Achieve Your Business Goals with These Effective Strategies

You know, one thing I’ve always had is a lot of goals. This has been true for my own business, back in my corporate days, and in my personal life.

But I haven’t always been great at achieving those goals. Setting goals is one thing. Achieving them is something else, right? And that part is a skill I had to learn.

I think this is especially true if you’re multi-passionate. When you have a lot of different interests, you often find yourself flitting from one thing to another. You have a lot of ideas, but maybe you never get started on them. Or if you do, you never actually finish anything. Which means you aren’t achieving whatever goal you set.

So, in this post, we’re going to talk about how to achieve business goals. How to turn these abstract ideas into tangible results. For example, how do you go from saying “I want to increase my client base” to actually doing it?

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Prefer to listen? Check out this episode of the podcast: Proven Ways to Reach Your Business Goals

We’ll break down the process of setting effective business goals – and no, I’m not talking about vague objectives like “I want to make a lot of money.” We’ll touch on SMART goals because that’s a foundational piece that I think we all need to understand.

But we’re going beyond the goal-setting piece. We’ll talk about how to turn your goals into action plans. Because we’ve all heard that saying “a goal with a plan is just a wish,” right?

We’ll talk about managing resources, building routines, and keeping yourself motivated. And, of course, we’ll talk about the importance of regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals.

But that’s not all. I’ll also share some ways that you can stay on track and maintain consistency. Because in the end, consistency is what separates achievers from dreamers.

So are you ready to stop dreaming and start doing? Ready to turn your business goals into reality? Then let’s dive in.

You can also grab a free cheat sheet that summarizes this post and includes the answers to some frequently asked questions.

The Importance of Goals in Business

Okay, let’s get started with the art of setting business goals.

Why is this so crucial? Well, imagine trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle without having the picture on the front of the box. That’s what running a business without goals is like. You’re fumbling around, with no idea of where to put the pieces. Goals are like the picture. They give your actions purpose and guide your decisions.

And when you’re a one-person shop, it’s easy to get lost in all the tasks and responsibilities.

One minute you’re working on your marketing strategy, the next you’re fixing a glitch on your website, and before you know it, the day is over, and you’re left wondering if you actually accomplished anything. And did any of it help your business?

That’s where goal setting comes in. By defining what you want to achieve – these are your business objectives – you give your work direction. Your goals become your compass, guiding your decisions and helping you prioritize your tasks. They become the framework for your business plan.

Think about it. If you set a goal to increase your client base by 20% in the next year, you immediately have a target to aim for. This goal then breaks down into steps. Maybe you need to revamp your website, launch a new marketing campaign, or invest in customer management tools.

Each of those steps becomes part of a larger plan driving you toward your goal.

But here’s the kicker. Goals don’t just guide your actions – they fuel your motivation. Every time you check off a task from your list, you know that you’re one step closer to your goal. Every small win, every completed project is a tangible reminder of your progress.

Long-Term and Short-Term Goals: Finding the Balance

Now, let’s talk about the two types of business goals you should have – long-term goals and short-term goals. I define long-term as anything that will take a year or more to accomplish. It might be 1 year, 3 years, 5 years. etc.

And anything less than a year, I consider a short-term goal. So, 1 month, 90 days, etc.

You need to have both.

If you only have short-term business goals, then you may find yourself constantly changing direction and losing momentum. On the other hand, if you have only long-terms goals, then you may find it hard to stay motivated because you don’t have milestones to measure success along the way.

Let’s go back to that example of increasing your client base by 20% in the next year. That’s a long-term goal.

A short-term goal that supports that might be to grow your email list by 1,000 subscribers in the next three months. Or to network with 20 potential clients at an industry event you’re attending next week.

SMART Goals: The Key to Clarity and Achievability

Now, another thing to consider is that not all goals are created equal. To be effective, they need to be SMART. That’s an acronym you’ve probably heard before. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

And those are the five key characteristics of a goal that you can achieve. This framework ensures your goals are clear, trackable, realistic, aligned with your business objectives, and have a defined timeframe.

Steps to Setting Business Goals

Okay, so we’ve talked about the importance of goals in business, now let’s get into how to actually set those goals.

Setting business goals may seem intimidating, but it’s actually pretty straightforward when you break it down step-by-step.

So, let’s walk through a simple 5-step process.

Step 1: Define your long-term goals

Start with the big picture. What do you want to achieve in the next year, or even five years? Maybe it’s expanding your client base or hitting a certain revenue target, like six figures or seven figures. These are your long-term business objectives.

Step 2: Break them down into short-term goals

Once you’ve defined your long-term goals, break them down into smaller, more manageable goals. Use the SMART framework for both types of goals.

Step 3: Identify your resources

Take stock of what you have at your disposal. This could be your budget, your skillset, the time you have available, or your network of contacts. This is the key to setting achievable goals.

Step 4: Create an action plan

This is your roadmap to business success. Outline what steps need to be taken, who will be responsible for each task, and when each task should be completed. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself on this step. I recommend only creating action plans for short-term goals that you plan to achieve in the next 90 days. Creating specific action plans for long-terms goals usually turns out to be a wasted effort.

