An article on the importance of goal setting for New Zealand businesses. It says goal setting is one of the easiest and most powerful business tools, but is often overlooked.

Goal Setting for Business Success

As we enter into a new calendar year, time for addressing our goals, our business/personal values and vision for the future should be at the forefront of every business owner's mind.

"Successful Kiwi business people are highly motivated in that they understand and act on important values, have a clear vision of the future and they have as much fun as possible while progressing their goals"
- The Kiwi Effect,Laurence Green and Jenny Campbell

Why is Goal Setting Important?

The old saying "if you aim at nothing, you are sure to hit it" truly does apply to goal setting.  It is one of the easiest and most powerful business tools and is often overlooked by many New Zealand businesses.

In our experience successful businesses have a clear goal setting process, which they follow diligently, and use as a performance mechanism to track progress.

Goal setting is vital given that most New Zealand businesses are owner-operated and therefore the goals of the owner(s) often strongly influence the goals of the business.

"Having goals in your head" is a starting point but the goal setting process should involve business partners, senior management, family members and all those with an influence in order to be successful.  It should be a documented process, which sets targets for action.

Why are Personal Goals Important to Consider for Business Success?

Often business owners fail to consider the importance of personal goals and the influence of these goals on business operations.  Business and personal goals must be considered together and must not be in conflict with each other.

Consider the impact on your personal life of growth within your business:

    * What will be the maximum number of hours a week you would like to work?
    * How much money do you need to sustain the lifestyle you would like to have?
    * How much travel do you want to do?
    * How successful do you want to be and how will you measure this?