The OpenWater Blog

Learning Series: Program Wrap-Up and Goal-Setting

This year’s program has just ended and the next cycle is months away. This may not seem like the ideal time to begin thinking about next year’s program, but for wrap-up work and goal-setting tasks, it is.

Wrap-up work means what it sounds like: analyzing the data you collected to determine what worked and what didn’t, sending out surveys, and otherwise recollecting the general state of your program.

Once that’s complete, you’ve got a much more strategic process ahead of you: goal-setting. Read on to learn the two types of goals you should be setting and what to consider for each.

Goal #1: Strategic Goals

Strategic goals are high-level, overarching goals within your organization. Typically, they’re related to your organization’s long-term mission and your position within the industry you serve.

Some examples of strategic goals include:

• Raising awareness of problems within your industry by engaging companies on meaningful projects and then awarding those that are most successful and significant.

• Recognizing best practices within your industry by awarding organizations who excel in their fields.

• Highlighting techniques you find valuable to your industry and to companies within your field.

Strategic goals will often define award categories and the big picture message you wish to promote through your organization.

Goal #2: Financial Goals

Financial goals are quantifiable and make your program worth your while. After all, it’s worth any organization’s time to put together an awards program if it generates membership interest or increases notoriety for an organization. However, it’s more beneficial if you’re making a profit off the program as well.

When you’re considering financial goals, you should also consider sponsor contributions and other activities that can generate additional revenue for your organization (such as offering an option to order additional trophies, if necessary).

What are Your Goals?

Understanding your strategic and financial goals are two key ways to guide development as part of your program. Most importantly, it will help you clarify your vision and what you want your awards program (and organization) to stand for.

Download your companion worksheet to get started here!

Ashley Surinak

Ashley Surinak is the resident OpenWater expert on all things content. From the blog to guides and beyond, you'll find her at every turn in your OpenWater journey.

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