In creating our simple, strategic plan for 2013, we have clearly stated our VISION (which includes our mission, our market and our message) and our VALUES (this is HOW we do everything, and what makes us roll out of bed on the bad days).

Now we are ready to clearly identify our goals. Well, actually, we are only going to include 3 goals to focus on for the next year.

I know this may feel limiting, but when you can focus on your top 3 goals, and state them specifically, concisely and measurable, then all your efforts become focused and your “bright, shiny object syndrome” is easy to manage.

Of course, as an entrepreneur, you are going to have ideas and opportunities that are just too cool to pass up, but narrowing your focus to 3 goals will allow you to start achieving greater success instead of being frustrated that your efforts are for naught.

So how do we do this? Take a few minutes to go through this exercise. You will want a paper and pen…or your favorite method of taking notes or journaling.

Step 3 – Your top 3 goals.

What are they? What do you want to accomplish and what is necessary to be accomplished to achieve success as you define it? Perhaps you want a more leverage business model–less private consulting and more group coaching? Perhaps you want to be speaking on stages and getting paid for it. Perhaps you  need to build brand awareness to reach more markets, get more clients and make more money.

When you can whittle your top goals to 3 that will help you achieve success in your life and your business, deciding what marketing tactics and strategies becomes easier.  Also, create measurable goals whenever possible. This will help you create realistic plans for achieving those goals.

Here is an example:

Top 3 Goals (Financial, growth & accomplishments)

1. Bring in 100 paying clients in 2013

2. $15,000 monthly income with a profit margin of 60%

3. Build a leveraged business that allows me to support my family & my health.

Can you see that, with these specific goals, my marketing efforts are going to be easily directed. If I need a profit margin of 60%, then I probably won’t get involved in a project that is a start-up or that is focused more on list-building (where profits are low due to the back-end return). If a business model that supports my family and my health is a priority, then spending too much time traveling might not be a good option (of course, “too much” is relative… but you get the point).

ACTION STEP:

What are your top 3 goals for 2013? List your goals and identify WHY each is important to you. This will allow you to start sorting and grouping your goals to select the BIG goal for yourself. Make sure to include details that you can measure and identify your success on this journey.

And stay tuned for Step 4 of the Simple Strategic Plan, The Strategy that pulls it together.