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How to set ambitious yet realistic financial goals

Setting realistic, ambitious financial goals keeps your business growing; moving forward. They’re an important part of your business plan and prevent your business from stagnating, or being left behind in your marketplace. 

Without measurable goals, both long and short-term, your leaders are likely to struggle to understand where your business is going, or where you want to be long-term. This could lead to your business spiralling out of control, according to Sage.

There are many articles online with suggestions of goals your business could have and, while these can be useful pointers, your business is unique. Therefore using our tips below to set your own custom goals should have a stronger impact on your business.

Where to start…

Think big

As in literally everything you want to achieve for your business. Brainstorm your biggest aims for your business, regardless of how achievable they immediately seem. You’re creating ambitious financial goals, therefore your brainstorming needs to be ambitious.

Organise them into categories, such as internal processes, financial or customer acquisition etc to help you tackle one area at a time. While goals don’t need to be financial, take into account that they may ultimately lead to a financial impact. An example would be an employee incentive programme which helps you retain talent and reduce hiring costs.

Take time to really understand each one you list.

Once you’ve created your list, delve deeper into each one, breaking it down into the steps you would need to take in order to make it happen. It doesn’t matter whether there are two steps to get there or 200; you need to understand your journey before you can set realistic goals.

Look internally

Next, take a good look at your business. What’s working well, what isn’t, is there something that keeps cropping up? 

Could your cash flow process be improved, in order to save money?

Does your brand need work, so that consumers recognise you?

Maybe you’re ready to hire your next team or launch a new product. 

Employee buy-in is essential in order to achieve your business goals. Involving any existing employees in this internal review will not only help you avoid missing anything but also helps secure their buy-in. Conducting an up-to-date SWOT analysis is a good structured way to start. 

Once finished, inject your findings into your original list. Some may support points already on there, whereas others may be completely new.

Create a timeline

By now you have a detailed list of your aims for your business. Now map out where and when you realistically would like to achieve them. Stay focussed on the here and now but balance by keeping the bigger picture in your mind. While world domination is a wonderful idea, realistically you’re not going to pull that off in a week, no matter your product. 

Review your timelines once complete – do they work cohesively together? Your plan should avoid confusing your employees or customers, or even yourself! 

Next consider the things that could prevent you from achieving your goals. Explore ways to turn them around, or alternative avenues; adapt your plan if you need to.

Finalise your goals

You’re now in a really strong position to begin setting your realistic, ambitious financial goals.

As with many things, adopting a SMART approach, to ensure your goals are Specific, Measured, Achievable, Realistic and Timely, is a strong approach to take.

Filter out from your list any goals that you have not yet mastered how you will get there. Keeping an unattainable goal, despite how desperately you’d like it, will do nothing for the success of your business or your mental health. 

Using what you have left, separate your list into short and long-term goals. Enhance them by adding any additional information needed to fully understand them. 

Plan in regular reviews of your goals, similarly to how to review your objectives and marketing activity. You can make amends at any time, but avoid changing the goalposts too often as your employees may become disengaged. 

 

Being part of our incubator programme will help you every step of the way with this process, as well as give you access to established business people in the region who advise you on your journey. Apply now, or grow your knowledge through our varied library of blogs.

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The next application closing date is 17th May 2024

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