From Maps to Milestones

Disclaimer: This blog post is part of a class assignment for educational purposes.

Assignment Overview

This assignment reflects my progress toward the SMART goals I set during a Project and Portfolio I class in March 2024, specifically as part of the “Exploring Your Personal Brand” assignment. The objective is to evaluate how well I’ve worked toward these goals and to outline any necessary adjustments in my Project and Portfolio III class (November 2024). I will revisit my short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals, assess the tactics I used, and set new, more suitable goals for my current environment. Additionally, I’ll share the steps I’ve taken toward my medium and long-term visions and discuss any changes in my goals based on ever-evolving circumstances.

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I’m the type of person to use Google Maps repeatedly before feeling confident enough to venture out into the world without it. The thought of getting lost is nerve-wracking. I’m unsure if it’s a lack of directional skills, anxiety about being stranded, or maybe a bit of both. But imagine being in a foreign place without Google Maps or a working phone. If you’re like me, you’d be lost, directionless, and overwhelmed. It’s funny to think our ancestors might be shaking their heads at us, but that’s the reality we live in.

In many ways, setting goals is like “Google Mapping” the present you to your future self. It provides direction, clarity, and a concrete path to follow. SMART goals, in particular, act as mile markers that transform a vague journey into actionable steps. They help me understand where I’m going, why it’s important, and exactly how to get there. Knowing that I have something concrete to work towards keeps me motivated and focused, even when the road gets tough and the 300 ft right turn is coming up. Each milestone reached feels meaningful, like I’m one step closer to something extraordinary.

The Power of a Clear Vision 

Flashback to March 2024, when I defined my short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals as part of the “Exploring Your Personal Brand” assignment. At the time, I had been a full-time graphic designer for nearly two years, honing my skills in web design, email marketing, and digital marketing. Yet, a deeper desire for growth kept whispering in my ear. I wanted more, more impact, more responsibility, and more opportunities to lead.

My short-term goal was to earn a promotion to a Lead position in the marketing and design department within six months. I envisioned myself mentoring others, leading creative projects, and making strategic decisions. To achieve this, I committed to taking the initiative and learning from others. The process was both exhilarating and daunting, but the thrill of growing and making a difference outweighed my fears.

Tactics that Delivered

Fast forward to today, October 31, 2024. After countless late nights and moments of doubt, I finally achieved my goal: a promotion to Creative Solutions & Marketing Lead. The journey was challenging, but my “Google Maps” approach to goal setting paid off. Reflecting on the tears, self-doubt, dedication, and triumphs, I realize that every struggle was worth it.

Achieving this milestone required strategic planning and effective tactics. One of my proudest accomplishments was leading and completing over three major projects per quarter. The standout project was designing a company intranet from scratch. It wasn’t just a single project, it was a complex puzzle made up of countless pieces. This experience taught me to trust my team, delegate tasks effectively, and bring everything together to create something extraordinary.

As I pushed myself through each project, I began to realize the worth and value I brought to the team and the company. Every late night, every challenge I overcame, and every strategic decision I made built my confidence. I started to see how my contributions made a tangible impact on our success. And once I truly recognized my own value, it felt as though everyone else did too. My colleagues began to notice the leadership I naturally embodied, and the ripple effect of that confidence fueled mutual respect and appreciation.

Another crucial tactic was time management. One of my KPIs was to improve project delivery times by 20%. To achieve this, I sought advice from my leaders on aligning my diverse responsibilities to the business initiatives at hand. This experience, combined with my newfound understanding of my worth, reinforced that I was on the right path, driving my growth and that of the team.

Leveling up

Now that I’ve become a Creative Marketing Lead, I’m eager to take on a new challenge: mastering public speaking and delivering information with confidence and diplomacy. It’s a bit ironic because, in most settings, I’m naturally outgoing. Yet, when I’m in a room with executives or unfamiliar faces, my nerves often get the best of me.

Over the next six months, my goal is to develop strong public speaking skills that allow me to articulate ideas clearly and confidently, no matter the audience. I plan to start small by volunteering to present in smaller meetings, gradually working my way up to larger, more intimidating groups. My aim is to become a leader who can present with poise and effectively advocate for my team and our projects. My mentor has inspired me in this goal, her confident and compelling delivery is something I deeply admire and strive to emulate. Seeking her guidance and practicing in a supportive environment will be key to achieving this goal.

What excites me most about this challenge is that it pushes me out of my comfort zone. It’s not just about becoming a better speaker. It’s about evolving into a more confident and diplomatic woman, one who can represent herself, her team, and their ideas seamlessly at any level.

Building the Future

In March, my medium-term goal was to establish a steady stream of freelance work. The journey has been a rollercoaster, with periods of surplus and dry spells. Many of my projects were one-off gigs like logos and labels, which didn’t offer the long-term stability I was aiming for. Yet, each experience taught me valuable lessons about client relationships and navigating the unpredictable nature of freelancing.

As I look toward the future, my vision for evolving my freelancing into an international digital marketing agency has become clearer. I imagine a thriving agency that handles branding, digital marketing, and web design while embodying a strong personal brand rooted in quality and authenticity. To achieve this, I need to transition from short-term, one-off projects to securing high-value, long-term clients.

My new SMART goal is to build a foundation of stability by November 2025. This includes targeting five high-value clients for ongoing branding, digital marketing, or web design services and converting 20% of leads each month. Despite my demanding schedule, I’ll allocate five hours weekly to prospecting and marketing through platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork. Securing three retainer-based clients within a year will put me on track for sustainable growth.

Adjusting Course

While my medium and long-term goals are interconnected, my ultimate vision remains to establish an international digital marketing agency by December 2027. I recognize the importance of adapting as I grow, starting with focused branding and client acquisition efforts in the first year and scaling internationally by year three. To support this expansion, I’ll implement a content strategy that includes bi-weekly blog posts and case studies, leveraging social media to increase visibility. Each step in my freelance journey will align with this larger vision, creating a cohesive path toward the agency I dream of.

The show must go on

My story is still unfolding, with goal setting serving as my guiding light. Every detour and triumph shapes who I am and brings me closer to the woman I aspire to become. As I continue pushing forward, each challenge fuels my growth, and each milestone reminds me that the journey is just as extraordinary as the destination.