Setting New Year Goals for Your Creative Business
If the pandemic taught us anything, it's that it is never too early to get a jump-start on your business goals. Things can change in an instant, and as an entrepreneur, you should be prepared for whatever comes your way. However, every amazing business owner (and team leader) has an ongoing list of things they want to achieve. I would be remiss if I said that it wasn't constantly on my mind – evaluating every step to take in order to bring my creative business to the next level.
Here are my go-to's for setting new goals for 2022…
Make sure your goals are SMART
Now, before you jot down every single thought you've had about accelerating your growth, it's time to sit down and consider SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timely – goals.
Make sure that the action steps you're taking towards these goals are within reach. I personally like to sit down and map out what it'll take to get there from start to finish. Outline a time frame, start small, be patient, and think about whether or not it's worth your while in the long run. For example, vying for a hefty product launch may not be attainable if you're already looking at a fully booked calendar for the coming year. Likewise, giving yourself a broad goal of "book more clients" won't be motivating without the metrics on what that number will really mean to you.
Don't be afraid to aim high
While it's certainly a good idea to start with manageable goals, don't let this deter you from taking on bigger ideas. When I was preparing to launch my masterclass, I knew that it wouldn't be an overnight reality. It took a lot of hard work and long hours, and something of that nature must have flexibility.
That said, any similar project or goal of that size is doable. Do your best to assign it a timeline, allocate proper resources, and be willing to make mistakes. Achieving goals isn't about doing it perfectly, so mentally, prepping for obstacles will be half the battle.
Implementation is key
When you finally have your goals on the calendar, it's going to be up to you to make them a reality. My best advice is to block off small increments of time to work towards them. If you're aiming for a brand-new website, start by scouting out a designer or pull some inspiration on what the ideal final product will look like. Looking to ramp up social media engagement? Enlist some help from an expert on breaking down your analytics to see what's working and fix what isn't.
Lastly, it's going to be extremely important that your team is also on board with these goals. Transparency is helpful – be honest with what you'd like to accomplish in the next quarter or in 2022 in general. Tell them how they can help level up the business. When they feel valued and part of the conversation, they'll be more likely to be on board.
I know the last couple of years have upended what we once knew about goal setting, but it's all about refining your approach. Once you have your expectations at the ready and your list of to-dos, you'll be on the right track for growth!
Photos by Armen Asadorian Photography
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