To clearly define business goals, a company can follow the SMART criteria:
- Specific: Goals should be specific and clearly defined. For example, “increase sales by 10% in Q2” is a specific goal, while “increase sales” is not.
- Measurable: Goals should be measurable, so progress can be tracked. For example, “increase website traffic by 20% in Q3” is a measurable goal, while “improve website traffic” is not.
- Attainable: Goals should be attainable and realistic given the company’s resources and capabilities. For example, “launch a new product in Q4” is an attainable goal if the company has the resources to do so, while “launch a new product in Q1” might not be if the company does not have the resources to complete the necessary work in time.
- Relevant: Goals should be relevant to the company’s overall business objectives and should support the company’s mission and vision. For example, “increase customer retention by 15% in Q1” is a relevant goal if customer retention is a key business objective.
- Time-bound: Goals should have a specific timeline for completion. For example, “launch a new product in Q4” is a time-bound goal because it specifies when the product will be launched.
By following the SMART criteria, a company can ensure that its business goals are clear, specific, and achievable. This helps the company stay focused on its priorities and stay on track to achieve its business objectives.