How a Solopreneur Can Make $2M with Goal Setting: Steps for Business Growth

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When Kat Norton, also known as "Miss Excel," started sharing fun and educational TikTok videos about Microsoft Excel during the COVID-19 pandemic, she had no idea it would turn into a multimillion-dollar business.

Kat was working as a consultant when she decided to combine her passion for teaching and dancing by creating short, engaging tutorials on Excel. What started as a creative outlet soon exploded into a viral sensation, garnering nearly a million followers on TikTok and Instagram.

Within two years, her online courses generated over $2 million in revenue (Starter Story).

Miss Excel Kat Norton

Kat’s success is a testament to the power of setting clear, actionable goals and following through with dedication. Her story is an inspiring example for solopreneurs everywhere: by aligning your passion with well-defined goals, you can achieve remarkable results.

Now, let’s dive into how you can apply these principles to your own solopreneur journey.

1. Start with Your Vision

Before diving into specific goals, it’s crucial to revisit your vision. Your vision is the foundation upon which all your goals should be built.

I have my own vision for SoloGrit, and I have taken the same approach.

Ask yourself:

What does success look like for my business in the long term?

What impact do I want to have on my customers or industry?

Where do I see my business in one, three, or five years?

By clearly defining your vision, you can ensure that the goals you set are not only achievable but also aligned with your long-term aspirations.

Example: Let’s say your vision is to become the go-to expert in sustainable fashion for millennials. With this in mind, your goals should reflect actions that will help you build credibility, reach your target audience, and establish your brand in the industry.

2. Break Down Your Vision into SMART Goals

The next step is to translate your vision into specific, actionable goals using the SMART framework:

Specific: Your goals should be clear and specific, answering the who, what, when, where, and why.

Measurable: Include metrics to track progress. What does success look like in numbers?

Achievable: Set goals that are challenging but realistic given your resources and time.

Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your overall vision and business objectives.

Time-bound: Set a deadline to create a sense of urgency and focus.

Example: Continuing with the sustainable fashion example, a SMART goal might be:

"Increase Instagram followers by 25% over the next three months by posting daily content that educates followers on sustainable fashion practices."

3. Prioritize and Focus

Big goals can be intimidating, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks makes them more achievable. For each goal, list out the steps you need to take to accomplish it.

Example: If your goal is to increase Instagram followers, your tasks might include:

Researching content ideas that resonate with your target audience.

Creating a content calendar for the next three months.

Scheduling photo shoots or designing graphics.

Writing captions and setting up posts in a social media management tool.

Breaking goals into tasks allows you to take actionable steps daily, keeping you on track and motivated.

4. Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed

Once your goals and tasks are set and defined, it’s crucial to monitor your progress regularly. This will help you stay on track and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

Tips for Monitoring:

Set aside time weekly to review your progress.

Use tools like spreadsheets or project management apps to track tasks and milestones.

Celebrate small wins to stay motivated and positive.

Remember, it’s okay if you need to adjust your goals as you go. Flexibility is key in the ever-changing world of solopreneurship.

5. Stay Accountable

One of the challenges of being a solopreneur is that you don’t have a boss or team holding you accountable.

That’s why it’s important to create accountability structures for yourself.

Accountability Ideas:

Share your goals with a mentor, business coach, or fellow solopreneur.

Join an online community where you can share your progress and get support.

Set up regular check-ins with yourself, using your calendar or reminders.

Accountability keeps you motivated and ensures you stay committed to your goals.

Reflect and Learn

Finally, take time to reflect on your progress regularly. What worked well? What didn’t? What did you learn?

This reflection will not only help you improve your goal-setting process but also provide valuable insights into your business.

Reflection Questions:

Did I achieve my goals? If not, why?

What obstacles did I face, and how did I overcome them?

What changes can I make to improve next time?

By reflecting on your journey, you’ll continue to grow, both personally and professionally, and refine your approach to achieving your vision.

Turn Goals into Growth...

Goal setting is more than just a business exercise; it’s a powerful tool to turn your vision into reality. By following these steps, you’ll be equipped to set and achieve goals that drive your business forward, one step at a time.

Remember, success as a leadership solopreneur isn’t just about big leaps—it’s about consistent, focused progress.

That’s it for this week’s Monday GRIT Guide. If you found this helpful, share it with someone who’s tired of chasing short-term wins.

Let’s focus on what really matters—building businesses that last. 💪