How to Set SMARTER Goals for Your SLP Business

In our last post, we invited you to dream big—to create your Aspirational Canvas as a visual representation of the life and business you want to build. Maybe yours includes more flexibility, financial freedom, or the chance to do deeply meaningful work on your own terms. But dreaming is just the beginning. Now it’s time to take those dreams and start moving toward them.

How? By turning vision into action with SMARTER goals.

You already set clear, measurable goals for your clients every day in your clinical work. You know how to adapt and revise based on progress. Those same skills can help you create powerful, purpose-driven goals for yourself as a business owner.

What Are SMARTER Goals?

You’ve likely heard of SMART goals:
Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant. Timely.

This familiar structure isn’t just for clinical sessions. It’s a powerful framework for building momentum in your business journey—whether you’re just beginning to explore private practice, mapping out your brand, or setting goals for personal and professional development.

We’d like to take it a step further—Evaluated and Revised—because growth isn’t linear, and your business goals shouldn’t be static.

Specific – Be clear and detailed about what you want to achieve
Measurable – Include benchmarks or metrics for tracking progress
Attainable – Set realistic steps based on where you are now
Relevant – Align your goals with your bigger vision (your Aspirational Canvas!)
Timely – Give your goals a deadline
Evaluated & Revised – Regularly reflect and adjust your goals as you grow

Why SMARTER Goals Matter for SLP Entrepreneurs

Just like in therapy, vague goals are hard to measure—and even harder to achieve. When you're building a business, SMARTER goals help you:

• Define exactly what you're working toward

• Stay focused with clear milestones

• Adapt your approach as you grow

• Keep your goals aligned with your long-term vision

SMARTER goals break your vision into focused steps you can actually act on. They help you stay motivated and provide clarity when you hit roadblocks.

Examples of SMARTER Goals for SLP Entrepreneurs

Here are a few examples to help you start brainstorming:

• Networking: I will reach out to two local pediatricians by phone before the end of the month to introduce my services and explore potential referral relationships.

• Skill Development: Within three months, I will complete an online course about private practice billing and document 3 takeaways to implement in my own practice.

• Client Services: This summer, I will launch a 6-week reading enrichment group for school-age children, aiming to enroll 16 students and generate $2,500 in revenue.

These goals are the bridge between your Aspirational Canvas and the real-world progress you want to see.

Make Your Goals Work for You

What separates SMART from SMARTER goals is what happens after the initial plan. You won’t get everything right the first time—and that’s okay. Part of building a successful business is learning what works—and what needs to shift. As you pursue your goals, schedule time each quarter to reflect on your progress. Ask yourself:

• What did I accomplish?

• What got in the way?

• What do I need to change?

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re feeling inspired but unsure how to move forward, we’ve got something for you.

💼 Unlocking Success in Private Practice Bundle
Starting your own speech-language pathology private practice is exciting, but the business side can feel overwhelming. This bundle was created to help you take your first real steps. It includes:

• Two 90-minute on-demand trainings covering private practice foundations and marketing, networking, and branding

• One 60-minute coaching session to get personalized guidance for your journey

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Get the support you need to make your dream a reality—with confidence.

👉 Check out the Unlocking Success in Private Practice Bundle