Distraction is one of the biggest problems facing the owners of a home based business. Family or household problems can crop up at any time and lead to a loss of focus. Setting clearly defined short and long term goals are a home business operator’s best tool to keep distractions to a minimum and keep the business heading in the right direction. Many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs mention goal setting first when they are asked about the keys to success. Goals act as a road map for a business. They allow owners to have a clear vision of where they are heading, and they allow them to keep track of their progress along the way. Virtual offices can help you reach your goals by providing you with traditional business tools and client meeting spaces without all of the overhead of a traditional office space. Here are a few more tips to consider when setting goals for your business.
Goals should be specific
A goal must be clearly defined and measurable if it is to be of any practical use, and the more specific it is the better. A goal to become more proficient with computers is vague and unhelpful. A better approach would be to itemize computer related tasks that need to be mastered, and then list the steps that should be taken to acquire the necessary skills.
Goals should be time sensitive
It is said that a goal without a plan is just a wish, and giving goals a time frame is the best way to avoid falling into this trap. Each goal must have a plan of action associated with it, and each step of this plan should have a target date for completion. A clearly defined schedule of tasks to be completed is the best weapon against complacency and distraction.
Goals should be realistic
An unrealistic goal can do more harm than good. If a goal is unachievable, it can sap motivation as each passing day sees it fade further into the distance. However, reaching even a minor goal has the opposite effect and can spur a business owner on. The perfect goal should be a challenge, but it should be reachable with a concerted effort.
There should be long and short term goals
Staying on track involves having a clear long term plan that is accompanied by defined daily, weekly and monthly objectives. However, business is uncertain, and problems can occur at any time and without warning. Revisiting and adjusting goals is the best way to keep them relevant and within reach.
Goals should be visited every day
The reason that most people fail to achieve their goals is because they lose their focus. Most successful business people say that the first 30 minutes of the working day are the most crucial, and they use this time to consult their goals, amend them if necessary and develop their plan of action for the day ahead.
Focus on the benefits
Goals are usually a list of tangible objectives such as developing a certain amount of new business or reaching a specific income level. The benefits of reaching these milestones are security, comfort and happiness. Keeping this in mind will make success more likely by keeping motivation levels high and distractions to a minimum.