The start of a new year always feels full of possibilities. But, as a business owner, I know it’s easy to get buried in the day-to-day tasks, like managing clients, handling admin, and juggling a million other things. When you’re overwhelmed, setting goals can feel like one more thing to add to the list.
But here’s the reality: setting clear, actionable goals is the key to making progress.
Without them, it’s easy to keep working harder without really getting anywhere. That’s why I’m such a fan of SMART goals. They help turn big, vague ideas into clear steps that lead to actual growth and change.
Whether you’re looking to increase your revenue, streamline your processes, or finally make more time for yourself, SMART goals can get you there. Let’s walk through the steps so you can apply this framework to your business.
If you’re looking for quick wins to boost your productivity, check out my post on kickstarting your productivity!
What Are SMART Goals?
So what even are SMART goals? SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. It’s a framework that helps you set goals that are clear and actionable.
Here’s how it works:
- Specific goals give you clarity. When you know exactly what you’re working toward, it’s easier to stay focused.
- Measurable goals help you track progress and celebrate small wins along the way.
- Achievable goals keep you motivated by making sure you’re not setting yourself up for burnout.
- Relevant goals ensure that what you’re working on aligns with your bigger vision for the business.
- Time-bound goals give you structure and clarity, helping you stay focused and on track.
It’s about making progress, not perfection.
Write a Goal That Matters to You
Vague goals can be overwhelming because it’s hard to know where to focus. Instead of saying, “I want to grow my business,” try making it more specific. For example: “Increase client leads by 20% in Q1.”
Reflect on what your business needs. Not sure where to focus? Start by answering these 10 essential business reflection questions to help you identify the right areas for growth.
How to Create a Specific Goal:
- Reflect on what your business needs. What area could use improvement? Maybe you’re spending too much time on admin, or you want to attract more repeat clients.
- Look at what’s already working. If your email list is your best lead generator, set a goal to grow it.
Example:
Instead of “improve marketing,” try “Launch a lead magnet to grow my email list by 100 subscribers in Q1.”
Make Your Goal Measurable
Without a way to measure it, a goal is just a wish. Setting a measurable goal helps keep you on track and gives you something to celebrate when you hit your milestones.
Use tools like Google Sheets to track your results, or try productivity apps like Notion or ClickUp for a more visual and customizable approach to managing your goals. Make sure the metrics are clear. For example, if you want to boost Instagram engagement, set a target like “Increase comments by 10%.”
Make sure to record your baseline—the stats from the day you begin your goal—so you can measure your progress.
Example:
Instead of “grow my social media,” try “Increase Instagram engagement by 15% in Q1.”
Keep Your Goals Achievable
Running a small business is already a lot, so your goals need to feel manageable.
Break larger goals into smaller steps. If you want to launch a new service, focus on one milestone at a time. Reflect on what you accomplished this year and aim for a realistic growth target.
Example:
Instead of “double my revenue,” try “Increase revenue by 7% over the next six months by introducing one new service.”
Make Sure Your Goals Are Relevant to Your Bigger Vision
Every goal should connect to your long-term vision for the business. With limited time and resources, it’s important to focus on what really matters.
Tie each goal back to your mission. If personalized service is a key part of your business, focus on goals that improve client relationships.
Example:
If you want to grow your client base, a relevant goal could be: “Launch a feedback process in Q1 and increase client retention by 5% by the end of the quarter.”
Set Time Frames to Stay Accountable
Time-bound goals create a sense of urgency and help you stay on track. Deadlines don’t have to be rigid, but they do keep you moving forward.
Mixing short- and long-term deadlines such as one-month, three-month, and six-month goals will keep you motivated. Break down bigger projects into smaller tasks with deadlines of their own.
Example:
Instead of “launch a new product,” try “Launch one new product by March 31, with planning completed by February 15.”
SMART Goals in Action: Examples for Your Business
Here are some examples of how SMART goals might look for your business:
- “Grow my email list by 200 subscribers by the end of Q1 with a new lead magnet.”
- “Book 5 new client consultations per month in Q2 using a referral campaign.”
- “Launch a client newsletter by February 15 and increase engagement rates by 10% within two months.”
Turning Goals into Results
Setting SMART goals is only the first step. The real key to success is sticking with them.
Here are a few tips to stay on track:
- Schedule regular check-ins. Review your progress every month or quarter and adjust your goals as needed.
- Use tracking tools. Whether it’s a calendar, app, or even a simple notebook, find a method that works for you.
- Celebrate your wins. Recognizing small victories will keep you motivated.
Ready to Set Your SMART Goals?
You don’t have to do it alone. If you’re struggling to create actionable goals in your business, I’d love to connect. Let’s work together to make 2025 your best year yet.