Create New Year's Goals, Not Resolutions

For many, the new year can mean a fresh start on breaking our old habits. Even with the best resolutions, our busy lives and inherent patterns eventually re-emerge, and we’re back to square one.  

This year, we suggest something new: nix the resolutions, and let’s set some goals! Shifting your focus to something you can put into action right now means your goals are closer than you think. Studies show people are more likely to accomplish specific and written goals, so we jotted down a few for you and your organization to get you started.  

Growth goals 

Growth goals can mean many things. For example, are you looking to increase your enrollment, launch a new program, or raise your brand recognition?  

To develop growth goals, you need a clear vision statement that you can segment into achievable steps. Growing your enrollment may involve promotions or discounts that don’t necessarily increase your revenue immediately. So, you’ll need to make assessments along the way to gauge what promotions are driving new long-lasting customers. 

No matter what it is, it’s important to establish a realistic goal, actionable tasks, and a team to help you complete those growth goals. 

Financial goals 

Setting a financial goal will help you focus on ways to drive additional revenue. Instead of thinking about where you want to be at the end of the year, set a goal for the month, quarter, or even a registration session.  

Achieving the small goals first will create a series of benchmarks that will set you up for a year of success. Be specific in your financial plan. Some examples could be: Reviewing monthly tuition rates to increase your bottom line, opening a pro shop, or utilizing your website for sponsorship opportunities. 

Customer experience goals 

Enhancing your current customer experience will help your organization promote additional business growth and make your existing customers happier and more likely to stay. 

When setting customer goals, identify any roadblocks that inhibit an exceptional experience. Roadblocks might include a complicated registration process or difficulty finding the correct information for an athlete. 

With these roadblocks in mind, develop customer goals to solve them, such as 

• Streamline the online checkout process with the right technology 

• Adding an FAQ on your website for easy-to-find information 

• Creating a communication strategy for consistent touchpoints 

Employee development goals 

Motivated, engaged employees offer many benefits in youth sports, such as increased enrollment and deeper loyalty with current athletes. The right coaches and staff are essential ingredients in a program’s success.  

To set employee development goals, collect regular feedback from your staff about the types of incentives that motivate them. Include these goals in performance reviews while offering training and learning opportunities like sales tactics or the latest coaching techniques. 

In the end, when creating your new year business goals, focus on the specifics while adding deadlines and benchmarking your progress. Seeing what you have already achieved can be a prime motivator to continue working towards your final goals.