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Happy Holidays! INSIDE:
A Call for Freedom - a Reflection
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Farmer Veteran Coalition
OKVetWorks December 2022 Newsletter
Well, it's that time of year. The time of year to empty the pockets and enjoy the gift of giving!
I think we all too often forget that it really is a joy to be able to give to others and make others happy by receiving.
Many men and women GIVE their lives each day to protect those that they don't even know. The sacrifices that happen everyday so we can continue to have our freedom. The brave men and women of this great country GIVING up more than just their time. GIVING up more than just their money. GIVING up more than just their family time. These men and women GIVE up life and limb!
During this time of year, as many reflect, let us keep in mind those that are still GIVING up everything for you and me. I know I am indeed thankful for the sacrifices that have and will continue being made for this great country! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!
It is also that time of year when we need to be preparing ourselves for the upcoming year. We need to be focusing on the future of our business(s). We need to be focusing on our future growth. We need to be preparing for whatever comes our way.
We have a GREAT multi-part class coming up on Franchising that will indeed be classes you don't want to miss. We also have our next Boots to Suits Class coming up December 13-14, 2022 (more information later in the newsletter). We are preparing for more classes around the state and other activities to help your business grow.
Don't forget that a NEW YEAR is also coming up. I'm not one for New Year Resolutions but I do set goals for myself that will help me and my business grow. I hope you do the same. I make a few goals that, truthfully, I don't think I will obtain (but I certainly try my best) and some goals I know will come easily. Whatever goals you make, make sure they are YOUR goals and not someonelses.
The Call of Freedom – a Reflection
Northwestern Oklahoma Heritage goes back for centuries .Valerie L. Brown, Editor, The Freedom Call Oct 8, 2022 Updated Oct 8, 2022
Sometimes people forget that we here in the northwest part of the state live on grounds where battles were fought and blood ran for the land and the resources. We were the opening of the West. To this day, we provide the world with grain, salt and many other needed natural resources.
Little towns have sprung up and died out here in the Panhandle for over 120 years. Many, like a small town named Edith, Oklahoma, along the Cimarron river just west of Freedom and east of Buffalo. This was the location of the last bank robbery committed on horseback.
The Battle of Turkey Springs – the last battle in the American Indian Wars – ran right through Northwest Oklahoma near Freedom and Alva.
Camp Supply, where Custer and his cavalry were based, is the current day Fort Supply.
Waynoka and its Little Sahara State Park, Freedom with its Alabaster Caverns State Park and Mooreland with its Boiling Springs State Park, to name a few.
Sunrise over the Cimarron River, near Freedom, Oklahoma. October 7, 2022 Photograph by Valerie L. Brown
"Our land is very grand and we have a lot to offer not only tourists but hunters and families who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life."
Our land is very grand and we have a lot to offer not only tourists but hunters and families who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
As with many other rural/remote areas in the United States, northwest Oklahoma is no different. We face a shortage of teachers and trade professionals. We also face the risk of being the 'passed over' -- that is, the population that lawmakers and industries forget to look toward.
Yet, rural/remote areas have voters and workers also.
Many, perhaps most, would rather locate where there are highways strewn about through cities, where, however are also higher crime rates, more expensive living and larger schools with tired teachers, a place where kids don't get equal educations or opportunities to participate in their preferred activities.
What is so wrong with finding a “remote-ish” location where employees and their families enjoy a country living and small town safety, with a chance to be part of the rebuilding of infrastructure. A chance at leading in their community vs. just another face stuck in gridlock because of another accident on the Interstate that you have to commute on to get to where ever it you are going?
Many people assume there are no jobs to be had in small towns, yet chances that these people have ever stopped to search in a small town are slim to none.
Farmers, Ranchers, Journeymen, plumbers, Veterinarians -- If you can name the profession you can find or create a need in rural areas.
Location, Location, Location. We have ALL heard this term for opening a business.
What happens if the location up front looks a bit remote, but not a place where you could make money? Everyone wants that busy street front in the city.
Well, there should be a theory or study about taking a risk and opening businesses in locations such as Freedom, Oklahoma.
You can drive north, south, east and west of town and be at another small town or ‘mini’ city within 25 to 40 miles.
Freedom is right in the middle. Like a big city downtown area only separated by open land not concrete and massive amounts of people.
Terms like “I wouldn’t like the drive” from city folk make me chuckle. Without thinking about it, they drive close to the same distance as we do to get what is needed.
You just have more traffic and gas stations along the way.
I have spoken with businesses about locating in Freedom and I always get a chuckle from the business owner. Until they notice the look of absolute seriousness on my face. Then they think I have lost my mind. Well, No I Have Indeed Not, Thank You.