Step 5: Set a time frame

Give your goals a deadline. This adds a sense of urgency and helps keep you accountable.

And this one is optional: include your team

This obviously only applies if you have a team. But if you do, involve them in the process.

Goal setting doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. You can brainstorm together and take advantage of the hive mind. Your team members may have different perspectives or ideas that you hadn’t considered. This is also a great way to make sure everyone understands their role in achieving these goals.

Turn Goals into Action Plans

Okay, so we’ve talked about the importance of setting clear, well-defined goals, the difference between short-term and long-term business goals, and why you should use the SMART framework for goal setting. Now let’s dive into the nitty gritty of turning those goals into action.

Because this is really where the rubber meets the road. Without taking action, you will never achieve your business goals. And it starts with an action plan.

So, how do you create this action plan?

First off, think about one of your own short-term business goals. It could be increasing sales, improving customer satisfaction, or launching a new product. Whatever it is, it’s time to bring it to life.

Next, make a list of the projects or tasks that will help you achieve that goal. You may have multiple projects for a given goal, or you may only have one. That’s going to depend on the goal itself.

For example, if your goal is to improve customer satisfaction, you might have a project to conduct a customer survey that would include tasks for creating the survey, analyzing feedback, and implementing changes based on the results.

Another project that supports that goal might be to improve online customer support. And that could include tasks like researching online chat tools, selecting one and setting it up on your website, etc.

So, whether you have one project or multiple projects, you’ll want to break them down into smaller and smaller tasks. Using a project management software like Asana keeps this from becoming overwhelming.

There’s a famous quote from the book Getting Things Done, by David Allen, that “You don’t actually do a project; you can only do action steps related to it.”.

That’s an important concept and if you keep it in mind, it will help you break down the actions you need to take to achieve your project goals. Always be focused on the action.

Now let’s talk about resources. Managing your resources effectively is vital for achieving your goals. Think about your budget, your time, and your skills.

Let’s start with budget. Allocate your financial resources to the tasks that will have the most significant impact on your goals. Don’t spread your budget too thin. Focus on what matters most.

And then there’s time. Create a schedule that allows you to dedicate focused time to your goal-related tasks. I recommend time blocking, because it allows you to block out specific time for high-priority activities.

Consider your skills. Do you have the skillset needed to complete the actions in the plan? If not, can you outsource or delegate them to someone else? Or will you need to learn how to do the thing yourself?

You’ll also want to consider your clients, because of course, they’re a vital part of your business. So, you’ll want to ensure that your actions align with their needs and preferences. A good way to do that is to regularly gather feedback and make adjustments based on their input.

That also helps you manage your other resources because if you adopt a customer-centric approach, then you won’t waste time or money going down a path that your clients don’t need.

So, here’s a challenge for you. Take a moment to reflect on how you’re managing your resources and clients. Are you making the most of your budget and time? Are your actions aligned with your customers’ needs?

Now, let’s get back to the action plan.

Once you’ve broken down your goals and allocated resources, it’s time to create your roadmap for success.

We have already talked about making a list of all the tasks, all the actions that need to be taken. Who will be responsible for each one? If you’re a solopreneur, then everything may fall on you, and that’s okay. You’ll just have to be super-careful about not overloading your plate.

If you have a team or a virtual assistant, then decide which tasks they will be responsible for.

Also make note of when each task should be completed. Be specific. Give it a deadline.

You’ll also want to prioritize your tasks to ensure that you’re making the best use of your time.

And then regularly monitor your progress. Are you hitting your milestones? If not, don’t be discouraged. It’s okay to make adjustments to stay on course. If yes, then celebrate. Either way, remember that every step brings you closer to your objectives.

Taking action is the single most important thing you can do to achieve your goals. And I have a 90-day business planner that will help you do just that. It will help you set long-term business goals, then break them down into a 90-day action plan. Then you’ll find space to plan your weeks and days so that you stay hyper-focused on your goals.

The Power of Routines and Habits

Okay, we’ve covered a lot of ground from setting clear goals to turning them into actionable plans. Now, let’s explore another vital aspect of goal achievement – routines and habits.

So, let’s start by acknowledging something important. Goals are the destination. Actions are the vehicles that you get there. And routines and habits pave the way.

So why are routines and habits so crucial for achieving your business goals? Routines provide structure and consistency in your business. They help you stay on track, even when the going gets tough. They transform sporadic bursts of effort into steady progress.

Take a moment to think about your own business. What routines and habits do you currently have? Are they aligned with your short-term and long-term goals?

I’ve got three tips to help you develop and maintain routines that support your business goals.

1. Start small and be consistent

Begin with a single routine that aligns with a specific goal. For example, if your goal is to increase productivity, establish a morning routine that includes focused work or planning.

As part of my time blocking routine, I have two blocks set aside every morning for deep, focused work. I call this my power block. It’s not the very first thing I do in the morning, because I’m not a morning person and I need to let my brain warm up. But I have two hours dedicated to focus work before I break for lunch.

