7 Steps to Achieve Your Business Goals in Q4

The weather is changing, the seasons are transitioning and so are we. It’s Q4 and time to decide what you want to achieve in 2019 and planning for 2020.

Anyone can start a business and surveys have shown around 64% of the UK workforce would like to set up a business demonstrating that there is a mystique around the role of entrepreneur. For many, the flexibility the autonomy, the thought of being your own boss is enticing.

Often though the grass is not greener. Business is not going to walk up and shake you by the hand. You need structure, rigor to set yourself up for success. This starts with setting your business goals and defining your key indicators of success.

Here are my seven simple steps to having a winning Q4 and beyond:

1. Set a Goal.

Sounds a bit obvious doesn’t it - but seriously, set a goal. You wouldn’t get in the car and just drive would you? You’d have an idea where you were going, a map, a sat nav or you’ve been there before, or someone directing you. You need to focus your efforts on achieving what is important for you and your business, so start with the end goal in mind.

2. Get 100% committed.

Anyone can get motivated and set a goal. The real test is staying committed and focusing your time, attention and effort on achieving that goal even when the initial excitement has passed. Write it on notes and put out them everywhere.

3. Have a plan.

Planning is critical, every minute spent in planning will save you ten in the execution. We all have the same 24 hours a day, so we need to make the time count.

4. Take the steps.

Setting a goal is exciting and scary in equal measures, so break down the big goal and create interim or micro-goals. Celebrate and woop woop the achievement of micro-goals. I guarantee it will make you feel great and keep your momentum going.

5. Visualise and believe.

Back to the post-it notes – remind yourself every single day. If you are a visual thinker create a vision board and focus on what the goal means to you.

6. Expect success.

You’re going to smash it right? You’re on fire, right? You need to believe it if you don’t and you set a goal you are not motivated by as it feels unachievable and unattainable – that’s what it will be. Give yourself a great talking to, stop standing in the shadows and step up and expect realistic success.

7. Take massive action.

I subscribe to the school of thought that action, even imperfect action, will fix pretty much everything and anything. Many business owners I work with and speak to are so busy being busy, they are working hard, and running so fast they don’t feel they can get off their treadmill. This is great when they have a full order book however what happens when business starts to slow down? Usually, they panic and the cycle of frustration starts again. For anyone reading this, nodding and thinking this is not new ‘news’ and you’ve heard it all before. I say great - what are you doing about it?