Setting Goals for 2018

Smart goal setting is important for your business. 

It paves the road for the future and provides you with a tool to measure your progress.

Now its the perfect time to decide your goals for 2018. 

Why do goals have to be SMART? The answer is simple. 

They need to be:

-Specific
-Measurable
-Achievable
-Relevant
-Timed

So how do I go about setting goals & plans in terms of my crafts business?

Here are some basic guidelines:

* First of all, decide what is the main purpose, what is the desired end result and describe it in detail.

Do you want more sales?

Do you want to expand to a new branch?

Do you want to make a great launch of a new line?

Do you want to start a new craft?

* Secondly, you need to evaluate your previous year and have a platform to work on. For example, if your goal is to have more sales, decide how many sales you want in 2018, compared to 2017. Will it be the double? triple? same?

* Create a deadline for each part of your goal.

Example, 40 sales per month; or specifically 20 sales in January and 60 sales in February, etc etc.

* Now, review your goals at the end of each deadline. 

Did you reach your target? 

If yes, do you want to adjust/increase the targets for the next part?

If no, what can you do to make up for the lost sales in the second part of the goal?

* When making targets, stick to things that are in your control, but keep a margin for the unexpected. Example, if you sell to a country which gets hit by a catastrophe, it will obviously affect your sales.

Setting goals should be a clever balance between 'keep your feet on the ground' and 'reach for the stars'. They need to be bright and bold ideas, but at the same time attainable and realistic. 

I like to start with a very easy goal, so that I build up the confidence. 

And when I reach it, I will have the necessary boost to go for the next one. 

Some things that help me with reaching my goals are:

1) A motivational calendar that you look at every day.

2) A worksheet on the computer (or a notebook) to keep track of my progress.

3) A reminder on my diary, to check the progress of my goals at least once a month.

4) A to-do list in line with the goal of the month. This is also helpful to prioritize and schedule work.

5) A priority of the day. Every evening I write down one thing that will take me closer to my goal and that MUST be done on the next day. 

If you find yourself stuck while setting your goals, stop and think about your greatest achievement in the past year. What was it? How did you feel? Remember those emotions and think about manifesting them in the coming year as well. What has to happen for you to feel that way again?

Success is different to everybody. Define what success in 2018 means to YOU! 

START MAPPING YOUR GOALS NOW!