Goals for 2011

Right, as you start to wind your mind back into work, the year ahead, getting the kids back in school your thoughts may drift to setting some goals for 2011.

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research recently released the results of its quarterly survey of business opinion showing a varied view out and about. Larger businesses are feeling slightly confident where smaller to medium sized businesses are daring to feel optimistic. Notably these survey results were collected early December and I would suggest having 2010 clearly in the rear view mirror now may spark some timely 'glass half full' attitudes.

Regardless of the media or survey results, owners and operators of small to medium enterprises know that it is socks up, chins up and onwards. Time to make a plan!

A great way to figure out what you hope to achieve this year is to brainstorm the heck out of it. Write it all down, use crayons if you feel the urge...you'll be amazed what you realise you might wanna do just by putting devoted time into thinking about it. Think about family goals, health and fitness goals, the possibility of new hobbies or learning something new. How is work going, is it satisfying? Do you have a marketing plan and business plan? We suggest just getting it all on paper...and making them dreamy and making them huge!!

One helpful little ditty may be S.M.A.R.T goals:

S - Specific (or Significant).

M - Measurable (or Meaningful).

A - Attainable (or Action-Oriented).

R - Relevant (or Rewarding)

T - Time-bound (or Trackable)

From here you can create an action plan and get going!

Here at Findlay and Co we know about financial goal setting and planning. This economic climate may have leached the energy and motivation out of small business owners but as the tide turns we suggest getting small achievable goals of satisfaction and monetary rewards back into the scope of your operation. We have adapted our businesses to change and we must consider how do our business thrive in this new era?

So if you need a sounding board, a coach, an ear or technical advice, come on in and see us and let's put 2011 on the map for your business. We are here to help!