Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals - BVGDADC Part 3

Getting BVGDADC - Part 3: G = S.M.A.R.T. Goals

I'm exploring a new thought process from Clay Carr's "The New Manager's Survival Manual" - BVGDADC.  I suppose it isn't really a "new" thought process but more of a further explanation or putting into action a hodge-podge of thought processes. I'm ready to step up my game and move my business to the next level. Exploring these ideas and coming up with an action plan is crucial to accomplishing this goal.

Part 3: G = S.M.A.R.T. Goals

You've probably already realized that S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym. S.M.A.R.T. means:

1. A S.M.A.R.T. Goal is specific rather than general. The more general a goal is, the less likely it is that we will follow-through on completing it. The S.M.A.R.T. Goal answers every portion of Who, What, When, Where, and Why.  A general goal is "I will start print mail campaign." A specific goal would be "In 2 weeks, I will start a print mail campaign that targets the Poplar Run community for move-up or scale-down buyers and sellers."

2. S.M.A.R.T. Goals are also measurable. We will be able to set smaller, more bite-sized tasks that will help to achieve the overall goal. This makes the primary goal measurable. Then, the more we work the tasks toward the primary goal and are able to mark those tasks completed, the more excited we will be about getting close to achieving the goal. This will motivate us to keep at it!

3. Just because you can achieve a goal, that doesn't mean you should attempt to reach it. We need to ask ourselves whether the goal is not only "capable of being done," but practical as well. Is it an achievable goal to say that I will send a postcard to every residential property in Silver Spring, Maryland? Yes, I can do that, however I need to consider the cost of doing such a thing with the ROI - is it worth it? Instead, a better goal will be that I will send a postcard to every residential property in a specific subdivision. That makes the goal much more attainable.

4. The main reason why we abandon a goal is because it was not realistic. It's great to set a high goal - that challenges us. The problem is in setting the goal too high, where it is out of reach. An example is when a new agent sets a goal that they will become a Top Producer in a year. This is unrealistic because a new agent doesn't know all the ins and outs of being a great agent, which is imperative to becoming a Top Producing agent. Our primary goal should be one that is actually in reach.

5. The final part of a S.M.A.R.T. Goal is that it is timely, which means that it can be reached within a set time frame. A goal that is not timely is "I will start a mass mail project." An example of a timely goal is "I will start a mass mail project on June 1, 2013." This is important because when we set a time frame on attaining a goal, it sparks activity in the brain to get moving!

(Clip Art complements of thriftysocialworker.com.)

Homework!

Evaluate your primary goal. Does it have all the makings of a S.M.A.R.T. Goal? If not, what is it lacking?

Next Week: Is your determination unquenchable?

I always welcome referrals and look forward to the partnerships we can build together. We're ready to help - just contact us to discuss any leads I can help you with - or you can help me with!

Emcee Arah
RE/MAX Excellence Realtor with Architectural Dimension
Serving all your Real Estate needs in MD, VA & Wash., DC

The New Manager's Survival Manual Series
1 - How About Some BVGDADC?
2 - Part 1: B = Burning Desire
3 - Part 2: V = Clear Vision