Business growth doesn’t often happen by accident. It is usually the result of some carefully formulated plans. Be SMART – make 2026 your year!

The clue’s in the name. Adopting a SMART approach in your electrical business is just, well, smart. But what exactly do those five letters stand for? And how can you best use them to set realistic business goals in the new year? Without sounding like a smart arse, we’ve got the answers.

What does SMART stand for?

Specific

Your business goal needs to be clear and specific. This isn’t the time to beat about the bush – what do you want and when do you want it? For example: “I want to book two new commercial clients every month in 2026.”

Measurable

You need to keep your eye on the prize, that means measuring your progress by tracking the number of jobs you complete and the revenue generated.

Achievable

‘New year, new you’ vibes can see people get a bit carried away with their goals, but you can also draw on it as a source of inspiration (while keeping things realistic). For example: tripling your income within a month is unlikely, but increasing it by 15 per cent by July could be bang on the money.

Relevant

The longheld dream for a six-pack might still be on your radar in 2026, but it’s probably not going to impact how you operate in your business. Keep your goals relevant and focus on what’s going to help you grow professionally.

Time-bound

It’s important to tie all of the above together with a shiny, neat deadline. Set a date and stick to it.

How to apply SMART to your business

Now you know what SMART is, but how can you apply it to your own business? Here’s a guide we prepared earlier…

Step one: Identify your business objectives and long-term vision

What business goals do you want to achieve not only this year, but in the next three-to-five years? It’s a massive question, so let’s break it down. Begin by writing down your ultimate long-term vision for your business, then break it down into bite-sized objectives.

Step two: Outline specific and measurable goals

Take the above objectives and apply the SMART approach. Harking back to our earlier example re: securing two new commercial clients in a month – this could look like: “I will gain six commercial clients in three months.” Here you’re setting yourself a specific, numeric goal with a firm deadline.

Step three: Make sure your goals are relevant and achievable

This means taking a good, hard look inside the business. Are you armed with the right tools and knowledge to achieve your goal? Do you work solo or with a team? This will determine how much you can achieve and in what timeframe, so make sure you’re setting yourself up for success by drawing on what you realistically have to work with.

Step four: Lock in a realistic timeline

Rome wasn’t built in a day – and wrapping up a major commercial project within a fortnight is highly unlikely. By the end of the quarter? Now that’s probably achievable. While setting a deadline works well to create a sense of urgency, it’s also got to be realistic so you stay focused and don’t end up with the age-old ‘over promise and under deliver’ scenario. Nobody wants that.

How to ensure SMART success

Sticking to the above guidelines isn’t the only way to reap the SMART rewards in 2026. After all, we all know how quickly the electrical industry can change thanks to new-fangled technology or a shift in regulations. That’s why it’s crucial you continue to review your goals throughout the year, make sure they’re still relevant and achievable based on both the current state of the market and your business.

Roping in the team can also help to keep you accountable. Get the crew involved with setting your business goals, estimated timeframes and deadlines. While you’re at it, consider using some business plan templates to streamline the process, bring a clear structure to your brainstorming sessions and keep yourselves accountable. There are multiple tools and apps that can also come in handy when tracking your progress, check out software like Trello or Asana – both deliver a succinct visual plan where you can easily set tasks, deadlines and reminders.

As for our final word to the wise? Keep talking – lock in regular monthly check-ins, whether that’s you flying solo or with the whole team. Ask yourself, how are we tracking, what’s working, what’s not working and why? Talk it over, make the adjustments necessary and stay SMART – 2026 won’t know what’s hit it.