Let’s talk about your Core Target. It is the long-range objective that gives your business direction and firepower. In EOS, it’s your 5–30 year goal. Not a wishlist. Not a dream. A real, specific target you’re aiming at.
And here’s the kicker: if you don’t know what you’re aiming at, you’ll hit… nothing.
It’s Not Just a Number. It’s a Rallying Cry.
Your Core Target should fire up your team the same way a mission briefing fired up your unit. It should be clear. Measurable. Motivating. It’s the big “hell yes” that gives your day-to-day grind real meaning.
There’s an old story about a janitor sweeping the floors at NASA in the ‘60’s. Someone walks up to him and says “Hey, what do you do here?” He replies “I’m helping put a man on the moon.”
What’s your version of putting a man on the moon?
Too many business owners skip this or stay vague:
- “We want to grow.” → Not good enough.
- “We want to make more money.” → Still not clear.
- “We will be the go-to contractor in the Southeast, doing $100M annually by 2035.” → Now we’re talking.
I have one client that went REAL BIG. To impact 10 billion people by 2035. Collectively we had to reel him in a bit since there’s only 6 billion people on the planet but hey the guy had some gumshoe! (spoiler alert… he sits in the sales seat. I know. Shocker.)
Why It Matters
Without a Core Target, your team doesn’t know what they’re working toward. You’re just reacting, firefighting, spinning your wheels.
With a Core Target? You’ve got alignment. You’ve got momentum. You’ve got traction. People want to know that their work matters. They want to make an impact.
You start building backward from the goal: 3-Year Picture, 1-Year Plan, Rocks, Issues. Every part of the EOS Model starts lining up, like gears in a well-oiled machine.
Aim Small, Miss Small
As a veteran, you already understand the value of a clear objective. You wouldn’t go on patrol without a grid reference. Don’t run your business that way.
Pick a target that:
- Stretches your team
- Focuses your strategy
- Makes you sweat a little (but not laugh out loud)
Then commit. Share it. And go get it!
And if an idea, project, or partnership doesn’t move you toward it?
It’s a no.
Final Thought
You were trained to lead with clarity and purpose. Bring that same mindset to your business. Define your Core Target and don’t stop until you hit it.
Need help dialing in your Core Target or building the EOS tools around it? Let’s talk. Veteran-owned businesses are built for mission, and EOS helps you execute it with discipline.