Start a Scorecard

Never underestimate the power of a spreadsheet.

Whether you are trying to wrap up a project, looking for a job, building a business, or organizing an event, a spreadsheet can help organize the process and keep you accountable. Yes, it’s a spreadsheet, but more importantly, it’s a scorecard.

Set a Goal
Write a go-live date or a date for an end goal. This is when you will be where you want to go. Next, set a timeline do some rough math and track backwards. Want to put on an event? You have a live date, you will need time to organize details, invite guests, and plan everything. Looking for your next job? What’s your go-live?

Set the details
How many lunches do you think it will take to find the right opportunity? How many opportunities do you want? These are the details that go into the process, write the details down, don’t just think about them, put them in writing so you can see them regularly.

Commit
Commit to hitting your goals every week. If nothing else promise yourself 4 weeks. If it isn’t working after 4 weeks you can change it, but nail it for 4 weeks before making a change.

Update it regularly
Make sure to look at it daily. Even if you don’t have anything to write down it will help keep you motivated. Remember, it’s a scorecard, and at least half the value is visually seeing your goals and reminding you to take action…every day.

In the example below, I used this scorecard to help align goals and metrics around marketing. A simple spreadsheet sets goals and tracks progress against week. Very simple, results-oriented and effective to keeping me on task.