The final quarter of the year is here, and that means one thing, it’s time to set business goals that will help finish 2025 strong and set the stage for an even better 2026. Whether you’re a sole trader, a growing start-up, or running an SME, now is the perfect time to refocus, tidy up loose ends, and make sure you’re heading in the right direction.
But before you start scribbling down lofty targets like “double my sales in a month,” let’s talk about making business goals that are realistic, measurable, and (most importantly) achievable.
A handy way to do this is by using the SMART method:
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Specific
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Measurable
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Achievable
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Relevant
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Time-bound
1. Keep It Simple (and Specific)
Think about why you’re setting this goal in the first place. Are you trying to bring in more income? Build a stronger brand? Free up more personal time? Knowing your “why” gives your goals meaning and helps you stay motivated when things get busy.
And when you do set a target, keep it clear and specific. Instead of saying, “I want to grow my business,” try:
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“Gain three new clients this quarter.”
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“Increase website traffic by 20%.”
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“Post on social media twice a week.”
Simple, specific goals, backed by a solid reason, make it much easier to stay focused and actually celebrate when you hit them.
2. Make It Measurable
If you can’t measure it, how do you know if you’re on track? Adding numbers or clear markers is just the start, you also need a way to keep an eye on them.
Set up a simple system to track progress:
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Decide how often to check – Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly check-ins work well depending on the goal. For example, review sales figures every Monday or check social media engagement every Friday.
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Keep a record – Use a spreadsheet, a project management tool, or even a simple notebook to log your progress.
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Adjust if needed – Measuring regularly lets you spot when things aren’t working, so you can tweak your approach before it’s too late.
For example:
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“Send out two email newsletters per month” → check every week to see if drafts are ready and scheduled.
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“Close £5,000 in new sales by December” → review sales pipeline weekly to track leads and follow-ups.
Tracking your goals this way doesn’t just keep you accountable—it turns progress into a visible, motivating process.
3. Aim for Achievable
It’s great to dream big, but goals that are too ambitious can quickly become discouraging. Ask yourself: Is this realistic with the time and resources I have?
For example, landing 100 new clients in three months might be a stretch, but five solid, long-term clients? Much more doable, and still a huge win for your business.
4. Keep It Relevant
Goals should tie directly back to your business vision and long-term plans. It’s tempting to chase shiny new ideas, but ask: Does this help me move my business forward right now?
For instance, strengthening your customer service or refining your marketing strategy might be more relevant than adding another big project to your plate right now.
5. Don’t Forget Time
We’ve all been guilty of setting goals that float endlessly on a to-do list. Q4 gives you a ready-made timeline: you’ve got three months. Use it.
Whether it’s launching a new product, ramping up networking, or clearing admin backlogs, give your goal a finish line. Deadlines create focus, and a bit of healthy pressure.
6. Use the Right Tools
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to do everything alone. Virtual business services are designed to free up your time and help you look professional while you chase down those goals. A few examples:
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Virtual business address – Instantly boosts your brand’s credibility. Clients see professionalism, not a home address.
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Receptionist service – No more missed calls, no more missed opportunities. Every client or lead gets answered, every time.
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Extra time for growth – With admin off your plate, you’ve got more hours to focus on networking, marketing, or developing new ideas.
Sometimes, hitting your business goals isn’t about doing more—it’s about getting the right support in place.
7. Celebrate the Wins
Big or small, give yourself credit.
Signing one new client? That’s growth.
Clearing your inbox for the first time in weeks? That’s progress.
Celebrating keeps motivation high as you move into the new year.
Your business goals for Q4 2025 don’t have to be overwhelming.
Keep them simple, trackable, and backed up with the right support systems.
And if a virtual office service can take a little pressure off your shoulders? That’s not just smart, that’s great business.
by Clare Wellstead
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