Summing up your company’s whole essence in a few sentences is an extremely difficult task. Yet, a necessary one, as a mission statement captures your business’s goals, philosophy, relationships with customers, employees and the community.
So how do we go about completing this highly challenging task?
First, create a verbal picture!
It’s not as easy as it seems to summarize all your business activity. Try answering these questions for help:
Why are you in business? What do you want for yourself, your family and your customers?
Who are your customers? What can you do for them that will enrich their lives?
What image of your business do you want to convey? How will you create the desired picture?
What is the nature of your products and services? What factors determine pricing and quality?
What level of service do you provide? Don’t be vague; define what makes your service so extraordinary.
What roles do you and your employees play?
What kind of relationships will you maintain with suppliers?
How do you differ from your competitors?
How will you use technology, capital, processes, products and services to reach your goals? .
What underlying philosophies or values guided your responses to the previous questions?
Then, put it all together!
The process of creating a mission statement is tough. And you will be looking forward to the result. However, the process itself can be a valuable experience. So, make it the best you can!
Involve those connected to your business.
Other people can help you see strengths, weaknesses and voids you might miss. And if you work alone, why not ask family or friends for input?
Set aside several hours–a full day, if possible–to work on your statement.
- Plan a date. Set aside time to meet with the people who’ll be helping you. Write a list of topics to discuss or think about. Find a quiet, comfortable place away from phones and interruptions.
- Be prepared. Because not everyone understand what a mission statement is about, explain its meaning and purpose before you begin.
- Brainstorm. Consider every idea, no matter how silly it sounds.. If you’re working with a group, use a flip chart to record responses so everyone can see them. Once you’ve finished brainstorming, ask everyone to write individual mission statements for your business.
Use “radiant words.” Once you have the basic idea in writing, polish the language of your mission statement. Every word counts. The statement should create dynamic, visual images and inspire action. Use offbeat, colorful verbs and adjectives to spice up your statements. Don’t hesitate to drop in words like “kaleidoscope,” “sizzle,” “cheer,” “outrageous” and “marvel” to add zest.
Once your mission statement is complete, start spreading the word! You need to convey your mission statement to others inside and outside the business to tell everyone you know where you are going and why.