How far do people brave traffic to go to large corporate stores? I know those in this country drive at a minimum an hour and 20 min. That, mind you, is with minimal traffic on highway roads, not on city interstates and areas with stoplights every mile or so.
The next time you hear someone say (or you think to yourself) there just aren’t any opportunities where I am, instead hink about reaching out to small towns.
The Call of Freedom – a Reflection - cont.
The Call of Freedom – a Reflection - cont.
I don’t mean population 30,000. I mean populations from 250 to 25,000, with class sizes of 4 to 24 students.
A town where you can walk a goat down a street or jump on your horse and ride through town to join your friends for a trail ride in the country.
A town where your kids are not lost in a class of 30 or more.
A town where you can be a part of its population where each person has a voice and each individual’s contributions are needed and appreciated.
Here is a short list of what towns like Freedom Oklahoma need:
Teachers, Heating and Air, Plumber, Electrician and Roofer.
Not to mention Lawn Care and Home Health.
And a town library, a day care, and more housing.
I own one rental property and have never had it vacant for more than a day.
If a run-of-the-mill investor looks at the numbers, initially they will likely turn their face away from doing anything in a small town.
But I think that is a mistake. Especially if someone were to rehab homes and rent them out.
Cargill is a major employer in our area, providing salt to markets all over the world. Workers there drive over 35 to 40 miles one way a day. If they could find housing closer to work that was kept in good condition they would tend to move closer, putting their kids in our schools, it would create more need for more school staff, more need for a daycare, more need for other service type jobs, more traffic, more families visiting and the list goes on.
In the short run, the medium run, and the long run, small town survival in Northwest Oklahoma is imperative to markets all over the world.
Take a chance on a small town. Take a chance on a better life. Let go of the city crime and the city air and find a small town to build you and your family some successful opportunities for a growing future.
Just a little food for thought.
Editor’s Note: Valerie L. Brown is Chief Editor of The Freedom Call in northwest Oklahoma
GOALS
Oklahoma Women Veterans
How do I decide the right scope for my SMART Goals? (How big? How many?)SMART goals are meant to address all of your major job responsibilities.
Remember, goals are intended to focus attention and resources on what is most important
so that you can be successful in achieving your priorities. SMART Goals are goals for your
day-to-day job.Common types of goals are to:
o Increase something
o Make something
o Improve something
o Reduce something
o Save something
o Develop someone (yourself!)
What is the SMART criteria?S Specific What will be accomplished? What actions will you take?M Measurable What data will measure the goal? (How much? How well?A Achievable Is the goal doable? Do you have the necessary skills and resources?R Relevant How does the goal align with broader goals? Why is the result important?T Time-Bound What is the time frame for accomplishing the goal?
What are SMART Goals?Statements of the important results you are working to accomplishDesigned in a way to foster clear and mutual understanding of what constitutes
expected levels of performance and successful professional development
How to Write SMART Goals
Where to start?
1. Start by thinking about your whole job and the broad areas (or “buckets”) of responsibility and results for which you are accountable.
2. Develop a goal statement for each bucket. To get the scope right, remember to focus on end results not tasks.3. Goals should be high level enough to encompass the core outcomes for which you are responsible, but specific and clear enough so you will be able to measure success.
4. Goals should be on-going job responsibilities and any new projects, assignments, priorities, or initiatives that are specific to this performance cycle.
5. Having too many goals can be an indicator that your goals are scoped at too low a level and are focused more on tasks than on end results.
6. If it seems that your goals are becoming too numerous and task-oriented, it may be helpful to consider combining several goal statements into a broader outcome area.
How to write your S-M-A-R-T goal
S – Specific
When setting a goal, be specific about what you want to accomplish. Think about this as the mission statement for your goal. This isn’t a detailed list of how you’re going to meet a goal, but it should include an answer to the popular ‘w’ questions:
Who – Consider who needs to be involved to achieve the goal (this is especially important when you’re working on a group project).
What – Think about exactly what you are trying to accomplish and don’t be afraid to get very detailed.
Note that this list does not include verbs like “improve,” “reduce,” or “increase” (e.g. “Improve customer service” or “reduce cost.” These imply the direction that you want a result to move in, but don’t do much to explain the role or specific action that you will take to accomplish this change.
