Set Specific Goals and Beat This Economy As a Conscious Entrepreneur, 3 Steps to Goal Setting

By Lili Cruchelow

Here is a simple question? What are your goals? The majority of people, when asked this question might provide a vague, generalize answer. This is not good enough for starting a business. You need to be very clear in your goals so that you can take positive action steps to accomplish them. Without clear goals, you are just going to meander from one thing to the next and never reach your dreams.

You must create a plan of action and you need to do this with written goals. If you do not write down your goals, they will fade way. Here are 3 techniques I use that have helped me to become successful in all areas of life:

1. Write visionary goals for long term

2. Write 12 week goals and carry goal card with me

3. Write short term daily goals

Start with you long term goal and work backwards. What is your vision for your business? For you to build a business, you must have a clear vision as your foundation. Write out your dream business by describing your customers, your products or services, your employees, and your level of involvement. Add to this written vision statement as you become more clear in your planning. The higher level of detail that you are able to write out in your vision statement, the better able you will be able to set clear goals and take action towards reaching the vision.

Twelve weeks is the perfect amount of time to accomplish substantial goals. Use this system for creating 12 week goals on a written goal card:



• Write a specific goal with a clear date for achievement on the top of a 3x5 note card

For example: My business, TLC Medical will be started on Dec 1st 2011.

• Write 3 action steps on the card that will be needed to accomplish the goal

For example: I have obtained a $50,000 business loan by preparing a comprehensive business plan with cash flow projections that show unlimited growth.

I have received commitments from 3 manufacturers to be their exclusive sales and distribution company.

I have formed an LLC or Corporation by meeting with my accountant and Attorney to determine the best business structure for TLC Medical.

Rewrite these statements out on multiple 3x5 cards. Put one in your pocket and keep it with you at all times. You will think about what you are working towards every time you touch the goal card. This is a simple but powerful technique for building an entrepreneurs mindset. Also, post the goal card in strategic locations that you will see frequently. The frequent reminders of your 12 week goal helps to keep you on task and provides your subconscious mind positive thoughts for building a business.
It is easy for our daily lives to get hectic. If you do not plan ahead, the whole day can pass you by without a single accomplishment towards your goals. The best way to assure that you accomplish action for the day is to have goals planned ahead. I write out my daily goals on a sticky note at the end of the day for the next day's action. When I wake up in the morning, I immediately start to take action on my most important tasks. By doing this, I assure that I am always completing action steps towards reaching my goals.

You must make a conscious effort towards writing and accomplishing goals. Make a habit out of this process for goal setting and you will be amazed at how quickly you start to see results. Written goal setting is a simple technique that makes a huge difference in results. Take action now towards reaching your dreams by writing out your visionary statement. Successful entrepreneurs create the results they want through planning.