How to Use S.M.A.R.T Goals to Grow Your Business, Align Your Brand, and Lead with Confidence
If you’re a small business owner, creative entrepreneur, or coach, you’ve probably set goals that felt exciting at first, but fizzled out after a few weeks. I know I have.
I see this all the time with my coaching and brand photography clients. It’s not that you aren’t capable. It’s not that you aren’t motivated. What I’ve learned, both in running my businesses and in coaching clients, is that it’s not about being more disciplined or “hustling harder.” It’s about clarity.
That’s where S.M.A.R.T goals come in. You’ve probably heard of them before, but let’s revisit them from a fresh, empowering perspective.
S.M.A.R.T stands for:
Specific – Get clear. Instead of “grow my business,” think “sign 3 new aligned clients this quarter.”
Measurable – Numbers don’t lie. How will you know you’ve achieved it?
Achievable – Stretch yourself, yes, but make it realistic for this season of your business.
Relevant – Ask: does this goal move me closer to my bigger vision, or is it just busywork?
Time-Bound – A deadline creates momentum. Without one, goals drift into the “someday” category.
Here’s the thing: when you set goals this way, you stop working from a place of vague wishing and start leading yourself with intention.
That’s where a S.M.A.R.T framework helps:
I have seen my brand photography client might set goals like: “Update my website with 10 new brand photos that reflect my current brand and vision by the end of the month.”
I have seen coaching clients set goals like: “Launch my new offer/program with 5 beta clients by November 1st.”
How This Connects to Your Business & Brand
I see this all the time in brand photography sessions and coaching calls. Someone will come to me saying, “I just need photos” or “I just want more clients.” But when we dig deeper, what they really want is to feel confident showing up online, to be seen for who they truly are, and to attract the right opportunities—not just more work.
The Empowerment Piece
For me, empowerment isn’t about adding more to your plate. it’s about aligning your actions with your vision and energy. When you get crystal clear with S.M.A.R.T goals, you naturally free up time and space to create, to rest, and to actually enjoy your business. Which is why many of us got into business in the first place, to enjoy the work we do and how we serve others vs. feeling like we are constantly grinding it out like we did at our 9-5’s.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to focus next, I’d encourage you to sit down and write one S.M.A.R.T goal for this season. Just one. Let it anchor you, guide your daily actions, and remind you that small, intentional steps compound into big, aligned results. Like James Clear mentions in his book Atomic Habits, “Success is not a one-time event; it's a culmination of daily habits".
Because your brand and your business. isn’t built overnight. It’s built through clarity, consistency, and courage.
Ready to Take This Further?
If you’re ready for support in setting intentional goals and aligning them with your brand, I’d love to help. Whether that’s through a coaching session to map out your next steps or a brand photography experience to visually bring your vision to life, consider this your invitation. Let’s make sure your goals and the way you show up in the world are fully aligned with the business and life you’re creating. Click the learn more button below and we can set up a time to connect!