Making News

(Jan. 28, 2008)

BE AHEAD OF THE GAME

Set, Plan, and Track New Year Goals

By Steve Kleber

 

The New Year brings a time for renewed aspirations as companies nationwide reflect on changes they want or need to make throughout their organizations. In order for businesses to accomplish what they desire this year, there are three steps to employ to begin the New Year off right: set, plan and track business objectives. This will aid in a continually improving, prosperous work environment. We’ll show you how to hit the ground running in 2008 by hammering down obtainable company goals.

Establish 2008 ambitions

Begin with a booming brainstorm

Organize the entire office for a full-blown company brainstorm. Really think about what the business needs to work on and accomplish this year. What are the strongest and weakest areas of the organization? Where are improvements needed? Extravagant or sensible, don’t rule anything out. Let the ideas pour freely. Avoid letting the brainstorm turn into a time for company criticism. Implement and encourage creativity, positive thinking and visualization. Think big; prioritization comes later in the process.

Manage business ambitions

Once all of the company ideas and goals are in place, determine what can realistically be accomplished within the year. Don’t overload the business model with lavish goals that will weigh down the staff. Divide the accessible objectives into short and long term goals. Remember, circumstances can always change; streamlining those most imperative to the enhancement of the business is crucial to success. 

Capture the goals on paper

Ensure all of the business goals are kept in one central area or as part of the strategic business plan, and make sure they’re readily available to all employees. Avoid straying away from the underlying objectives; they are there for a reason. Review them frequently, reminding the team what the company is striving to accomplish and why. Is your company looking for elevated sales, increased media exposure? Understanding what the goals will achieve will help in the motivation to dedicate time, resources and costs to bottom line business aspirations.  

Having business objectives isn’t enough, plan to accomplish them

Develop a roadmap to victory

Challenging goals may seem off limits. However, breaking down larger goals into easily achievable smaller ones, equals results. For example, seeking to produce a company micro-site may seem like a daunting task. Establish lesser objectives that will help accomplish this project, i.e., checking availability on new domain name, creating several pages of content to aid in the launch of the new site, developing graphics and implementing HTML formatting. 

Set timelines

When do the business goals need to be accomplished? Create a calendar of reasonable deadlines that outline each project from concept through completion…and stick to them. Don’t forget to incorporate cushion dates that accommodate for potential setbacks.  

Determine needed outside resources, tools and out-of-pocket expenses

Before embarking on any new business goal, be proactive and resolve any forseeable issues with outside vendors, cash flow and additional tools needed to achieve the goal. Avoid being held up by someone else’s schedule. Check with all outside vendors or freelancers to ensure they can adhere to the same due dates. Also make sure to gather all information on out-of-pocket expenses. The goal shouldn’t be held up due to lack of payment or lag time. Make sure all expenses are calculated into the budget.

Put together a team of talented, driven individuals

Establish a team of internal employees, potential freelancers, outside vendors, or a specialized firm dedicated to achieving the company’s New Year’s goals. Monitor the progress of this group, but don’t micro-manage; this will only slow down the process. Empower the team, but hold them accountable for deadlines, quality and overall strategy.  

Monitor the progress of each business objective

Revisit and revise often

Whether the company’s annual short and long term aspirations are posted throughout the office or incorporated into a comprehensive brand campaign, ensure both management and staff have easy access. Also make sure to adapt to any industry influences that may change the course of the business strategy.  

Assess your team

No matter how much trust is instilled in the team, it’s imperative to monitor its performance on a regular basis. Constructive criticism, performance feedback and accolades will only aid in career development while facilitating company goals.

Learn from company successes and setbacks

Overall, performance measurement helps guarantee that a company's efforts are focused on improving in the most significant areas while keeping the company on target to meet or exceed its aspirations. Establishing a benchmark that can be measured leads to greater accountability at all levels in addition to increased awareness of business triumphs and impediments. 

Whether 2007 brought business growth or hindrances, it’s essential for any business to set, plan and track goals for the New Year. Make a pledge to embark on this three step process. It pays dividends to businesses’ bottom line.  

Find out more about how K&A can help contribute to your organizational goals. Contact Steve Kleber at sk@kleberandassociates.com or call 770.518.1000. Want more tips on how to grow your business? Click here.

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