While I am not big on setting New Year’s resolutions, they never seem to work out anyway.
I do however believe in setting goals for the New Year. Goal setting is a powerful business tool when planned, executed and tracked properly. It can also be a huge let down when goals are not achieved. One should be as careful not to set unrealistic goals which will never be obtainable.
The purpose of your goal is to provide clear direction, inspire, and spark enthusiasm. If your proposed goals are unrealistic and overwhelming they will be tossed aside, presumed too difficult and never achieved.
Here is my quick guide for proper goal setting:
1. Be Specific about your Goal. For instance a specific goal would be to increase your website traffic by 10 visitors a day within 90 days. This is a specific measurable goal. A non-specific goal would be simply to increase your website traffic.
2. Your Goal must be Attainable. In the example above there are definite steps you can take to increase traffic. Perhaps increase your SEO or Pay Per Click budget. Or maybe you launch an email campaign or additional social outreach. In any event the goal is clear, concise and attainable.
3. Your Goal must be Measurable. If you cannot measure or track your goals you can’t determine if you are making progress achieving your goal.
4. Your Goal must have a Time Limit. Your goal must have a definite time to achieve. If not you cannot stay focused on achieving the goal.
5. Your Goal must be Realistic. As mentioned your goals must be realistically set to motivate and inspire. We do not aspire to complete what cannot be completed. While I never believe in the impossible there is reality…
6. You must Reward yourself once your Goals are Achieved. We all work to obtain things whether it is money, recognition or a feeling of achievement. It is important to reward those efforts along the way and at the end of the goal. This will keep us motivated to continue setting and achieving goals. As your goals grow so will the rewards along the way…
Throw away those New Year’s resolutions, they don’t last anyway. Start setting some attainable goals and reward yourself along the way. Let’s have an awesome 2012.
Written by Steven Neubarth, founder and CEO of Organic Marketing Services a Florida SEO Firm.
