Small Business Secret #1

 

I titled this small business secret number one because no matter if it’s a one-man eBay business or a much larger brick and mortar business, written goals are a must have. Sure, goals may change over time, and they should, but in the beginning, it is an absolute must. It’s your roadmap to take you where you want to be. 

In my old age I don’t write things down as consistently today as I did in the past, but I remain a firm believer that putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard is a critical step in turning thoughts into reality. There’s something almost magical about the act of writing that clarifies intentions, solidifies commitment, and sets the wheels of progress in motion. Over the years, this practice has helped me organize my thoughts, stay accountable, and achieve goals that once seemed impossible.

A long time ago, I came across a powerful idea that left a lasting impression: ‘it’s impossible to write down a goal you can’t achieve.’ I can’t recall the exact source, maybe it was a book, a motivational speaker, or an article, but the reasoning struck me as profound. The argument went that your brain, in the act of articulating a goal, filters out what’s truly impossible. If you can conceive it clearly enough to write it down, your subconscious has already deemed it within the realm of possibility. It’s as if your mind, in committing the words to paper, is saying, “This is something we can work toward.”

So, if a self-employed beginner, or anyone else reading this, is feeling stuck or overwhelmed, try this: grab a piece of paper, write down one thing you want to accomplish, and make it specific. You might be surprised at how that small act can spark the momentum you need. After all, if you can write it, you can achieve it--your brain already believes you can. That said, I’ve also learned that writing alone isn’t enough. The goals need to be realistic and paired with action. The beauty of writing them down is that it forces you to confront whether they’re feasible. If I wrote, “Become a billionaire in six months,” my brain would likely balk, it’s too far outside my current reality. But “Start a side hustle that earns $1,000 a month within a year”? That feels challenging but doable, and writing it down helps me believe it’s possible.

Now let's break it down and see why the unseen power of ink works so well for the small businessperson. Why it's one of those secrets that's really not a secret once you see it.

In the whirlwind of daily operations, it's easy for a business to feel like it's moving forward simply by doing things. Orders are filled, emails are answered, and services are rendered. But is this activity truly progress? Without a clear destination and a well-defined roadmap, even the most energetic efforts can lead a business in circles. This is where the seemingly simple act of writing down goals transforms from a suggestion to a fundamental necessity.

Think of it this way: would you embark on a cross-country road trip without knowing your final destination or having a map? Probably not. You'd likely end up lost, wasting time and resources on detours. The same principle applies, perhaps even more critically, to your business.

Why Vague Ideas Aren't Enough:

Many businesses operate with a general sense of what they want to achieve – "grow revenue," "improve customer satisfaction," or "expand the team." While these aspirations are a good starting point, they lack the precision and commitment that comes with putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Unwritten goals remain nebulous, open to interpretation, and easily forgotten amidst the daily grind.

The Tangible Benefits of Written Goals:

The act of writing down your business goals unlocks a powerful set of advantages:

• Clarity and Focus: The process of articulating your goals forces you to think critically and define exactly what you want to achieve. This eliminates ambiguity and provides a clear direction for everyone involved. Instead of a vague desire to "grow revenue," a written goal might be "Increase annual recurring revenue by 15% by the end of Q4 2025." This specificity allows for targeted strategies and focused efforts.

• Enhanced Accountability: When goals are written, they become a tangible record. This creates a sense of accountability, both for the business as a whole and for individual team members responsible for specific objectives. It's much harder to ignore a goal that's documented and regularly reviewed.

• Improved Motivation and Engagement: Clearly defined, written goals provide a sense of purpose and direction for your team. When employees understand the overarching objectives and how their individual contributions fit into the bigger picture, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged. Celebrating milestones against written targets also boosts morale and reinforces progress.

• Better Resource Allocation: With written goals in place, you can make informed decisions about how to allocate your resources – time, money, and personnel. You can prioritize initiatives that directly contribute to achieving your stated objectives and avoid wasting resources on activities that don't align with your vision.

• Measurable Progress and Performance Tracking: Written goals often include specific metrics and timelines, making it possible to track progress objectively. This allows you to identify what's working, what's not, and make necessary adjustments along the way. Regular review of written goals provides valuable insights into your business's performance and helps you stay on track.

• Facilitated Communication and Alignment: Sharing written goals ensures that everyone within the organization is on the same page. It fosters open communication, reduces misunderstandings, and aligns individual and team efforts towards a common purpose.

Making it Happen:

The benefits are clear but simply jotting down a few vague statements won't cut it. Effective written goals are typically:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.

• Measurable: Include quantifiable metrics to track progress.

• Achievable: Set realistic goals that are within your reach.

• Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your overall business vision.

• Time-bound: Establish a clear timeframe for achieving each goal. (Think SMART goals!)

The Bottom Line:

In the competitive landscape of today's business world, leaving your success to chance is a risky gamble. Writing down your goals isn't just a good practice; it's a fundamental requirement for sustainable growth and long-term success. It transforms aspirations into actionable plans, fosters accountability, and empowers your team to work together towards a shared vision. So, take the time, invest the effort, and harness the unseen power of ink – your business will thank you for it.

Tom