Many business start-up kits or consultants will tell you one of the first steps to starting a business is to define your business goals. Your goals may differ from the goals of another individual, for example; some people want freedom to do what they want to do, whenever they want, and without having to report to someone else. For others, the goal might be financial security. For another, flexibility or creativity might be their goal.

Regardless, setting goals is an important part of choosing a business that is right for you. Logically, if your business does not meet your personal goals, you probably will not be happy or get any sort of satisfaction from trying to make your business a success. Sooner or later you would stop putting forth effort needed to make the business concept successful. Here are a few qualities to keep in mind when you are setting your goals and searching for the business that is right for you.

1. Be specific. You have a much better chance of achieving a goal if it is specific. For example, getting rich is not a specific goal. Earn $8,000 per month is a specific goal.

2. Be optimistic. Keep your goals positive and optimistic. This will help to fire up your energy and enthusiasm to work towards and maintain the goal. For example, pay the bills is not an inspiring goal. However, be debt-free within 18 months is much more positive and achievable.

3. Be realistic. Look at your current income and where you want to be. If you have never earned $100,000 a month or year, then that may not be a realistic goal for you to set as you start your business. Begin with small steps and then, perhaps, increase your monthly income goal by 25 percent. Once your first goal is met, set a new goal until you gradually reach your larger, long-term goal.

4. Think short- and long-term. Whether you are looking at income, or in terms of growth, marketing or product development, you should have both short- and long-term goals. Short-term goals are those that may be attainable in a period of weeks to a year. Long-term goals can be those that you want to reach in three, five, ten, or even twenty years. Long-term goals should be substantially greater than short-term goals, but still realistic.

Writing your goals down will serve you well and be a constant reminder for you as you focus on your new business. Periodically review your goals and make adjustments where necessary so that you are always working towards something that is attainable. If you discover that a goal is too broad, or too difficult to reach, try breaking it down into smaller pieces.

These qualities are very simple concepts that you can apply. By defining specific, optimistic and realistic goals for both the short- and long-term focus you will be able to be energized and to develop a go for it attitude that will help you to achieve the goals in a timeframe that is best suited to your needs and business.

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Copyright 2005, Michele Webb. All Rights Reserved.