Steps For Better Sales In 2023
Last year finished with a bang but there’s no time to relax. The new year has started and there are new goals to meet and
How to Set SMART Sales Goals for 2022
As any sales manager and sales professional will know, the secret to a company’s success lies in setting goals that are both realistic and achievable. SMART sales goals are the best way to create goals that have a straightforward and clearly defined action plan for achieving them.
The SMART methodology was created to provide an easy way to set tangible goals that are attainable within a specified amount of time. This method doesn’t just help you to set goals – it helps you to set the right kind of goals for success. For example, if your goals are too hard, then you or your team will feel discouraged and less motivated to attempt them as they seem impossible to achieve. On the other hand, if you make your goals too easy then you won’t feel challenged to push yourself to exceed expectations and realize your full potential.
SMART goals can help you to achieve any outcome you need. Read on to discover exactly what a SMART goal is and how you can set SMART goals to use as a roadmap for sales success in 2022.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART goals stand for:
- S = Specific. Set goals that are clearly defined so that everyone knows exactly what they are striving towards. Ask yourself, “What needs to be accomplished?” and “Who is responsible for completing the task?”
- M = Measurable. Track your progress by making your goals measurable. Define a concrete number to hit by the end of a certain time period so that you know exactly when you’ve reached your target.
- A = Achievable. It’s essential that the goals are achievable, or nobody will attempt them! Set goals that are attainable within the timeframe but require a push to achieve them so that you or your team are motivated to accept the challenge.
- R = Relevant. Goals need to be aligned with the team, the individual and the company’s overall mission and bigger picture.
- T = Time-Based. You’ll need to commit to a definite end date for each goal to keep you motivated and on track.
Setting SMART goals is not only an excellent way to ensure that your business targets are met by the end of the year, but that you or your sales team remain stress-free and energized to exceed expectations at every opportunity.
How Do You Set SMART Sales Goals for Success in 2022?
Now that you know what SMART goals are, how do you go about setting them?
Whether you’re a sales manager planning SMART goals for their team or a sales professional setting your own individual benchmarks, these handy tips will help you to define your goal strategy and devise a clear roadmap to follow throughout 2022.
- Use Data to Guide Your Goals
Take a look at past performance data and growth rates of sales individuals to determine new achievable goals and which activities are required to get there. You can also try dividing your annual target up into monthly or weekly targets that are easier to meet and provide a greater sense of urgency.
- Break Big Goals into Smaller Targets
Instead of looking at the final numbers you want to achieve at the end of the year, make it less daunting by breaking up this goal into smaller, easy-to-manage targets. Smaller targets also make it much easier to monitor progress and ensure you remain on track.
- Use Data to Guide Your Goals
Take a look at past performance data and growth rates of sales individuals to determine new achievable goals and which activities are required to get there. You can also try dividing your annual target up into monthly or weekly targets that are easier to meet and provide a greater sense of urgency. - Break Big Goals into Smaller Targets
Instead of looking at the final numbers you want to achieve at the end of the year, make it less daunting by breaking up this goal into smaller, easy-to-manage targets. Smaller targets also make it much easier to monitor progress and ensure you remain on track.
Inspire and Educate Sales Teams
If you’re a sales manager, it’s important that you take the time to understand each individual team member’s strengths and weaknesses so that you can set goals that inspire them to be better sales professionals. Invest in them and coach them in areas where their skills are lacking so that they can improve their performance and reach their own personal goals, too.Plan for Failure
It may seem counterintuitive but having a plan to quickly deal with setbacks is the best way to ensure that your goals don’t get derailed and missed completely. Consider potential obstacles that could slow down your strategy and have steps in place to troubleshoot them and regain control.Make Certain Goals a Priority
Decide which of your SMART goals are of the most importance so that you can devote more energy towards achieving them. These are goals that are most relevant to the company’s bottom line or individual’s professional ambition.Include Bonuses and Incentives
Keep the morale high and the motivation strong by planning a few bonuses or incentives to drive performance. These are great ways to reward you or your team for meeting smaller targets through activities such as upselling and retention.
How Can You Avoid Stress While Smashing Your SMART Goals?
It’s no secret that the sales industry is a high-pressure environment where performance and results are what is required to get ahead and stay ahead. Stress can sneak up on anyone, particularly when you’re so focused on meeting those targets and achieving your SMART goals. You can help to manage your stress levels by following these easy tips:
- Find the right balance between pushing yourself to achieve targets and maintaining your physical and mental health.
- Know your stress triggers and how to manage them before they get out of control.
- Learn what your psychological barriers to selling are so that you can overcome them, from fear of failure to lacking focus.
- Focus on the goals that matter most to avoid confusion and use tracking software to get a clearer view of your progress.
- Take control by taking a logical and systematic approach to obstacles.
- Form healthy habits, such as work-life balance, healthy eating and mindful breathing.
Maximise Your Sales Potential in 2022 with SWISH
Setting SMART sales goals is one of the best ways you can ensure that you reach your business targets in the new year and continue to grow as a sales team or individual sales rep. The SWISH Sales Academy is another way! Be coached by the best in the business with a comprehensive sales course for companies or individuals that teaches you the skills to elevate your performance using honest and ethical sales training techniques that get real results.
Become the best in your field with no pressure and exceptional support. Take your sales efforts to the next level and read about our proven sales training, sales coaching, and sales courses. No matter if you are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast or anywhere in the world, we are able to assist in providing the most innovative ethical sales training. Get started today with the SWISH Sales Academy – contact us on 07 5531 6485 or join our sales training Facebook group.
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