Small business owners are leaders. Their employees look to them for advice, encouragement, support, and guidance. They have to provide their team with an endless supply of motivation while holding them accountable. But, what about holding the small business owner accountable? Whose job is that? This is a topic that comes up often \u2013 and one that we consistently address with small business owners.<\/p>\n
As a small business owner and entrepreneur, you must have someone to be accountable to and that all begins with you<\/em>. Here are six ways to answer to yourself and crush your goals in 2018.<\/p>\n From daily to-do lists to short and long-term goals, write everything down so your goals are more tangible. Get your thoughts and ideas out of your head and in writing. When you can see your goals<\/em> with your eyes, they become more concrete. Put them in a conspicuous place where you see them every day.<\/p>\n You can keep a notepad of your daily to-do list on your desk. You can put your list of short and long-term goals on a cork board above your desk. You can write them on a white board in your office. Or, you can place them in a journal that you refer to daily. Be creative, just make sure you figure out what it is that you\u2019re working toward. Don\u2019t be afraid to set big targets for yourself \u2013 what matters is that you have your eyes on the prize. Without goals, you\u2019re like a ship sailing without a destination and in that case, your business will go wherever the wind takes you.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n When you have a large goal, it\u2019s going to consist of a series of micro-goals. With the long-term goal in mind, break that down into smaller, micro-goals that will help get you to your destination. For example, when starting a business, micro-goals include doing market research, finding the funding, hiring a business law attorney, hiring an accountant, deciding on the structure, selecting a name for the business, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, creating a website, and opening a bank account. Each of these are micro-goals. It\u2019s critical to break large goals down into micro-goals so you have a roadmap, a blueprint for success. Something to reference as you inch closer to your larger goals.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n You want to take your business seriously, but it can\u2019t be all work and no play. When your team reaches a milestone, celebrate its success. Remember, it\u2019s important to bring fun and business together on occasion. In fact, Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran says that fun is the \u201cmagic juice\u201d that\u2019s underutilized in the business world.<\/p>\n1. Write your goals down.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
2. Break big goals down into micro-goals. <\/strong><\/h4>\n
3. Celebrate milestones. <\/strong><\/h4>\n