Media Junction logo Media Junction logo
    • what we do
      • Website Design Create a beautiful website that is easy-to-use and has the end users' goals in mind.
      • RevOps Learn how to use your new HubSpot tools from a Certified HubSpot Trainer.
      • Inbound Marketing Strategies to drive traffic, leads and conversions

      • HubSpot Development Build a custom API, develop a custom application, or integrate software.
      • Content Services Communicate what you do in a clear way that connects with your customers.
      • Technical Consulting Not sure how to implement HubSpot into your business? We can help.
      • Brand Services Develop your voice and visual identity to attract the right customers to your business.
      • Ongoing Support Services Don't have the support you need to manage your site? HubSpot portal? We can help.
    • let’s talk
      • Meet with Us
      • Request a Quote
      • Call 651.426.8669
      • Submit a Ticket
    • services
      • HubSpot Migration Ready to switch to the world's leading CRM? Let's do it.
      • HubSpot Consulting Want to talk to a HubSpot expert or trainer? Buy an hour
      • HubSpot Implementation Get your HubSpot portal set up right & start seeing ROI
      • HubSpot Support Get the support you need when you need it—fast!
      • HubSpot Admin Don't need a full-time admin to manage your HubSpot portal?
      • HubSpot Onboarding Get started on the path of HubSpot implementation success with our customized onboarding.
    • platform
      • What is HubSpot?
      • Free CRM
      • Marketing Hub
      • Content Hub
      • Sales Hub
      • Service Hub
      • Operations Hub
  • Our Work
  • Pricing
  • About
  • Work With Us
west Return to blog

4 Questions to Consider Before Setting Goals

Dylan Wickliffe Dylan Wickliffe
  • Marketing Ops
  • December 14, 2021
The number four.

Last week, we walked you through how to set SMART goals for the New Year. We hope you’ve got a long list of great ideas in the works. But there’s another important process to consider before you set yourself up for success: you must figure out where you are now. Companies who don’t know where they are now surely can’t plan where they’re going in the future.

Today, we’ll walk you through a 4-step process to figure out the state of your business now. We like to call it the 4 Helpfuls. 

jason-goodman-Oalh2MojUuk-unsplash

During a 4 Helpfuls exercise, you’ll answer four questions: 

What went right?

What went wrong?

What was missing from our business strategy?

What was confusing or could use clarity?


Here are a few tips for running a successful 4 Helpfuls meeting:

  • Get all the key players together. Having a variety of voices in different areas of the business and different levels is really helpful in getting a clear picture. Every rung of the ladder, from C-Suite to entry-level, can add something valuable to this conversation. 
  • Create a spreadsheet and designate a note taker to keep track of the meeting. Here’s what it should look like:

Screen Shot 2021-12-14 at 9.13.33 AM

Open the floor with the first question: What went right? It’s always helpful to set the tone of the meeting by starting out with the wins. They will encourage and affirm the team! Fill up that first column with everyone’s thoughts. At the end of the meeting, this will be your list of things to optimize in the new year.

Next up: What went wrong? Even if you’ve had a crazy successful year, we’re willing to bet there were some mistakes along the way. It’s not fun to dwell on shortcoming or hiccups in your business, but it’s so important. At the end of the meeting, this will be your list of things to change or improve upon in the future. Lots of really strong goals can come out of this section.

The next question to talk through: What was missing from our business strategy? This is a super rich portion of the meeting. It’s a great opportunity for the team to dream big. At the end of the meeting, this will be your list of things to consider adding to your strategy in the new year. Another great place to find some SMART goals.

Finally, address what was confusing or could use clarity. Maybe your messaging to consumers wasn’t clear, or maybe job functions and individual roles were fuzzy. Get all these ideas in the spreadsheet and you’ll have a clearer picture of what needs to be clarified moving forward. 

And that’s it! The 4 Helpfuls exercise is a simple, all-hands-on-deck approach to auditing your performance over the course of the year (or quarter, or after a big project...really, you can do a 4 Helpfuls meeting at any time). Have your team try it out and see how much stronger your goal-setting conversations will be!

Need help taking action on your goals? Click Services at the top of this page to see everything we offer, and schedule a free consultation now!

book-a-consultation-with-media-junction

Dylan Wickliffe
Dylan Wickliffe

Dylan Wickliffe is a former HubSpotter and the current VP of Growth at media junction®. With eclectic experience ranging from the Marine Corps, to ministry, healthcare, SaaS, and even entrepreneurship, Dylan has learned to take pride in his unique approach to sales: "Dont make sales weird—sell like a HUMAN."

See more posts by Dylan Wickliffe

subscribe to get the latest in your inbox.

Subscribe to our blog to get insights sent directly to your inbox.

recent posts

traffic light against a blue gradient background representing compliance and safety
Generative AI
AI and Data Privacy: How to Stay Compliant and Protect Your Business
variety of different types of phones on a gradient background representing how sales teams communicate
Generative AI
5 Ways AI is Changing Sales Forever (And How to Keep Up)
five divers under water swimming towards camera with an aqua gradient background
Generative AI
Benefits of AI for Business: A Competitive Edge Made Easy

we make working with us easy

Request a Quote Book a Meeting Call Us
the agency you'll love the agency you'll love the agency you'll love the agency you'll love
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • AI Policy
  • Sitemap
HubSpot Elite Solutions Partner badge
©2025 media junction® is a custom web design and inbound marketing agency based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is a registered trademark of Site Solutions, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota. All custom web designs are the virtual assets of Media Junction® and our respective clients. Duplication and/or reproduction of our work and/or content is prohibited and should not be used without written consent.