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2. Write down what you want to achieve for each identified goal With your answers to
questions, actually write down how each thing would look at it’s most successful. Goals should be in writing, in measurable terms and have specific timelines.
For example, if you had chosen technology, your goal might be ”to implement an integrated and automated contact management system by April 30th that takes away most of manual work I do now.”
3. Break goals into measurable steps For each goal that you’ve articulated, break it down into steps you need to do. You must include timeframes for each step.
In our example, steps might be: - Researching available contact management systems – by 31 Jan - Analyse each one along cost, technology implications, ease of learning – by 29 Feb - Decide and purchase – March - Implement system – April 5th - Test and undergo training – by 30 April
Ensure that all people impacted by a goal fully participate in crafting of goal and action plans. 4. Allocate people to do actions Be clear about who is responsible for what activity.
5. Create a fail-safe tracking method to monitor success This is absolutely essential. Without it, business will simply continue to react rather than choose it’s own direction. There are many different ways of monitoring. A simple method is to come together once per week and check where each current activity is at. You also get opportunity to remove obstacles and plan any additional activity. If you work solo, schedule time in your diary each week to track your progress.
This process of constant review and resetting action steps based on actual progress is hallmark of having a goal centred management system. A simple goal setting process leaves out this vital step.
So make time and set your business up for success. Invest a few hours each week in careful planning and consideration, and see your business reach it’s true potential.
Megan Tough, Director of Action Plus, is passionate about helping people enjoy their businesses. She works internationally with business owners to systematically remove the stress points from their business, giving them more time and space for - well -whatever they want! Visit her at www.megantough.com, or email megan@megantough.com for more information on taking the stress out of your business.
