The 2 Game-Changing Habits to Achieve Your Marketing Goals Every Quarter

Do you feel like setting goals is an absolute waste of time because nothing ever gets done? I’ve been there. As days pass and tasks pile up, those set objectives often become distant dreams. But what if I told you that with two strategic habits, you could ensure every quarter's goals are met? That's precisely what we'll delve into today. In this episode of the podcast, I'll expand on two transformative habits that have drastically changed how I manage and achieve my goals.

The Power of Quarterly Reviews and Planning

One of the most game-changing habits I've developed is conducting a 90-day, or quarterly, review and planning session. This habit has not only fine-tuned my professional life but also transformed how I manage my personal goals.

When I worked as a fractional CMO, the clarity and focus brought about by these quarterly reviews allowed me and my teams to turn goals into tangible Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that we could review and refine weekly. This, in turn, not only helped in achieving our objectives but also created momentum that carried us through to the next quarter.

If you missed my previous episode, I walked through the exact steps I follow for quarterly reviews and planning sessions. But today, I want to focus on how to keep those goals alive and on track as the quarter progresses.

Creating a Scope of Work

One essential practice that bridges the gap between setting a quarterly goal and actually achieving it is a well-documented scope of work. Think of it as the instruction manual for your day-to-day activities throughout the quarter.

For years, I would walk away from quarterly planning sessions with lofty goals but no clear path to accomplish them. This changed when I began breaking down each goal into actionable steps and creating a scope of work.

A scope of work should outline all tasks, the order in which they need to be done, who is responsible for them, and their deadlines. I prefer doing this initially in a Google Sheet before transitioning it to a project management tool. This process is not only a roadmap for you but also gets your team involved, ensuring they’re excited and aligned with the goals.

Weekly Marketing Meetings: Your Lifeline

Weekly marketing meetings are another game-changing habit. These meetings are indispensable for checking in with your team, reviewing goals, and overcoming roadblocks. Unlike siloed conversations that can happen when you’re juggling different freelancers and agencies, bringing everyone together fosters a collaborative atmosphere.

Make these meetings a priority and ensure that they include all relevant stakeholders. Even if you have an agency, negotiate having a representative attend at least bi-weekly. Doing so opens the door to much-needed collaboration and improvement.

During these meetings, check off tasks from your scope of work, discuss any roadblocks, and ensure everyone remains focused and accountable.

Tracking Progress with a Marketing Scorecard

The second habit that’s integral to achieving quarterly goals is implementing a marketing scorecard. A marketing scorecard is an invaluable tool for tracking both leading and lagging metrics, offering a detailed perspective on performance.

Initially, you might find it challenging and even discouraging to quantify the performance of certain marketing activities, like blog writing or social media management, but it's essential for growth. Use KPIs tailored to each function—whether it’s task completion rates or engagement metrics.

By consistently tracking these metrics, you can pinpoint areas that need improvement and inspire your team to strive for better results. My personal recommendation? Start by tracking metrics for a month or two without setting targets. This approach allows you to gather baseline data, which you can then use to set realistic, incremental goals that continually push your team forward.

By implementing these two habits—quarterly reviews with a detailed scope of work, and weekly marketing meetings supported by a comprehensive scorecard—you can transform how you achieve your goals. These practices not only keep your team aligned and accountable but also foster creativity and continuous learning.

Remember, the key to success is consistency. Be diligent in your reviews and meetings, and promised, you'll see your goals coming to fruition quarter after quarter. If you have any questions or want to dive deeper into these practices, feel free to reach out.

Take a listen! 

www.ugliventures.com