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Imagine This: It’s December 2025, and You’re Reflecting on a Year of Thriving Community Growth!

Sounds like a dream, right? A year where your community hit every goal, grew stronger, and engaged in ways you only hoped for. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be a dream! Today, I’m here to walk you through mapping out this very vision.

Welcome to Your Community Strategist. I’m Rachel, and in this episode, we’re diving into the magic of transforming your 2024 insights into powerful, actionable goals for 2025. We’re not just talking inspiration; we’re talking real action. Let’s set SMART goals that align with your community’s mission, break them down into milestones, and create a tracking system to keep you on course through every twist and turn.

If you’re ready to go from “I hope this works” to “I made this happen”, grab your notebook, and let’s get started!

Step 1: Discover the Heart of Your Community—Your “Why”

Before diving into the details, let’s find your community’s purpose. Goals connected to purpose become the guiding stars of your strategy. Start by asking, Why did I build this community in the first place? Whether it’s creating a space where people feel seen, fostering growth, or inspiring change, your “why” is the compass guiding every goal and decision.

Here’s a quick exercise: Write down your community’s “why.” Think of it as your mission statement. For example, “My community exists to empower freelancers by providing resources and a network where they can thrive.” Let this statement resonate with your mission and become the foundation of your 2025 strategy.

Step 2: Set SMART Goals for 2025

Now that you have your “why” in place, it’s time to set goals—SMART goals. Here’s what that means for community building:

1. Specific: Make each goal clear and specific. Instead of saying, “increase engagement,” try “increase the frequency of member posts in the forum.”
2. Measurable: Add a way to track your progress, like numbers, percentages, or engagement metrics.
3. Achievable: Consider your resources and set goals that are motivating and realistic.
4. Relevant: Ensure each goal aligns with your community’s purpose.
5. Time-bound: Set deadlines, whether it’s by month, quarter, or year-end.

Here’s an example: Let’s say you want to boost community engagement. A SMART version of that goal might be “increase average monthly engagement rate by 20% by the end of Q2, with weekly interactive posts and two monthly live events.”

Before setting your own goals, revisit the insights from 2024. Did certain events drive attendance or certain content spark conversation? Use those successes as your foundation and any challenges as growth opportunities.

Step 3: Break Down Goals into Manageable Milestones

Big goals can feel overwhelming—that’s where milestones come in! Think of them as checkpoints that make progress measurable and keep you motivated. Let’s say your 2025 goal is to grow your community by 15% by the end of Q3. Break it down by aiming for 5% growth each quarter, and then map out specific actions for each period.

Here’s a quarterly breakdown:

• Q1: Launch a referral program, encouraging current members to invite friends.
• Q2: Host a free, value-packed webinar to attract new members.
• Q3: Run a social media campaign with member testimonials and success stories to draw in fresh faces.

Each quarterly milestone keeps you on track and allows you to celebrate progress along the way. Write down these milestones for each SMART goal—small steps that push you toward your ultimate objective.

Step 4: Build Accountability & Track Progress

Consistency is key to turning goals into reality. Start by scheduling monthly or quarterly check-ins to reflect on your progress, celebrate wins, and make adjustments as needed.

Here’s how to set up your tracking:

1. Dashboard Creation: Use Notion, ClickUp, or Google Sheets to organize your goals and milestones.
2. Progress Notes: Jot down insights as you complete each milestone.
3. Visual Motivation: Add progress bars or checkboxes to keep you motivated.

Find an accountability partner or group to share updates, support each other, and celebrate achievements. Inside our Strategic Community Co-Op, members connect regularly to share progress and keep each other on track.

Ready to Dive Deeper? Join Us in The Strategy Lab

Imagine a dedicated time and space to refine your goals, tackle roadblocks, and build strategies for long-term success. Join us at The Strategy Lab, a 3-day virtual retreat from December 6-8, 2024. Together, we’ll dig deep into your community vision, refining your 2025 goals with purpose and clarity. You’ll leave with a roadmap designed to propel your community forward.

But the support doesn’t stop there. Inside The Co-Op, you’ll have access to resources, quarterly planning sessions, templates, and a like-minded network cheering you on every step of the way.

If today’s guide to goal setting inspired you, subscribe to Your Community Strategist, leave a review, and share this episode with others on the community-building journey.

Every goal you set, every milestone you hit, and every reflection you make brings you closer to creating a community that thrives. You’re building a space for genuine connection and growth—a space that matters.

Let’s make 2025 your year. And remember, you’re not just a community builder; you’re a changemaker.

Resources & Links:

• Get started with Circle: Your go-to platform for building community
• Join The Strategic Community Co-Op: For more tips, strategies, and a space filled with like-minded creators
• FREE Lunch & Learn: Launch Your 2025 Community Vision: Save My Seat
• FREEBIE: SMART Goals Made Easy