (your business) and a reliable map (your strategy) to prevent any uphill struggles and keep your journey enjoyable. To do this you need the right goals, so if you don’t already have them, let’s create BETTER business goals. If you do already have goals, let’s make them even BETTER! I’d like to share my BETTER Goals System™
Be Better Goals
B – Breakthrough:
Set goals that challenge the status quo and push you beyond your comfort zone. Creating goals that make us feel a little uncomfortable help us to aspire to be better. Aim for breakthroughs that signify significant progress and achievement, so that you get out of your cosy corner.
E – Empowerment:
Foster a sense of empowerment by setting goals that align with your values and passions. Ensure that your objectives contribute to personal growth and fulfilment, as well as business success. This will motivate you to work towards them with determination and enthusiasm. Setting a clear timeline for achieving your goals provides structure and helps you stay focused. It also creates a sense of urgency, which can be a powerful motivator. Make sure your timeline is realistic but challenging, so that you don’t become complacent, and you remain energised and empowered.
T – Targeted Growth:
Focus on specific areas of personal, professional, or business development that will lead to meaningful growth. Identify the skills, knowledge, sources, or experiences you need to target for improvement. Don’t change the goal! Instead, work out what you need to do and change in order to achieve the goal! Make sure your goals align with your priorities, values, and overall vision for your life. This will provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment as you work towards achieving them. It’s important to have meaningful and relevant goals that are in line with who you are and what you want to achieve.
Furthermore, avoid setting vague or unattainable goals that can lead to frustration and disappointment. Also, break down bigger goals into smaller, achievable steps to make your journey more manageable and rewarding. Create a clear action plan for each goal that outlines the specific steps you need to take in order to achieve it. Without a doubt, this will help you stay focused and on track.
T – Time Mastery:
Efficiently manage your time to maximise productivity and prioritise tasks that contribute directly to your goals. Time mastery is crucial for staying on track and making steady progress. I’ve heard it said that procrastination is the thief of time, and I believe this to be true. Therefore, you must do something every day to get you towards reaching your goals. Whether it’s spending an hour learning a new skill, networking with potential clients or working on a project, make the most of your time and use it wisely.
E – Evaluate and Adjust:
Importantly, regularly assess your progress, evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies, and be willing to adjust your approach. Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement to be the best that you can be! Be open to change, make changes, and manage them effectively, so that you and your business are constantly evolving. This will not only lead to better results, but also a more fulfilling and successful journey.
Feedback
As a small business owner, it’s important to seek feedback from customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Take the time to listen to their suggestions and concerns, and then act on them accordingly. This shows that you value their input and are committed to continuously improving your products or services. Don’t be afraid of criticism; instead, use it as an opportunity for growth.
Monitor
Continuously monitor and evaluate your own performance as a business owner. Set goals for yourself and regularly assess if you’re on track to achieve them. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments or pivot your strategies if necessary. Since this self-reflection will help you stay focused and motivated towards achieving long-term success, it’s a must when it comes to Better Goals. Remember, though, to positively reflect on your achievements, rather than just focusing on what you could have done better.
Be Organised
Finally, don’t forget the importance of staying organised and managing your time. Accountability is crucial for achieving success. This means taking ownership of your actions and being responsible for the outcomes. Set clear goals, create action plans, and hold yourself accountable by tracking progress regularly.
Take Care Of You
Undoubtedly, running a business can be mentally and physically demanding, so don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process. Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy. Remember that you are the driving force behind your business, and it’s important to prioritise your own well-being.
R – Resilience:
Cultivate resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. View obstacles as opportunities to learn and adapt, reinforcing your commitment to becoming better over time. Ask yourself how you can, not if you can! There will always be hurdles to overcome and circumstances out of our control. However, the way you choose to react is in your control. You choose how you respond, so choose wisely. Keep your goals insight and believe that you can! My favourite affirmation is, “I can, and I will, watch me!” Along with, “I am brave and I am bold!” The upshot is resilience is essential to goal achievement and business success.
Success is not about never failing, but about how you handle setbacks and challenges. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from failure and keep moving forward. Building resilience is essential for achieving success in any area of life. It’s important to remember that failure is just a temporary setback and should be seen as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Setting Better Business Goals In A Nutshell
In a nutshell, to benefit from setting better business goals, visualise your future, have a long-term vision and desire and break your big goals into small achievable goals. Do something every day to get you to where you want your business to be. Never give up, keep focused, do what you need to do to achieve your goals, but never at the risk of your own mental health and well being. It’s also important to surround yourself with a strong support system and seek guidance from the right mentors. They can provide valuable advice and help you stay motivated during difficult times. Another key aspect of resilience is being able to adapt to change. In today’s fast-paced world, things are constantly evolving and it’s crucial to be able to pivot when necessary. This may involve trying new strategies, learning new skills, or even changing your strategic business model, perhaps to The Strategy Cycle™.
I’m your small business mentor, Chartered Marketer, Chartered Manager, and author, Tracy Heatley. Find out more about my one-to-one and group mentoring programs for your Better Strategy and Better Marketing Success! Feel free to contact me or book a FREE 30 minute Discovery Call to find out more.