Post-it notes covering a wall
Picture of crunch software on mobile

Professional Bio Templates & Examples

Create a compelling professional narrative for a proper, attention-grabbing introduction.
Website bios
Speaker intros
Professional Profile

Setting goals and objectives is an effective way of ensuring you’re headed in the right direction and places the work that you do within a wider context. By using goals and objectives in the right way and factoring them into your business plan, you can establish a roadmap for self-employed success.

Setting goals for your business

The first thing to establish is the difference between the two. A ‘goal’ refers to what you’re totally committed to achieving as a small business owner.

This may be to re-adjust the line of our core business from, say, a web designer serving businesses to a web designer providing services for large corporates. Think long and hard about what you really wish to achieve, where you want to be in three months, six months or a year’s time. Be honest with yourself.

As a general rule, it’s inadvisable to set goals beyond a year because market conditions may change, or even your own priorities. It makes them seem an impossibly long way off. By keeping goals close, they’ll appear as more than just a distant dream.

Objectives: paving the way towards your goals

Objectives are the stepping stones which guide you to achieving your goals. They must be verifiable in some way, whether that’s statistically or by some other achievable concept, such as a freelancer writer taking on a first web copy job in a particular industry. It’s crucial that your objectives lead you logically towards your goal and are quantifiable.

The great thing is, after each objective is achieved, you get rewarded with a warm feeling of satisfaction and an albeit metaphorical hearty slap on the back.

As with your goals, your objectives should be well thought out. The time you take to draw up your goals and objectives will ultimately save you time and make you more efficient and effective in the long run.

Achieving greater effectiveness and efficiency

Goals and objectives are directly related to doing your job better and more efficiently. It’s what all freelancers and contractors need to be aiming towards: a constantly evolving process which leads to long-term business success.

Success, of course, means different things to different people. For some it’s increased profits; for others it may be to attain a better work/life balance. Both require planning, however – both require us to be more efficient and effective at what we do, and it’s our objectives that will lead us to achieving such goals (though the goals will have to be a bit more specific).

Updating your goals and objectives

When you’ve achieved your goal, it’ll be time to set a new goal, and so the process starts all over again. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to be constantly setting challenging goals. After all, if you want to maintain your current market position and salary, that can be your goal.

Planning what you want to achieve may be pretty simple, but it still may be worth doing to guard against complacency!

By simply updating goals and objectives, your business plan is never forgotten and remains practical and relevant to your day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month business functions.

Speak to an accounting expert

If you're unsure what level of support you need, our friendly team are on hand to help you pick the right package for you.
Self Assessment tax returns done for you, from just £200+VAT
Take the stress out of Sole Trader Accounting, with our simple online software, so you can look after your accounts anytime, anywhere.
Share this post
Ross Bramble
Content Executive
Updated on
September 9, 2020

Knowledge Hubs

Take control of your accounts, today

Crunch’s effective software package includes being able to talk to an expert client manager and a Chartered Certified Accountant. You can count on Crunch to make you productive and profitable.

Save your seat! Live e-commerce webinar

Register and soak in the wisdom from top industry leader! June 27, 2024 1:30 PM
Dive into e-commerce basics
Expert industry insights
Practical tips and savvy tricks
Pro Tip
Wondering how the Autumn Budget affects your bottom line?

Download our guide for expert insights from an accountant, tailored for business owners and the self-employed.

Pro Tip
Work out the tax you owe in seconds

Discover your true take-home pay with our self-employed tax calculator – see exactly what you’ll keep after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much National Insurance you owe?

Find out exactly what you owe on your income in seconds with our free National Insurance calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much mileage you can claim for?

Our free mileage allowance calculator can help you see in seconds what you could get back.

Pro Tip
Want to work out your income tax?

Find out what Income Tax and National Insurance you owe on your earnings with our free tax calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to work out what your Capital Gains Tax bill?

Our free Capital Gains Tax calculator shows what tax you owe on any property, stocks or gifts.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much dividend tax you owe?

Find out exactly what you owe on your investments in seconds with our free dividend tax calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to see what we're currently working on?

Our public roadmap shows what we're working on and what's coming next. You can even vote on what features we work on next!

Pro Tip
Your ultimate guide to stress-free taxes

Tackling taxes can be tough! Get our "Ultimate tax guide for the self-employed" now to make it easier.

Pro Tip
Claim your FREE ecommerce guide today

Curious how great accounting can boost your e-commerce business? Download our guide to discover 8 key ways!

Pro Tip
Unlock the secrets of Ltd company expenses

Don't miss out on potential tax savings - get access to our 'Limited Company Expense' guide today!

Pro Tip
Want to make sure you don't miss any tips?

Sign up to our newsletter for expert insights, tax news and other essential updates that will keep your business thriving. Subscribe now!

Pro Tip
Ready to save big on Ecommerce accounting?

Crush your current accounting and software fees by up to 60%. Put us to the test and watch your savings soar!

Pro Tip
Looking for a dedicated accountant?

Our Enterprise packages offer tailored support for you and your business. You can focus on your business, we'll crunch the numbers.

Pro Tip
Boost your business finances with our Ltd Company packages!

Award-winning software with support from expert accountants

Pro Tip
Take the stress out of Sole Trader Accounting

Real-time insights, expert support—stay on top of your finances with ease.

Pro Tip
File your Tax Return

Get your tax return sorted by experts for only £200+VAT!

Pro Tip
Using cloud-based accountancy software to manage your finances gives any small business a big advantage!

At Crunch we provide affordable cutting-edge, easy-to-use software with real human support from expert chartered accountants. That’s probably why 81% of our clients would recommend Crunch.

Pro Tip
Want access to real expert accountants?

All our accounting packages include free access to Chartered Certified Accountants, so you can make confident business decisions without worrying about extra costs racking up.

Pro Tip
File you Tax Return!

Crunch’s Self Assessment service provides an expert accountant to complete, check, and file your Self Assessment for you for just £200 +VAT.

Pro Tip
Did you know - We have a free plan that is great for sole traders and limited companies?

Why not see for yourself? It’s simple and easy to use and 100% free.