The best goal-setting strategies

Achieving more every year is a tough task. To maximise your efforts, master goal-setting strategies with our top tips. Here, we take a look at how to be ambitious but stick to your aims. Get ready to see success from fundraising to delivering on internal objectives.

 

 

Use SMART

 

One of the most widely used strategies for goal-setting is SMART. The acronym stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. During the planning stages of your goal, answer the five questions related to each letter. The responses help charity digital leaders determine how feasible the goal is, who will be involved, and what the timeline is.

 

 

Use the 5Ws

 

Closely related to SMART are the 5 Ws. Who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers shape the target. The parameters determine the roles, responsibilities, and timelines to achieve objectives. Consistently revisiting the 5 Ws helps ensure that goals stay on track.

 

 

Gather data

 

Collecting accurate, usable data gives charities the best foundation to build goals on. Donorbox says: “When you’re planning a fundraising campaign, decide what kind of data and KPIs will help inform future campaigns.”

 

In simple terms, this means preparing historic data and trends, and then determining which metrics to use to gauge success.

 

To start with, take a look at your CRM data and previous fundraising performances. Managers may find that relevant information and forecasting is already in the works – many platforms include automated reporting tools.

 

The top tip here is to familiarise yourself with metrics, so goals can be tracked.

 

 

Break it down

 

While you’re on the path to success, the bigger picture can be overwhelming. This is particularly true if the goal is far in the horizon or large in terms of fundraising amount. Breaking down goals into bite-sized, achievable milestones helps stay motivated. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) says “it’s particularly important to make the first step achievable” because it sets a positive tone for the rest of the journey.

 

 

Reporting on your deeds

 

Taking stock of what matters most leads to the best outcome. Ascend, a fundraising solutions provider, says that progress reporting and metrics are essential.

 

They note that regularly updating colleagues and supporters on how it’s going motivates the team to work harder. Remember, use established KPIs to measure success.

 

When reporting internally, bespoke reporting tips and tricks may come in handy. As part of the goal-setting process, agree the form and content of the pages before distributing.

 

 

Tell others what you’re trying to do

 

Rally your social media audiences and keep your organisation honest by broadcasting what you’re trying to do. Indeed, the career service, summarises it best: “Knowing others are aware of or are monitoring your progress can encourage you to commit to achieving your goal. It can also make you proud to share your positive results when you accomplish these goals.”

 

For charity digital managers, remember to regularly update followers on progress. Stay organised by using a social media management platform to create and schedule content.

 

 

Reward yourself

 

Planning must include time for celebration. Applicable for internal, operational, or fundraising goals, rewards and recognition motivates everyone to push further.

 

JustGiving highlight the benefits of reward and recognition schemes and the impact on fundraising. From their experiences working with the BHF and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), both large charities benefitted from formalised programmes.

 

The BHF fundraisers raised 75% beyond their targets, while GOSH found that prizes high in value generated the most momentum.

 

 

Use digital tools

 

Empower the team to smash their goals. Armed with digital tools and apps, fundraisers can stay motivated, updated, and track progress.

 

Aside from apps by JustGiving and Virgin Money Giving, the best goal tracking ones are tailored for personal use.

 

To really propel ambitious goal seekers, StickK asks individuals and groups to make real commitments by risking financial penalties. For those who need less enforcement, GoalsOnTrack offers a SMART approach to tackling challenges. 

 

 

Feedback and review

 

Last, once your goals have been reached, reflect on what went well, and what could be improved. Gaining insight into how the process could be refined builds a base for the next round of goal-setting.