Goal setting should not be an overwhelming process. The definition of a goal is a plan with a timeline. To be 
effective, a goal must be measurable and have action steps. You can set and accomplish goals by implementing the following 4-step strategy. Setting goals is the roadmap to success for all business owners. You need to take time to think through the 3-step strategy to have your best year ever!
The first step is to ask yourself what went right, what went wrong, and what do you wish you would have done differently in 2015.
Step two is to set goals and brainstorm actions that address each of the previous questions. It is wise to enlist the help of a coach or a colleague to help you gain clarity. You should have between 3-5 goals from these two steps.
Step three is to consider the following business boosting goals that have a big impact on the growth of your business. These five goals are to become a resource, get more referrals, build better relationships, practice netweaving, and learn the power of a positive attitude. Over the next six weeks, you will learn how to develop these goals in more detail.
What is netweaving? A term coined by Bob Littell to describe a different approach to networking focusing on what’s in it for others (your future customers) and not what’s in it for you. You’ll learn the exact steps to make successful connections that deliver a lifetime of value for your customers and for your business.
Step four is to build a financial spreadsheet. Determine what products or services you have to offer, what your potential revenue is for each, and what your expenses are for each. This will merge with your timeline to ensure you have a constant stream of revenue. Financial planning is an important step. You want to have a good income so you can continue to provide your gifts to the world.
You have 12 months to achieve your goals. Use the entire 12 months as your timeline to have the optimum outcome. You will also avoid overwhelming yourself and anyone else who is part of accomplishing your goals. Set timeline benchmarks or milestones and develop a list of actions to support each goal. Determine what individuals will be responsible for achieving each action. Add a monthly or quarterly evaluation in your timeline to determine your progress. This is another opportunity to engage a coach to ensure you are on the right path and provide new ideas to get you there.
Commit to 10 goals. Set nine that are realistic and one big bold bodacious goal. Determine goals by the impact on your business. Write the plan, print it out, and put it somewhere you can refer to weekly. Add action steps as often as you need to accomplish your goals.
Stay tuned next week for week 2 in this series to learn quick tips to becoming a better resource and how it can help you improve your business.
FREE STUFF: If you would like a free copy of the 2016 Boost Your Business Strategy Plan audio file or the Boost Your Business Financial Plan spreadsheet to develop your own customized plan for 2016, please email me at therealjdarling@gmail.com.