What is your goal?
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| Posted by: Articles Editor |
01/04/2007 |
Ted Aves talks about the need for every business to keep a sense of direction
Most self-help books, whilst offering their own nostrums, agree one thing: the clearer our goals, the better our chance of achieving them. I believe this holds good for businesses too and would add: when we *write* down our goals succinctly and vividly, we improve our chances of success still further.
Goal-setting has two elements. First, thinking through, as clearly as possible, where we want to be, what we want to become, how we will be distinctive from everyone else. Second, planning how we will reach our goal and agreeing the milestones to measure our progress. Many companies fail because, even after a promising launch, they gradually lose their sense of direction and with it, their sense of purpose. They drift - a dangerous condition but one that can be avoided.
Think sailing. No skipper and crew would embark on a voyage until they were clear about their destination, their course, their refuelling stations and estimated time of arrival. When under way, the skipper might adjust his position to avoid bad weather or take advantage of favourable winds but he would always know his position and how it related to the destination.
So it is with business. To journey successfully from start-up to planned exit is a considerable achievement. Two tips to help you on your way. The first:
When defining your goal, be specific, but inspirational. Being “the neighbourhood’s finest”, or “the first to introduce a new way of”, or even “the fastest-growing” can be self-motivating. Know what keeps *you* focused and make it part of your goal. The second: don’t lose momentum. Keep asking yourself, “How can we improve the way we sell, respond, communicate, develop?” Set yourself what athletes call PBs (Personal Bests). Aim to achieve them within a realistic timeframe and remember: as a nation we are beginning to respect winners more than good losers.
Ted Aves is a non executive director of Gresham plc, a guest lecturer at Roehampton University and consultant to a number of local SMEs. He is speaking at the Wimbledon Business Group networking event 24th May 6pm Barclays Bank
6, Alexandra Rd SW19. Contact 0208540 2353
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