You've mastered step one, crafting a mission statement; an articulation of your business' vision, its overarching theme. Now, it's time to drill down deeper into more immediate goals, specifically those relating to the benchmarks you intend to set for the coming year and beyond.

I view my business and personal goals as synergistic with one another, thus spelling them out collectively as equal components of my plan. For example, if my intention is to complete a certain fixed number of transactions while studying for and achieving particular industry designations and pursuing a fitness plan, then I say as much. It may look something like this: This year, I will close forty five transactions or more while achieving my associate broker designation. In addition, I will commence a regimented training program, reducing my body mass index from twenty five to twelve percent.  These goals inform and affect one another. Committing to go to the gym five days a week means carving out time from what may have been a full schedule to begin with. However, if getting in a good, consistent workout makes for higher professional performance, then it's worthy of the time, dedication and placement prominently as a stated goal. It needs to be factored into the broader business goal setting and decision making process. Time with family, community or in pursuit of other personal endeavors is not mutually exclusive. It all must be weighed as part of the greater blueprint.

The goals set forth here lay the groundwork for the measurable benchmarks factored into the matrix of the plan. An agent defining a financial goal as forty five units sold per annum can then track those units and set monthly milestones to make certain they're met. No matter the approach, view setting the goals as stops on the highway. The business/personal plan is the roadmap from point A to B. How you get there is predicated on the route you choose and whether or not the course taken remains true to the objective stated over prescribed period of time.

To continue driving analogy, there is no point in setting unachievable objectives. If getting from A to B requires driving over Mt. Everest, though ambitious, it is likely to prove an impractical plan with insurmountable roadblocks. Ambition is great, a must for any entrepreneur. Successful entrepreneurs understand, however, that it is best tempered with pragmatism.

There is no right or wrong answer to articulating your goals as long as they prove motivating and achievable. The purpose of a well thought out business plan is to pave the way to success. Spending some time contemplating those key aspirations you hold for the coming years will put you well on your way.