What Are SMART Goals and How Can They Help Your Business Grow?

I used to be the queen of procrastination. My to-do list has always been an endless scroll of tasks that I’d either put off, half-complete, or forget about altogether. I’d tell myself, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” until tomorrow became next week. Running a business with so many moving parts can feel overwhelming. And if you’re anything like I was, you might be nodding along right now.

I remember first learning about SMART goals when I was at university, they didn’t seem particularly transformative to me at the time, instead just a framework to organise you a bit more. Until the day I decided to take my business seriously. It changed everything. No more vague ideas floating around in my head or tasks slipping through the cracks. SMART goals gave my business the structure and the focus it desperately needed to thrive. Let me share how they can do the same for you.

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These five elements transform your goals from vague wishes into actionable plans. Here’s what each part means:

Specific

Clearly define what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, ‘I want more sales,’ work out the exact number of sales you want to achieve and how you plan to do it. Through social media? Your website?

Measurable

Include a way to track your progress. Use a number or a milestone you can work towards.

Achievable

Be realistic and set a goal you can achieve. Setting goals that are too ambitious will leave you feeling discouraged, so consider your resources.

Relevant

Make sure your goal aligns with your business vision and priorities so you know you’re moving in the right direction. 

Time-bound

Set a deadline. This is possibly the most important, a goal without a  timeline is far less likely to be achieved, so give yourself a set amount of time to reach this goal. 

Here’s what your SMART Goal could look like; 

‘I want to increase online sales by 20% over the next three months by launching a targeted Instagram ad campaign.’

• Specific: Increase online sales.

• Measurable: By 20%.

• Achievable: If sales have been growing steadily previously, this goal is realistic.

• Relevant: It aligns with your business growth strategy.

• Time-bound: Within three months.

How Can SMART Goals Help Your Business Grow?

Once I started using SMART goals, everything changed. My scattered ideas became actionable plans, and I started seeing results. Here’s how these goals can benefit your business too:

1. Clarity and Focus

Without clear goals, it’s too easy to get distracted or overwhelmed. SMART goals give you a clear direction, helping you prioritise tasks that will have the biggest impact on your business.

2. Accountability

When you set measurable goals, you hold yourself accountable. Whether it’s tracking sales, social media growth, or project deadlines, you’ll know exactly where you stand. 

3. Motivation

Nothing beats the satisfaction of ticking off a goal you’ve achieved. Small wins build momentum and keep you motivated to tackle bigger challenges.

4. Better Time Management

As a procrastinator, deadlines were a game-changer for me. Knowing I had a set timeline forced me to plan my time better and avoid last-minute stress.

5. Improved Decision-Making

When you know what you’re working towards, decision-making becomes easier. You can say no to distractions and focus on what really matters.

Tips for Setting Your Own SMART Goals

1. Start Small: If you’re new to goal setting, begin with one or two SMART goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Write Them Down: Physically writing your goals (or typing them in a notes app) makes them feel real and gives you something to refer back to.

3. Review Regularly: Check in on your progress weekly or monthly. Adjust your strategies if needed but stick to your timeline.

4. Celebrate Wins: Reward yourself when you achieve a goal, no matter how small. It keeps you motivated and reinforces positive habits.

Why Every Entrepreneur Needs SMART Goals

In business, we often juggle a hundred things at once, clients, family, and everything in between. SMART goals are like your personal assistant, guiding you through the chaos and keeping you on track.

So, if you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, give SMART goals a try. Start small, make them meaningful, and watch as they transform your business. Trust me, if I could go from a serial procrastinator to a goal-smashing entrepreneur, so can you!

What’s your first SMART goal going to be?