Let’s talk about goals. Not the kind where you say, “I want to be successful,” and then hope the universe magically makes it happen. No, I’m talking about SMART goals—those beautifully structured, no-nonsense targets that take yours’ and your clients’ vague aspirations and turn them into a roadmap for success. You know, the kind of goals that give you a clear direction and actually, make it possible to track your progress. (Yep, we’re going to make goal-setting exciting—buckle up.) And yes, I know SMART goals have been around forever, and may not sound like the most innovative or exciting action to take with your clients. But guess what? It is an oldie, but goodie… so ignore that naysayer in your head right now and read on.
So, what exactly is a SMART goal? Glad you asked. It’s an acronym (because, let’s face it, business people love their acronyms) that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is. But don’t let that fool you—this method packs a serious punch when it comes to getting things done. Sure, you probably learned about the importance of setting SMART goals years, but a refresher never hurts.
S is for Specific: No More Vague Nonsense
First up, specificity. If you’re helping a client set a goal, and they say something like, “I want to grow my business,” your job is to channel your inner detective and dig deeper. Grow how? By how much? In what way? (Ask the tough questions—they’ll thank you later.) A specific goal might be, “I want to increase my client base by 20% in the next six months by expanding into the digital marketing space.” Boom. Now we’re talking.]
M is for Measurable: Because Guessing if it’s Been Successful is for Amateurs
Next, we’ve got measurable. It’s not enough to say, “I want to do better.” How will you know if you’ve done better? (Hint: you won’t.) Measurable goals mean you’ve got a way to track progress—whether that’s through numbers, milestones, or some other quantifiable means. For our business-growing friend, that might mean tracking the number of new clients acquired each month. Numbers don’t lie, folks. And “I think it was a success” doesn’t cut it either.
A is for Achievable: Let’s Be Real Here
Now, onto “achievable”. Yes, it’s great to dream big, but if your client’s goal is to take over the world by next Tuesday, you might want to help them scale it back a bit. Achievable means the goal is realistic—challenging, sure, but not impossible. We want them to stretch, not snap. Maybe they aim for that 20% growth by securing five new clients each month. It’s doable, and more importantly, it’s motivating.
R is for Relevant: Keep It in the Wheelhouse
Relevant goals are aligned with your client’s bigger picture. If their ultimate vision is to become a leader in their industry, then expanding their client base is a relevant goal. If their goal is to learn to juggle flaming torches, well, unless they’re in the circus, you might want to redirect that energy. (Unless they really love juggling, in which case… you do you.)
T is for Time-bound: Because Deadlines Matter
Finally, time-bound. A goal without a deadline is just a wish. (We’ve all heard that before and we’ve all been there.) Setting a timeframe creates a sense of urgency and gives your client something to aim for. Maybe that 20% growth is set for six months. It’s long enough to make meaningful progress but short enough to keep them focused. Deadlines turn goals into action plans—so set them, and stick to them.
Wrapping It Up: The Power of SMART
Helping your clients set SMART goals is like giving them a GPS for their business journey. It turns their aspirations into something tangible, trackable, and—most importantly—achievable. Plus, it keeps them from wandering off into the land of “I’ll get to it eventually” (which, let’s be honest, is where dreams go to die).
So, next time a client comes to you with a goal that sounds more like a vague daydream, whip out the SMART framework and get to work. They’ll have clear direction, achievable milestones, and—best of all—a real shot at success. Now that’s what I call coaching.