Yesterday I wrote about the need to make course corrections in order to ensure that we don't end up in an undesirable place in our business.
Often we set out to achieve a goal, only to discover later that we haven't hit them. Then we wonder why. But at that points it's too late.
The question is then, "How do I ensure that I hit my goals every time?"
The process is actually rather simply, but not necessarily easy. If it were easy everyone would do it. That's why so few people are actually moving forward in their businesses and lives.
Step 1 – Set the goal. Obvious, but necessary. Your goal must be clear, concise, in writing and have a date.
Example: We will double our revenue and profit by December 2010.
Step 2 – Ensure that you have a methodology for measuring and tracking the goal.
Example: We have our financial statements that are up to date and current at all times.
Step 3 – Identify the systems that impact or ensure the goals. Identify the systems that are going to require innovation or improvement to achieve the goal.
Example: Our lead generation system is the primary driver of doubling revenue and profit. We need more leads. We also have in place a good lead conversion process that currently converts 75% of our leads. Our fulfillment systems are solid and we are managing the inflow and outflow of our money effectively.
Step 4 – Establish a goal for the system.
Example: Currently our lead generation systems provide us with 60 new, qualified leads per week. In order to hit our objectives, the system needs to produce 120 new qualified leads per week.
Step 5 – Innovate your system(s) to make the improvements necessarily to achieve goal.
Example: We have identified our primary lead generation sources and will increased our market penetration into those markets.
Step 6 – Set up regular checkpoints to evaluate the performance of your innovated system.
Example: We will review the results of our new lead generation efforts every 2 weeks.
Step 7 – This maybe the most important step. Take immediate action, as needed, to revise the system to ensure you are getting the results, or in this case, the number of leads your need each week to hit your sales and revenue objectives.
The bottom line is if you want to hit your goals, you need to take new action in order to get new results.