Which example demonstrates a SMART goal?

• A. Launch a new product by the end of Q4 with a budget of $100,000.
• B. Increase quarterly sales by 10% by end of Q3 through targeted digital campaigns.
• C. Improve customer satisfaction by a defined amount within six months.
• D. Reduce costs by 5% next year.

Answer: (B)

A SMART goal is one that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The best example clearly shows all five elements at once. It targets a specific outcome—sales growth. It measures that outcome with a precise percentage increase—10%. It has a deadline—by the end of the third quarter. It implies a realistic path to achieve it—through targeted digital campaigns, which suggests a concrete plan and achievable effort. And it connects to a meaningful business objective, making it relevant to overall performance.

The other options fall short in at least one area. One focuses on launching a product and a budget but doesn’t specify a concrete result to measure success. Another mentions an improvement in customer satisfaction with a defined amount, yet the actual number isn’t stated and the exact metric isn’t specified, leaving it unclear how to measure progress. The last option states a cost reduction target but lacks a baseline and a precise time frame beyond “next year,” making it vague and harder to track.