Thursday marks the start of yet another month. And while I spend a lot of my time in my business flying by the seat of my pants (can you imagine what I might achieve if I were more organised??) I had an idea for something that might help to get me more focussed.
A way to help cut down on the ‘busy work’ and focus on the fundamentals.
My idea, dears, is to bring into being BIG Gorgeous Goals.
So what – exactly – do I mean?
Back in the day when I was working in management, one of my bosses came at us with the idea of a ‘Big Hairy Goal’. Now, I’m aiming for the same kinda thing here, but I much prefer to call my goals ‘gorgeous’ than ‘hairy’.
A BIG Gorgeous Goal is something that is almost unattainable.
It’s a goal that’s right on the edge of possibility. Not easily achievable, not even a little bit tricky, but really, really freaking hard. We’re setting the bar above our heads here, people.
“What’s the point of setting a goal so high as to be almost unattainable” I hear you ask?
Ahh, but we see that the key here is in the word almost.
It’s possible. I can make it happen. But it’s going to take a hell of a lot of work.
But man – if I get there? Then I’m going to give myself the biggest congratulations possible, and feel damn fine!
If I don’t get there? I’ll know I’ve pushed myself to the limit, and I’ll be proud of what I do achieve.
September
For the month of September my BIG Gorgeous Goal is:
To sell 200 pieces of jewellery online.
Now, my previous monthly record is something like 120 pieces (okay, it’s exactly 118 pieces, I keep records, people). I average somewhere around the high 70s-80s most months.
So, to sell 200 pieces of jewellery requires me to more than double my average sales.
That’s a big goal. And my oh my, is it a gorgeous one!
Just for the record, I want to state some requirements:
- This only includes jewellery sold online to the end owner
- Therefore, no wholesale or consignment sales are included
- Also, no market sales are included
- Any redeeming of previously sold vouchers or prizes I give are not included
- I can sell these pieces from anywhere online – through any of my shops, facebook, etc
What makes me think that this is possible?
First, I have 2, and possibly even 3, new release jewellery lines coming out in September, across Epheriell and Vintette.
Second, I’m going to put in the time to expand my online jewellery presence – filling up shops that are only partially full, and searching for new online venues to sell at.
Third, I’m going to be offering exclusive special deals throughout the month to newsletter subscribers (look up the top right of this site if you want to be in on that), and via my Facebook page.
Finally, I’m going to work hard to freshen up my Vintette shop with my new photography style.
With all of this, on top of my regular monthly sales, my BIG Gorgeous Goal might just be within reach. Let’s see how I go, shall we?
What’s Your BIG Gorgeous Goal?
So – what about you? Do you want to get in on this idea? Could you set a BIG Gorgeous Goal for your own business – or for your life in general?
Could you work like a maniac to get your very own website built and online?
Could you make 20 new products, and get them listed in your online store?
Could you write a postcard to 30 people in your life who you love?
Could you give up chocolate/alcohol/caffeine for the whole month?
The possibilities are endless… and if you DO decide to try out a BIG Gorgeous Goal for yourself, I’d love to know about it – so tell us in the comments, and blog about it! (Feel free to grab my little typographic above, too!).
Transparency
This is a big, public admission for me – which is one of the ways to give yourself that extra kick in the pants.
I’m going to keep track of my progress daily, and have a little spot in the sidebar of the blog that I update every day. Check back during the month to see how I’m progressing – and to cheer me on, if you like!
September, I see you coming – you and I have got some work to do.
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I do think making any goal (small or large) that you have public can be a great motivator for actually meeting that goal – I’ve been know to use to to get myself to the gym:) Hope you have a great September! Cyndy
Thanks so much, Cyndy! And yep, I’ve done that, too – exercise is so important but it’s easy to be too ‘busy’ to fit it in…
This is exactly what I needed to hear. At the beginning of the year I set monthly monetary sales goals for myself. Each time I set a goal, I seemed to magically meet it. And then one month I didn’t and I instantly stopped setting goals because I felt so terrible. But I want to do that again! So, I’m sitting down tomorrow and making my monetary goal for September. With two big events in the month, I’m putting it super high!
Yay Megan!!! That’s fantastic news – I know you’ll do it, you’re a ‘get things done’ type of lady! 🙂
Thanks Jess. You’ve given me the kick in the pants I need to work harder on opening my shop. I’ve already got the space, it just needs to get finished. I’m probably half-way there and was aiming to open in September, but it’s not going to be possible as I’m travelling to Brissie for school holidays, have day-job and mum commitments. But my aim is now the second week of October. That is VERY soon. Eek!
How exciting!!! BIG good luck for your opening, and I’m sure it will be fabulous 😀
And doing that on top of a day-job and being a mum? I salute you, lady!
Good on you, Jess! Can’t wait to follow along! xo
I *love*love*love* your shoes in your header. SOOOO CUTE!
My BIG GORGEOUS GOALS for Sept are:
* $100 in sales in my Etsy shop (followed by $200 in Oct, $300 in Nov)
* pay off my car
* save $500
* get certified as a kid’s yoga instructor
Go Malea!! Those are some super-fantastic goals – BIG good luck to you!!
I love it. My goal for August is to get my fall pieces finished and listed online….I have two more days!
I love putting my goals out there on my blog because it makes me feel like I have to achieve them. And if I fail, I have to visit why I failed, which can be really useful.
Best of luck to you and your 200 sales :).
Good luck getting them all done, Gina!! x
I love what you said – “if I fail, I have to visit why I failed, which can be really useful” – absolutely!
Jess your awesome goal teaser hooked me. I am not shy but I am quite private so this is a stretch for me to publicize. I hate disappointment, especially when I cause it. But I’ll give it a go.
You have such a talent for looking on the sunny side up of things and I enjoy reading your daily entries. Thank you for being consistent with your blog and inspiring others. I’m quite sure your readers plan to help you accomplish your sales goals and I’m sure your going to design some things we just can’t resist. So, as Mr. Gunn says…”Carry On”! :0)
My Goals For September:
No alcohol (I love beer).
Begin daily meditation.
Send handmade cards to those i care for far away.
List 5 awesome items in my etsy shop.
Get my new website products completed.
Alrightythen.
Those are some fabulous goals! I would say make sure to schedule things into your month (when will you meditate, for example) and make sure to give yourself some little reward for your ‘no beer’ goal 🙂
And thank you so much for your lovely comments about me xx
Jess,
I’m SO happy that I stumbled across you online (what a weird comment when you think about it!). I’m constantly struggling with my rotating (and strangely diverse) goals, and the distractions that prevent me from accomplishing them. When I read your thoughts and see your dedication and perseverance toward growth/improvement/success, I am inspired and reminded that what seems unattainable at times is not so lofty afterall. Thanks for being you!
My Pre-Big Beautiful Goals:
1) Get my “pesky things” to-do list in order, and GET IT DONE (by the end of this week, as much as possible). This will free my thoughts toward real “BIG BEAUTIFUL GOALS” for September.
2) Figure out if a Blog or a Website is appropriate or relevant to me/my goals and if so, commence “building.”
3) Wake up early every day to face the day with vigour!
Hi Natalie – glad to meet you!
Oh, the to-do list… it’s always hanging over our heads, isn’t it?
I like the last one! (though my idea of early is 8am ;D)
Big gorgeous goal? Hmmm…200 prints/ items sold for this month! I’d be chuffed with that!