5 tips goal-setting tips for the year

May 26, 2022

Effective goal setting will help you get the very best out of the year. Our 5 goal-setting tips will help small business owners reach new highs.

Wouldn’t it be great to have your best year ever, this year? Whether you want to grow your business or take more time for yourself, these goal-setting tips can help you achieve your long-term plans.


  1. Think big! - What do you want from your life – and how can your business help you achieve that? Think about next year and beyond; what does your business look like in five or 10 years? When you know what end point you’re aiming for, it’s easier to set goals that move you in the right direction.
  2. Pick something you can measure - Vague goals aren’t as helpful as those you can measure and monitor. Think about what you already measure in your business and how you’d like to see those metrics change. For example:
  • A 3% increase in net profit year-on-year
  • A 2% reduction in expenses
  • 1 new customer per month
  • Reduce average payment time to under 50 days
  • 4 weeks of holiday during which you don’t go into the office at all
  1. Make a plan to achieve each goal - Once you’ve picked a few goals, come up with ways to achieve them. It could just be back-of-the-envelope thinking, or have a brainstorming session with your team or your advisers (give us a call!). When you have a plan in place, do your best to follow through and make it happen.
  2. Keep monitoring your progress - Check in each month to see how you’re tracking with your goals. Set yourself reminders on your calendar or make it part of your invoicing cycle. If you’re not quite on track, you can make tweaks or come up with some fresh ideas to help you reach your targets.
  3. Plan a celebration! - Give yourself a good reason to keep striving for your goals. It might be a long lunch, a trip to the movies, a manicure, or a beer advent calendar next December. Something you’ll enjoy that’s not going to blow the budget.


We can help

Not sure what your goals should be or how to monitor them? We can show you where to find the information you need, how to check on it, or keep an eye on it for you.

Our team also has some fantastic ideas for how to reach your goals and build your business – get in touch!


6 ways to get paid quicker
September 2, 2026
Many small business owners report difficulties when it comes to the delay between issuing an invoice and actually getting paid.
Four tips for better inventory management
September 2, 2026
Inventory management is critical for any business. It'll help keep enough stock to satisfy customer demand and avoid pitfalls associated with inventory.
The challenge of finding and keeping skilled construction staff
September 2, 2026
Builders report difficulties recruiting or retaining skilled workers. We outline what’s causing the shortages and how you can find those much-needed skilled workers.
Plain English guide to cashflow
September 2, 2026
Positive cashflow is the beating heart of your business. Read our Plain English guide to cashflow and find out how to get in complete control of your cash position.
Loss carry back rules reintroduced
September 2, 2026
At the Federal Budget in May 2026, the Government announced that it would reintroduce a loss carry back tax offset for companies.
Keeping your tax and expenses in check when you are self-employed
September 2, 2026
Working for yourself or running your own business? Setup robust systems for expenses & tax requirements so you can focus on your important tasks.
Get ready for surcharge removal
September 2, 2026
From 1 October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to apply a surcharge to card payments on designated eftpos, Mastercard and Visa networks.
5 key financial metrics your business should be tracking
September 2, 2026
Do you know how to track the financial health of your business? We highlight 5 key metrics you should be tracking and managing to keep your finances on course.
Cents per km or logbook method: which is better?
September 2, 2026
Now comes a decision for anyone who uses their car for work: is it better to claim a deduction using the logbook or cents per kilometre method?
The ABCs of bookkeeping
September 2, 2026
Why is good bookkeeping so vital for your financial management? We’ve got some top hacks for maximising your bookkeeping!