Creating goals for ourselves is the only way to get ahead in business, particularly if you’re a one-man (or woman) show. It’s so easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day that somehow the big picture, or the vision that we once had, is a distant memory and can sometimes seem further away than when we started.
And, of course, social media is no exception. You need to clear about what you are hoping to achieve in order to be able to smash it out of the park! This is where the art (yes, I said ‘art’) of goal setting comes in – and it’s serious business! And it certainly does not involve a hand-written to-do list on the clean side of a napkin, either. Serious goal setting is all about creating a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based plan (otherwise known as SMART goals) to achieve your ultimate outcome.
Download your own SMART Goal guide here.
Let’s break it down
Specific
This is where you drill right down into the goal you want to achieve – think what, why, who, where, when and how you will reach your target.
Measurable
How will you measure the progress of the goal?
Achievable
Is the goal actually achievable?
Relevant
Is this goal relevant to your overall vision? How related is it to achieving your dreams?
Time-based
What is the due date or deadline? In other words, what is the timeframe that you have given yourself in order to achieve your goal.
There are also two other things that you should consider (which would make your goal SMARTER)…
Ethical
Have you made ethical choices? How will you stay true to your beliefs while aiming for this target?
Reward or Re-evaluate
At the end of your timeframe, consider whether your goal was achieved? If so, what is your reward for hitting your target? If not, how will you review and re-evaluate your goal and your strategy in order to be successful next time.
Now put it into action
Write it down
While it may sound basic, this can be the missing link between the goal and its ultimate success. And it’s also something that many people don’t actually put into action – and then wonder why nothing is happening. Write your SMART goal for each social media platform and stick it where you can see it every day (click here for a resource to help you do that). You could also save it on your computer or smartphone – extra points for making it your wallpaper – or even write them on your window or whiteboard with the right kind of markers, of course. This constant reminder is the best way to remember your social media goals while working towards them!
Share with your network
One word to help you smash out your social media goals: Accountability. Tell the people closest to you what you are hoping to achieve and how you’re going to do it because, as humans, we’re much more likely to commit to something if we feel we don’t want to let others down. So make sure to share with the people in your circle that have the most enthusiasm and motivate you.
Schedule it in
Did you know that if you schedule your deadlines into your calendar or diary, you’re 70 per cent more likely to meet them. (Well, I’m not sure about the 70 per cent but it sounds about right). Setting aside the time and making note of your due dates will push you to strive harder, and ultimately achieve your goals.
Reflect on wins (and losses)
Okay, so reality check time. You may not meet every deadline. But that’s fine because it’s a fantastic opportunity to reflect and change. And that really is the definition of true growth. Then reset your social media SMART goals and try again (and perhaps again) until you smash it!
Be kind to yourself
Anyone who is anyone has missed the mark at least once in their lives so remember, there’s no failing, only learning. So be kind to yourself. Yes, you may not achieve some of things to set out to do but you will also reflect, research and set new goals.
Download your own SMART Goal guide here.
