As the end of 2019 approaches, it's a time of reflection, planning...and sometimes, panicking. I mean, where did the year go?
If you experience this every year, resolve that this is the year that changes! It can be done and it's not that hard. Ultimately, it's a mindset and a commitment to be consistent with internal processes.
Were they written down? Were they "SMART" goals - specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely.
Did you have a specific plan for achieving them, with milestones and deliverables?
What was the basis for setting those particular goals? Are those reasons still relevant, or how did they change during the year?
Give yourself credit for those you did achieve - well done!
What kept you from the goals you didn't achieve? No blame...the more detail, the easier to tackle them in the future.
Are there patterns that emerged during the year which impacted achieving your Big Goals as well as or your Little Goals?
Financially, how does this affect you, your team (e.g., bonuses), capital investments, stability of your organization, and going into another year?
Professionally and emotionally, how does not achieving all your goals affect you? Does it sting? Does it impact your self-confidence? Does it impact business relationships, credit ratings, partnerships or memberships?
Set concrete targets and timelines. 1 new retainer client per quarter at $5,000 each. 100 new blog subscriptions each month. Increase profitability by end of Q2 by 5%.
In addition to setting the targets, define HOW you will get there. This may include adding automation, outsourcing select services, or exploring new markets.
The world is firmly in the 21st Century. Are you? If your organization isn't using automation in your marketing, sales and service areas, you are falling behind your competitors. Digital transformation is being employed by companies of all sizes. To stay competitive, you need to get onboard.
The reason why it's so popular is because it makes your life so easy. Ok, there's still plenty of work to do, but automation helps you and your team focus on the leads and customers who will make you the most money, short and long term.
Do you seriously want to be asking yourself in Q4 of 2020 why you didn't make changes in your marketing, sales and service which could have made you more money, earned you more time and decreased your stress?
Let this be the time to get started on positive change that will set you up for a brilliant 2020 and beyond.