And remember that consistency is key. It takes time to build a habit. So, commit to your routine daily (or every weekday.)

2. Track your progress

Tracking your progress is the key to accountability. Use a journal or digital app to record your routine activities. Tracking your progress holds you accountable and allows you to see the cumulative effect of your efforts.

If you work on your computer all day, then RescueTime is a good app to track how you spend your time. It works in the background to track how much time you spend in various apps and on the web. So, you can see how much time you actually spend on Facebook or wherever. This can be a wake-up call about your online habits.

Also, celebrate small victories along the way. As you track your progress, set up small rewards for consistently taking action. Maybe you want to get into the habit of writing every day. Once you do that for a month, go get an ice cream or a Starbucks. Or take an afternoon off to read a book. Whatever would be a treat for you.

3. Align routines with goals.

Think about how you can establish routines that directly contribute to your business objectives. For example, if your goal is to expand your client base, your routine might include a specific amount of time spent networking each week.

Or maybe you have a goal of increasing online visibility and you’re measuring that with a specific number of pageviews. Your routine could be to establish a consistent schedule for creating and publishing content that drives traffic to your website. This could be blog posts, social media updates, videos, podcast episodes, newsletters, etc. For your routine to be effective, you’d want to determine how often you’ll create content, whether that’s daily, weekly, etc.

So, how do routines and habits affect your business goals?

In the short term, routines provide immediate benefits. They increase productivity, reduce stress, and create a sense of control over your daily tasks.

For example, suppose your short-term goal is to sell a certain number of digital products. You could establish a routine that dedicates specific time to planning and executing a new marketing campaign. If you do that, you’ll ensure that you’re consistently making progress toward your goal.

And in the long-term, routines compound their effects, just like interest on your bank account.

For example, maybe you have a goal to steadily grow your online store’s revenue by 20% over the next year.

You could set up a routine to run a weekly product promotion with an upsell offer. Every week, you’d select a specific product or product category to promote. Then you could dedicate one day each week to planning and executing this promotion, whether that’s through email marketing, social media posts, or website banners highlighting the featured product.

Implementing this routine would encourage repeat purchases from existing customers and, if you add the upsell, it would increase the average order value.

This routine not only drives immediate revenue but also establishes a pattern of active engagement with your customer base. So, the routine helps you generate sales on an ongoing basis which in turn helps you achieve your long-term revenue goal.

Maintain Progress Towards Goals

Before we wrap up, I want to touch on one more crucial aspect of goal achievement – and that’s maintaining progress over time.

So, you’ve set your goals, established routines and taken action.

But here’s the thing. The journey to success is not usually a straight line. Challenges come up. Circumstances change. And you need to adapt.

That’s where regular reviews come into play.

Regularly reviewing your goals serves several purposes:

1. Stay aligned with changing conditions

Business is dynamic, especially these days! What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. When you regularly review your goals, you can ensure that they stay relevant and aligned with current market conditions.

2. Celebrate progress

I’ve talked about celebrating several times and there’s a reason for that. Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small they are, is vital for staying motivated. Regular reviews give you the opportunity to celebrate milestones along the way.

3. Course correction

And finally, if you notice that you’re veering off course or not making the progress you expected, you can make the necessary adjustments to get back on track.

So how can you effectively review and adjust your goals?

First, set a regular review schedule. I recommend weekly, but you could also do it monthly or quarterly. Stick to the schedule to make sure that you’re consistently evaluating your progress.

Second, establish clear metrics for success. This should be easy if you set measurable goals, because you’ve already established a quantifiable way to assess whether you’re on track. You might also want to set up other key performance indicators (also known as KPIs) that would support your main goal.

And I strongly suggest that one of those KPIs be about tracking activity. Don’t just track results. We already talked about how important action is to achieving your goals. By tracking activities, you make sure that you are taking the right actions.

So, let’s look at a couple of example of activity tracking. One of the goals we talked about earlier was growing your client base by 20%. An activity that supports that goal would be talking to a certain number of leads each week. So, you could set up a tracking system – I tend to track everything in spreadsheets because I’m a spreadsheet girl, but you could use a printable tracker or an app to track how many leads you talk to every week.

We did this when I was a banker. My team had to make a certain number of calls every month and we tracked that in an app.

Another example, and this is one I use now. My core business is content creation. So, I track my word count every day. It’s a simple way to make sure that I stay focused on publishing content. Again, I do this in a spreadsheet. I keep it open most of the day and every time I publish a piece of content, I add the word count to my spreadsheet. It’s simple and easy and keeps me focused.

And finally, you may realize during your review that the original goal or deadline is no longer realistic. So be flexible and open to modifying those aspects.

Achieve Business Goals Wrap-Up

Remember that setting goals is just the beginning. Taking action, establishing routines, and then consistently reviewing your progress is how you will actually achieve your business goals.

Be sure to grab the free cheat sheet below summarizing everything we talked about today.

Want to remember this? Save it to your favorite Pinterest board.