“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Les Brown

Running a small business can involve so much energy and mental stress to make planning for the future an impossible mission. In fact, it’s very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities, and never stop to think about what you’re doing and why. In this article, we look at how setting goals for your business can impact the success of your business

On a larger scale, the majority of small business owners are usually surprised to realize what they know about goal setting is not actually the truth about goal setting. Setting goals for your business, if done properly and consistently, is one practice that can change the way you look at your business. Goal setting is, therefore, one of the most important things you can do for your business to keep keep the business running effectively and healthy.

Unfortunately, many SMEs do not understand or still, have little understanding of this simple truth as regards their businesses. If you don’t know where you’re going, how would you know when you get there? Goal setting, among many advantages and benefits, surely gives you step-by-step direction on how to guide your business to your desired destination in alignment with your vision and mission statement.

Setting goals is, however, quite easy. In fact, it is a good foundation for success but a complete goal setting process is not only about setting goals but also involves the steps to achieving the set goals. This is one simple thing I have observed many startup entrepreneurs are missing as they start and manage their business. They tend to set goals but fail to work out the steps to achieving the goals. This is, however, not an African dilemma; I have witnessed this even in foreign countries.

It is a global phenomenon taught that every goal you set should be S.M.A.R.T but only a few understand that a SMART goal is only the first step in creating the future you desire. Beyond setting goals, there is the need to get clarity and plan out all the steps you need to take towards achieving the goal. It is the determination to follow through this process that ensures that the goals you have set for your business will be achieved.

As a business owner, one simple process to doing this process is to engage your team and listing out all possible options available to you in achieving your goals. The process helps you to create alternative ways in overcoming your obstacles and achieving your desired goals. This is very important because it opens up your creativity and mindset within the team.

Once this is done, you then go ahead to consider which options are best to implement and guarantees the best possible result. When you decide to keep yourself committed and accountable to follow-through the outlined steps involved, success is almost inevitable in the business.