Starting a business is exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also be a little chaotic. That’s where goals come in. And not just any goals, but SMART ones. Reed Atamian, a firm believer in strategic planning, often emphasizes that setting SMART goals can turn dreams into achievable plans. Let’s break down how to do it step by step.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Sounds fancy, but it’s really just a way to make your goals crystal clear and doable. For example, instead of saying, “I want to grow my business,” a SMART goal would be, “I want to increase sales by 20% in the next three months.” See the difference?
Step 1: Be Specific
The more detailed your goal, the better. Think about the who, what, where, and why. Instead of “I want more customers,” try “I want to gain 50 new customers through online marketing.” Specific goals give you direction.
Step 2: Make It Measurable
How will you know if you’ve succeeded? Add numbers or milestones to track your progress. Reed Atamian often points out that measurable goals keep you motivated because you can see how far you’ve come.
Step 3: Keep It Achievable
Dream big, but stay realistic. If your goal is too far out of reach, you might get discouraged. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.
Step 4: Ensure Relevance
Ask yourself, “Does this goal align with my business objectives?” Your goals should always contribute to your bigger picture, whether that’s improving customer satisfaction or boosting profits.
Step 5: Set A Time Frame
Deadlines create urgency. Without one, it’s easy to procrastinate. Be specific: “I’ll finish this by December 31” works much better than “someday.”
Ready To Get SMART?
Setting SMART goals can take your business to the next level. By following this framework—and taking inspiration from Reed Atamian structured approach—you can turn vague ideas into actionable plans. So, grab a pen and start goal-setting today. You’re on your way to success!