Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time-Based

For example, my SMART Goal is to add 20 new monthly clients by the end of 2010.  I’ve also created a “New Client Target Countdown” tear-off pad to track our progress.  Each time we sign on a new client, my Administrative Assistant and I tear off another sheet.  It’s a lot of fun to watch the numbers go down and to know exactly where we stand on our progress.

At each meeting, we talk about our SMART Goal progress, establish a new SMART Goal if necessary, and offer each other support and feedback on accomplishing our SMART Goals.

We’ll email an update on each member’s progress through the Google group after our monthly meeting (rather than posting details here).  Please feel free to send your own update as you make progress toward your SMART Goal!

We are all holding each other accountable, which should provide excellent motivation for accomplishing our goals.  If you haven’t yet created a SMART Goal for us to track, get crackin’!  You can forward the details to Jenni or me when you’re ready.

Side note: Because it’s so much fun to say (and because “SMART Goal,” when not carefully enunciated, can be difficult to interpret) you may see us referring to our “Smarkles.”  Say it aloud.  It really is fun!  Especially at a meeting in front of the group.

Here’s to accomplishing our SMARKLES!

We had one new member (well new to our in-person meetings) but those of us on the list know her as mediamavis. Mavis is an editor at Architectural Products, does some freelance writing and just started a blog called thekitchenbitch. Welcome aboard, Mavis! To know us is to love us (well, usually).

Our topic was SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-framed. We each shared a goal (or two) that we plan on reaching, stated target completion dates and will periodically check in at meetings to see how we’re doing. To avoid the wrath of the group, we’re all pretty focused on reaching these goals (or having to answer to Lauren…who btw, did an awesome job of leading us).

Next month’s meeting in on May 18th. Try and attend. The space is wonderful….cozy, comfy, spacious…and the wifi works! Thanks, Lauren, for moving there and opening it up to our group!

Our line of greeting cards & stationery is featured in a new column called “Sidelines,” highlighting creatives who started a side business selling products. The inaugural column discusses how I got started designing cards and stationery and how my side business helps fuel creativity for my graphic design business, and vice versa. View the article.

Visit Greetings by Lidia Varesco Design.

Equipment requirements: Digital SLR with manual override. Recommended gear: tripod, one or more lenses of various focal lengths (or one zoom) and dress for potentially inclement weather.

Tamron will be providing free loaner lenses to all workshop participants.

Please share the upcoming seminar information with condo owners you know who have a habit of complaining about their associations.  The solutions are out there–we are trying to bring them to the masses.

2/27/10 - “New Year, New Start For Your Association”

3/3/10 - “All On Board!  Effective Communication For Board Members” (This is a great topic about communication in general, if you want to brush up on those skills!)

3/27/10 - “New Condo Associations: Ensuring the Financial & Physical Integrity of Your Investment”

Hope to see you soon!

Lauren Peddinghaus

Haus Financial Services, LLC

If you are looking for last-minute holiday cards, or need stationery gifts for clients or colleagues, I invite you to browse my online greeting card shop. We also offer personalized Notecards too!

*Please mention this offer when placing your order. Free shipping is via first-class mail. Offer good through Dec. 31, 2009.