M – MeasurableWhat metrics are you going to use to determine if you meet the goal? This makes a goal more tangible because it provides a way to measure progress. If it’s a project that’s going to take a few months to complete, then set some milestones by considering specific tasks to accomplish. Milestones are a series of steps along the way that when added up will result in the completion of your main goal.As the “M” in SMART states, there should be a source of information to measure or determine whether a goal has been achieved.The M is a direct (or possibly indirect) indicator of what success for a particular goal will look like.Sometimes measurement is difficult and managers and employees will need to work together to identify the most relevant and feasible data sources and collection methods.
Data collection efforts needed to measure a goal can be included in that goal’s action plan.Even if a perfect, direct measurement source is not immediately feasible for a given goal, the discussion about the desired end result (why this goal is important) and what the measurement options are (what success might look like) is an important and valuable part of performance planning.
Measurement methods can be both quantitative (productivity results, money saved or earned, etc.) and qualitative (client testimonials, surveys, etc.). Some typical data types and data collection methods may include:
DATA TYPES DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Quality/accuracy rates Automated reports
Amounts produced Audits, tests
Revenue generated Surveys
Productivity rates Work products, samples
Customer Satisfaction Other documents
A – Achievable
This focuses on how important a goal is to you and what you can do to make it attainable and may require developing new skills and changing attitudes. The goal is meant to inspire motivation, not discouragement. Think about:
R – Relevant
Relevance refers focusing on something that makes sense with the broader business goals. For example, if the goal is to launch a new program or service, it should be something that’s in alignment with the overall business/department objectives. Your team may be able to launch a new program, but if your division is not prioritizing launching that type of new programs, then the goal wouldn’t be relevant.
T – Time-BoundAnyone can set goals, but if it lacks realistic timing, chances are you’re not going to succeed. Providing a target date for deliverables is imperative. Ask specific questions about the goal deadline and what can be accomplished within that time period. If the goal will take three months to complete, it’s useful to define what should be achieved half-way through the process. Providing time constraints also creates a sense of urgency.
The Easiest Way to Write S.M.A.R.T. GoalsWhen it comes to writing S.M.A.R.T. goals, ask yourself and other team members a lot of questions. The answers will help fine-tune your strategy, ensuring the goals are something that’s actually attainable. Utilize the template provided in the appendix as a guide.
This doesn’t have to be a daunting experience; in fact, it should be quite illuminating. Below we demonstrate how to write S.M.A.R.T. goals for two typical business scenarios: completing a project and improving personal performance. We’ve also created an easy-to-use S.M.A.R.T. goals template and worksheet to help you get started.
Template for writing a S M A R T Goal Crafting S M A R T Goals are designed to help you identify if what you want to achieve is realistic and determine a deadline When writing S M A R T Goals use concise language but include relevant information These are designed to help you succeed so be positive when answering the questions Initial Goal Write the goal you have in mind ______________________________________________________________________________ 1 Specific What do you want to accomplish Who needs to be included When do you want to do this Why is this a goal ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 2 Measurable How can you measure progress and know if you ve successfully met your goal ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 3 Achievable Do you have the skills required to achieve the goal If not can you obtain them What is the motivation for this goal Is the amount of effort required on par with what the goal will achieve ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 4 Relevant Why am I setting this goal now Is it aligned with overall objectives ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 5 Time bound What s the deadline and is it realistic ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ S M A R T Goal Review what you have written and craft a new goal statement based on what the answers to the questions above have revealed ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
Oklahoma hosted the Annual Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholders Conference November 13-15, 2022.
The conference had representatives from over 40 states and over 200 attendees.
Creating pathways to in demand jobs for Americans It s estimated that over 17 million Americans may need to transition to new jobs by 2030 1 and many of these transitions will require Americans to learn new skills Google Career Certificates are flexible online training programs that teach job ready skills in the high growth fields of data analytics digital marketing e commerce IT support project management or user experience UX design In August 2021 Google pledged to help 100k Americans learn in demand skills over the next three years through the Google Career Certificate program 75 of program graduates report an improvement in their career within 6 months of certificate completion 2 Data Analytics Digital Marketing E commerce IT Support Automation Project Management UX Design In the U S there are currently 1 5M job openings in our certificate fields 3 Google Career Certificates are developed and taught by Google employees with decades of experience in these fields Content is industry vetted and each certificate includes 150 assessments Hands on experience so learners have the necessary skills to be successful on the job Certificates are 100 online on demand and are typically completed in 3 to 6 months part time 5 10 hours per week 1 McKinsey February 2021 2 Program graduate survey responses U S 2021 3 Burning Glass Labor Insight Last 12 Months Feb 1 2021 Jan 31 2022 United States
Congratulations Beggs Pasture Raised Chicken and Eggs on winning the 41st Kubota Tractor Giveaway!
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