I was chatting to a Networking Mummy about a FREE Business Link clinic she had attended about her business. She started talking with great excitement about setting herself dated targets.  I was shocked to hear she didn’t do this already.  And when I questioned her she said ‘No-one had told me I needed to’ – such an amazingly frank comment.  I have skills from my previous life as a Nursery Manager and SENCo, I’m also studying a degree in Childcare and Business, so targets are second nature to me. But I could see how someone may not realise the importance of seeing where you’re going, how you’re going to get there and see what you have achieved on the way?

Here Is My Quick Guide to SMART Targets / Goals :

Specific :

• Make sure your target/goal well defined
• Clear to anyone that has a basic knowledge of the project this is vital if you 1) have a team or 2) have a business mentor – they will want to know what you’re talking about!

Measurable :

• Know if the target/goal is obtainable and how far away completion is
• Make sure you know when it has been achieved

Achievable :

• Don’t make your goals/targets too easy or too hard

Realistic : 

• Within the availability of resources, knowledge and time – if your a business mummy don’t set them to be achieved during the school holidays when you won’t have five minutes to spare

Time Based : 

• Enough time to achieve the goal
• or on the other hand not too much time, which can affect project performance

I hope this has been of interest or help! Do you set SMART targets for your small business?

As always would love to hear any feedback!

This was first published on Charlie Moo’s on April 11th 2010

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