Many businesses struggle to reach targets/goals and grow due to planning and organization issues. If you have tried every option and are still falling short, it may be time for a change. One way to jumpstart changes and start seeing improvements is to set SMART goals. With this time management model, your business will thrive by meeting direct goals, which are laid out in an organized manner that utilizes all of your resources so that you stay productive.
Goal setting may sound like a straightforward process, but it actually requires a meticulousness and attention to detail that many business owners struggle with on top of their daily activities. Proper goal setting, when in practice, will keep a company accountable and looking forward to a future filled with growth and success. But how do you start implementing goal setting into your business? SMART goals are a simple and easy way to stay organized and focused on what really matters.
What are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are a goal-setting model that contains individual parts that contribute to a perfect business plan. The individual goal categories that make up SMART goals and ensure your business stays focused and using all of its resources effectively are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based goals.
SMART Goals Simplified:
Specific Goals – These are your business goals at their core. When drawing up Specific Goals, you will narrow down the hopes and dreams for your business until you are left with the bare essentials, and these items are what will be key to growing your business. Specific Goals are simple, sensible, and significant to your business.
Measurable Goals – These goals are what will keep you and your team motivated, because they mark tangible progress in your company. Measurable Goals can be either short or long-term, and as they are completed, you will see a positive change in productivity and growth in your company. Measurable Goals are meaningful and motivating.
Achievable Goals – These goals help keep things in perspective. When you are creating Achievable Goals, you need to keep in mind what you are capable of. While it’s great to set your expectations high, it’s important to set the bar at a height you can realistically reach. Achievable Goals are agreeable and attainable.
Relevant Goals – Are the goals you’re setting going to help your company move forward? This is where Relevant Goals come into play. While you may have some personal dreams for your company, it’s important to focus on setting goals that will actually help your business grow and expand. The more successful your business is, the more resources you’ll have to focus on personal projects down the road. Relevant goals are reasonable, realistic, resourced, and results-based.
Time-Based Goals – Like Measurable Goals, Time-Based Goals are great motivators. These goals have a deadline, and will keep you and your team focused on the task at hand. When Time-Based Goals are complete, you will have the satisfaction of a job well done, as well as the knowledge that you are moving in the right direction and making real progress. Time-Based Goals are time-limited and time-sensitive.
SMART Goals and 2021
It’s no secret that 2020 was an anomaly of a year for everyone, including businesses across all industries. While it’s difficult to predict the future at this point in time, many businesses are expecting 2021 to be another odd year. Because of this, setting SMART goals for 2021 can be tricky. However, there are plenty of areas in your business that you can work on while you experience slow periods of growth due to global circumstances.
Many businesses are setting SMART goals that are focused on updating technology and preparing for a ‘new normal.’ Using this downtime for updating all of that electronic equipment you’ve been putting off is a great way to have your business ready to face whatever 2021 may have in store.
Navigating the New Normal: Common Business Goals for 2021
One thing is certain: nothing will be the same after 2020. The ‘new normal’ will look different for every business, and you should plan accordingly. What specific goals should you set in 2021 to ensure that you are headed in the right direction? Here are a few suggestions for staying ahead of the competition.
Move to a More Digital Environment
Making the switch to digital technologies is a cost-effective move, as it will save money in the long run. Converting all of your documents and files to digital will eliminate unnecessary paper waste and it gives you an opportunity to organize your data. When your business lives in a digital environment, this creates a more efficient and collaborative atmosphere, which can boost productivity across your organization.
As more and more businesses adopt remote work policies as a result of 2020, having all of your business assets easily accessible is a must. As more people start to work from home, you can eliminate time wasted searching and printing files with all of your assets accessible through a secure cloud-based system.
Whether your employees are on-site or at home, the first step to ensuring a productive year is by updating your outdated or aging technology such as desktops and print technology. Ensuring that your employees and teams can accomplish everything they need to, whether at home or in the office, with technology that keeps them as productive as possible is a step in the right direction for keeping your business moving forward. For example, Xerox printers and multifunction devices all feature ConnectKey technology which gives your print devices functionality far beyond print, copy, scan and fax. With built-in workflows such as scan to email and out-of-the-box apps that empower a remote/mobile workforce and cater to businesses across every industry, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.
Create Hybrid / Remote Workplace Policies
In order to make a smooth transition into the ‘new normal,’ it’s important to develop and streamline policies that cater to hybrid and remote workplace practices. When your business has a cohesive plan on what is expected of employees and how tasks should be carried out, you eliminate the risk of wasted man hours that would otherwise be spent scrambling in a disorganized work environment.
Going hand in hand with creating a more digital environment, one of most important services to explore when transitioning to hybrid or remote workplace policies is workplace automation and digitization. Utilizing security, cloud, analytics and digitization technologies and software, you will deliver a more seamless work experience across paper and digital platforms. You can enter 2021 organized and ready to maximize all productivity, efficiency, and security with your organization.
Focus on Relationships Rather than Sales
When times are uncertain, you want to make sure that your customers know just how much you care about them, not their money. Relationships are the key to your company, after all. You’ll save money investing in someone who already knows your business and brand, rather than trying to win over a new individual or business.
Even with social distancing in play, you can still stay connected to the customers who help your company thrive. Implementing video conferencing into your regular meetings with clients will add a personal touch that will leave a memorable mark and improve your relationship. Your customers will notice the extra steps you take to stay connected, and will show their appreciation through loyalty to your company.
Go into 2021 with a SMART Plan
Setting SMART goals and updating your office technologies are important steps to take as you enter 2021. If you’re looking for a trusted source of office technology in the greater Philadelphia area, the team at Parmetech is here for you. We can help you navigate your ‘new normal,’ no matter what that looks like. Let us help you optimize your business practices and develop SMART goals with our custom services. Contact us today to learn more: +1-800-727-6383
