Since I can remember, I would spend time once a year planning and setting priorities for my business.  I usually do this during the week between Christmas and New Year’s (check out this post), and it sets the tone for the year ahead. 

This year, I’ve done something a bit different.  And it’s not really different or unique, but (so far) it’s been REALLY helpful in the accountability game.  I still have my annual plans, but this year I then broke this down into quarterly goals and it’s been enlightening and motivating!  Here’s what I’ve done.

Step 1 – SET YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

This I do in a few steps and I use the planning page in my Wrinkle & Crease planner. I first set my intention for the year.  For lack of a better way to say it, this is my “theme” for the year.  It’s much more of a “motivation” statement than anything.  This year, my intention was “Get out of your own way” – seriously I need the reminder. 

Lastly, and related more to my “intention” is my 2023 Vision for the year. This I don’t consider like most business “vision” statements – this vision is literally that – what do I want my business/life to look like at the end of the year? I am dreaming and manifesting. And I write this vision similar to Jerry McGuire’s “Mission Statement”…though mines is a paragraph or two, not a 20-page document.

Step 2 – BREAK IT DOWN: 90-day goals

In past years, this would have been where it ended. This year, I took it one step further and made myself MINI 90-day goals.  I love breaking my (business) life into quarters. They’re manageable chunks that you can actually move the needle on and accomplish some meaningful priorities.

I think it’s the best way to hold yourself accountable and not have a mass panic attack halfway through the year when you realize you’re three months behind where you need/want to be.

I’ll take my annual priorities and break these into steps, quarterly targets, etc. so that when I get to the end of the year, I can ensure those things I said I’d do back in January are ACTUALLY done. CLICK HERE to download my 90-day goal worksheet. Here’s what I do with it.

1. Fill in your annual priorities – this is just copying your priorities from your annual planning so you can remind yourself what you are doing this for.  Feel free to add your intention or theme too if you want that extra kick in the butt.

2. Dolla-Dolla Bills! – next you’re going to set your 90-day money goals. 

   • First you’ll decide on your revenue – How much did you make last quarter? What new products/services are launching? Is it your slow season? Busy season? Consider all these factors in coming up with your “number”.

   • Next write in what YOU will be taking out of that revenue to support your life/family.  You can do some budget planning to get this number, or go with your gut…we can always adjust it for next quarter.

   • Last, decide on your Net Profit.  This is the amount that you’ll have left over after you’ve paid yourself and your bills. This number doesn’t have to be huge, but you do want it to be something…our goal as business owners, after all, IS to earn a profit.  This profit will to paying your taxes and go back into growing your business.

3. Top 3 Marketing, Sales & Customer Service Goals – I like to group these together as they all have a customer/client focus. Sometimes my top 3 will relate to one of my “new development” priorities, sometimes they’ll relate to my revenue goals and be more related to just my corporate branding/marketing. Don’t worry if you don’t see direct alignment – if it’s on the list, it’s important to you and your business so just go with it!  And, if you want/need more than 3 goals you do you. You can include things like: # of new email subscribers, # of Instagram followers, x% engagement, # of new clients, new onboarding process, client retention system, etc.

4. Top 3 Operations & Product/Program Development Goals – These are more “behind the curtain” type goals.  They’re the things that will actually make your business a business.  I’d include things in here around HR (i.e. employees or contractors), finance/administration (i.e. get organized, file taxes, government reporting), systems implementation (i.e. new CRM? Sales software? Shipping services?), or new product or program development.

Step 3 – Targets, to-do’s, and check-ins

Now that I have those more manageable 90-day goals, I use that to help me plan out my monthly targets, and from there my day-to-day to-do’s.  For me, this really just involves using my day timer and first, at the beginning of the month, writing out the three (ish) things I want to do that month.  When I’m reviewing my day timer at the start of the week – or anytime really – I use that reference to see what needs to get done to ensure I get that oh-so-satisfying check mark at the end.

For me, I also schedule to-do’s/tasks for my team members that are reliant on me finishing my part…this helps me stay accountable to not only my deadlines but also them. If you don’t have team members that can help you stay on track, think about joining a group of like-minded peeps who can all help to keep each other on track (CLICK HERE to join our Bills & Beers event each month!!)

There it is! Steps 2 and 3 are the key for me to move things forward and if you’re struggling to click DONE on your annual goals, I encourage you to do this too. Remember to download your 90-day Goal Worksheet to help you along.