Setting Smart Goals And Career Objectives

There are a number of variations or criteria for determining smart goals. For this discussion the S.M.A.R.T goals acronym refers to goals that are:
Specific,
Measurable,
Achievable,
Realistic and
Time Framed.

Before we discuss this acronym, it is vital that the career goals you set are YOURS. By that I mean, each goal is not what your broker, spouse, parents, or others want them to be. You will only achieve success when you develop your own objectives because doing it for others will most certainly ensure sabotaged results.

Setting Smart Goals & Career Objectives

The S.M.A.R.T. acronym is used to assist you in an effective goal setting plan. Understanding smart goal setting will help you to be successful in both your real estate career and personal life.

Specific Goals: Goals need to be specific. We often set goals that are so loose and vague, it's nearly impossible to judge whether we achieved them or not. For example, "I am going to make a lot of money" or "I want to list a lot of houses" are not goals. They are too vague. How will you know if and when you've reached your target? Saying, "I will list three properties this month." is more specific. At the end of the month it will be a simple matter of checking your records and listing inventory. Do you have a strategic Realtor business plan?

Measurable Goals: Goals need to be measurable. For example, many of us want to increase our number of leads. But,"generating new leads" is an ambiguous objective. A clearer business goals objective is "I will run a postcard marketing campaign to 700 designated homeowners for 6 months with an immediate follow up for every lead. I anticipate generating 150 new leads." It's a simple, concrete business goal. This makes it easy to see if you hit your target.

Achievable or Attainable Goals: To achieve your goal it needs to be reasonable. Every agent at one time or another has set unrealistic targets. If you have consistently sold 2 properties a month, setting a target of selling 6 properties per month may not be achievable ... at this time. Success or failure depends on setting realistic and practical objectives. Selling 3 properties this month might be more reasonable. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting goals that are way out of reach.

Realistic And Relevant Goals: Goals must be realistic. Evaluate yourself honestly. Do you have the ability and the commitment to reach your goals? Or do you need to make a little adjustment? For example, you may think selling REO properties is an excellent real estate niche to enter, (which it is) but do you have the time, experience, talent and commitment to become a pro in the REO market? Be honest.

Time Framed Goals: Every goal needs to have a time frame. For example, many want to start their own real estate business. Some people will spend a lot of time talking about what they want to do... someday. But, without a target date, there is no sense of urgency and no reason to take any action today. A specific time frame gives you the impetus to get started and also helps you monitor your progress.

Setting And Achieving Goals

Some of your life goals may be longer term. As long as you establish a reasonable time frame and monitor progress, seeing and achieving those goals can become a reality as well.

With the fundamentals of smart goals, the next step is translating this goal setting process to fit your needs.

Get started today by determining what you want. (See the fundamentals of goal setting here.) Once you know what you want you're ready to set your goals. Start with your long term career objectives. These may be things you want to accomplish in the next 12 months. Then, set short term goals. Break these goals down to include monthly, weekly and even daily targets that will move you toward your long term objectives. Achieving those smaller short term goals will build self confidence and enthusiasm.

Own Your Smart Goals!

Goal setting is more than just deciding what you want to do. Being a goal setter requires you to figure out what you need to do to get where you want to go and how long it is going to take you to get there.

Performance Accountability Coaching

One of the primary reasons many very successful agents make the decision to hire a good Realtor coach is performance accountability. A great coach will shrink the gap between where you are and the true potential that is inside you. If you are not achieving your full potential, you are a prime candidate for coaching. The true key to success is through action and implementation.

Think about your smart goals and objectives. Are you fully equipped to reach them? Real estate coaching can help establish career goals objectives by 'keeping your feet to the fire' and holding you accountable for the activities necessary to reach goals. If you don’t have the tools for implementation, but you do have the desire for improvement and success, you are a good candidate for coaching. Your Realtor coach can help you develop and achieve your SMART goals. Take the next step and contact a qualified real estate coach - in fact, make that a goal!

Pace Yourself But Avoid Time Wasters

Don't push yourself too hard or too fast. Successful people know you have to stretch your talents to grow, but they also know it's important to set reasonable goals. Never set yourself up for failure. By starting out slowly, you are giving yourself the chance to realize and work on achieving the goals that you set out to reach.

Know where you want to go. Have a plan to get there. Your S.M.A.R.T. goals are your road map. Follow the road map that YOU created and you're well on your way to success.

The Real Estate Action Plan can help set some of your business smart goals.

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