The quote "I always try to start out with some type of goal" is a powerful reminder of the importance of setting intentions for ourselves. Whether we are embarking on a new project, starting a business, pursuing a personal goal, or simply trying to improve our daily habits, having a clear sense of what we hope to achieve can make all the difference.
One of the most significant benefits of setting goals is that it helps us stay focused and motivated. When we have a specific endpoint in mind, we are more likely to take the necessary steps to get there. This can involve breaking down a larger goal into smaller, more manageable tasks, or simply reminding ourselves of the bigger picture when we feel our motivation waning.
And this is where we can REALLY dig into how this matters when starting a business. The entrepreneur’s to-do list is positively overwhelming. It’s easy to lose your focus and end up DEEEEEP in the weeds. Especially when we consider that some tasks (like those pesky LLC and IRS forms) are much less enjoyable than others (like choosing a logo and networking).
GOAL #1: I want to have a successful business.
So you start big and work your way through the goals - of course, your number one goal: I want to have a successful business. YAY! (Too bad that’s the easiest goal to name.) Now - what does that look like for you? 500 clients? 100? 50? What does success mean to you?
GOAL #2: I want to have X clients by next month.
Now let’s pull it close. What does that success look like in just a month? What will it take to get there? If you want 100 clients in a month, then each week you need to add 25. Look at your industry - how many leads do you need to talk to to get 25 per week? Say it is 4:1 (four leads to one client). Then you need 100 leads per week. How does that look? How much networking, outreach, advertising, contacting - do you need to do each week to build that pipeline to success?
GOAL #3: I will talk to X people each day about my business.
Now - you know how many to reach each week but what about TODAY? What does that look like? Is it a daily post to Facebook and Insta with a boost of advertising dollars? Are you staying organic and doing posts as a buffer to your cold calling and emailing? Are you attending a number of networking events? Speaking engagments? Podcasts? Break down each week’s goal to daily tasks that you can manage.
So there it is - you have started to break down those goals into manageable to do items.
GOAL #4: Watch my success (and take note!)!
Another key benefit of setting goals is that it allows us to measure our progress. By tracking our achievements along the way, we can see how far we have come and identify areas where we may need to make adjustments. This can be incredibly empowering and can help us stay on track even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.
Remembering that goal-setting and to-do items are very fluid is ESSENTIAL. Pay attention to your analytics - is your outreach bringing in those leads? If not, how do you need to tweak your plan to get there? Waiting too long will cost you your pipeline - so allow yourself to find success or recognize a pitfall and adjust without regret.
Of course, setting goals is not always easy. It can be challenging to know where to start, and there may be times when our goals feel overwhelming or unattainable. However, by remembering the power of intention and staying committed to our goals, we can achieve great things and live our lives with a sense of purpose and direction. So the next time you embark on a new journey, remember the words of this quote and start with some type of goal.
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