The major outcome of this step is the setting of goals for your business based on its vision and mission statement. A goal is a long-range aim for a specific period. It must be specific and realistic. Long-range goals set through strategic planning are translated into activities that will ensure reaching the goal through operational planning.

Here are a few tips for setting and achieving those goals:

1. Brainstorm – Start writing a list of things you’d like to accomplish. At first, you might think you don’t have any ideas, but soon they will come pouring out. You may even end up with too many goals that you could realistically accomplish. Prioritize and decide which are most important.

2. Write your goals down in one central place and record any changes you make to your goals – This way you can track your progress and will be become even better at setting goals for yourself in the future.

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Most businesses that fail do so for one reason. They don’t know exactly where they want to go. Businesses require detailed planning and a crystal clear view of their goals and where they want to take their business. That’s what the first action of SIBB Step 1 is for. It is called “Create Vision Statement”.

What exactly is a vision?

Well a vision statement should describe in graphic terms where you want to be with your business in the future. It is a description of a desired outcome that helps and inspires you to create a mental picture of your target.

I understand the vision of a business as its goal. And that’s where I apply goal setting strategies. If you’ve ever read a book on goal setting you might be familiar with the acronym SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Timed .

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