There’s no denying it any longer… it’s time to buckle down and set your business goals for 2018. First things first, block off time in your schedule over the next week for this very important project. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

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Ok, now let’s prepare! Before you sit down to set your business goals, gather up some important materials, including your mission statement, 2017 goals, and financials to date. Jot down any notes or ideas you have for next year that you want to more carefully consider.

Now that you’re ready to get started, be sure to:

  • Revisit your company’s mission statement. Have you looked at your mission statement since it was written? Now is the time to head back to your roots and consider what your original purpose and motivation were. Have your goals been on track? Or has your mission shifted over time? Consider how your mission influences your goals and take the time now to update each accordingly as you head into 2018. Click here for more tips on how to carefully craft the perfect mission statement.
  • Review your progress toward last year’s goals. Start by separating your 2017 goals into those you’ve achieved, those in progress, and those either on the backburner or yet to be started. For those you’ve achieved – what was successful and how can you build on that for your 2018 business goals? With your goals in progress, if you are not able to complete them over the next month, you should incorporate the final stages into your 2018 goals. Now for those goals you’ve avoided all year… why? Was the goal unrealistic? Did you lack the resources or finances to complete it? Take this time to consider if revamping your goal for the next year is appropriate and make adjustments to set yourself up for success.
  • Talk to your team. Whatever you do, don’t skip this step! Have open and honest conversations with your team and seek out their feedback on how the day to day operations are working for them. Are they satisfied with the work they do and is there anything you can do to improve their work life? Based on how you’ve operated in the past in regards to communication, consider whether you have individual, department, or whole company conversations (or a combination!). If you’ve been slacking on opening up the channels for purposeful, consistent communication with your team members, make that a goal for 2018!

Feeling overwhelmed? Or maybe your business is in for some big changes in the next year and you’re not quite sure what to do next. Wherever you’re at, it’s time to Build Your Damn Business and we can help with that! Give us a call at Piccolo Marketing at 615-348-7768 and we’ll develop a plan that works for you and your business.