| S.M.A.R.T. Part 5: Brother, Can You Spare Some Time? |
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The final component of a S.M.A.R.T. goal is that it must be time-based.
Everything exists in time, so all goals will inherently have something to do with time; however, you can easily fall into a trap. And that trap is "inexactitude."
You can create a goal that's specific, measurable, attainable, and realistic, but when you say things like "in a few months" or "within a year," or worse yet, "as soon as possible," you've just undercut a major part of a S.M.A.R.T. goal's power.
This is easy to correct: Just be specific about when the goal will be complete.
Here are a few examples:
- I will increase my sales in the form of signed contracts in the second quarter of this year by 10% over last year by reaching ten new prospects by phone per week.
- I will close at least one $50,000 sale and receive a 50% deposit before June 30th of this year. I will do so by asking for a referral a day from my customer base.
- I will add $100,000 in sales this year (December 31st) by spending two hours with a different existing client three times a week, and by finding out what their future needs are.
So be specific about time.
Send any questions, comments, stories, or sales problems to dan@optimumbizdev.com, and I'll personally send you a response!
LAST WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Did you get more propects into your pipeline last week? If so, congratulations! If not, why not? What steps can you take that would get you back on track?
THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Catch yourself being unspecific about time. Listen to yourself say things like, "See you next week sometime," "I'll get that to you soon," and the proverbial, "Let's do lunch sometime." Notice how you feel. Go ahead and correct yourself. The people you're talking with will recognize you catching yourself, and will likely think you're being more responsible for what you say.
Please take a minute and let me know how you're doing out there. How have these tips been helping you? |
