Every new business needs a mission statement – and not just to show to potential investors. Here’s why it’s so essential.
To many entrepreneurs, a mission statement can seem outdated and unnecessary – especially if you take a look at some large companies’ mission statements, which tend to use a lot of words to say not very much at all. But a well-crafted, succinct and inspiring mission statement can keep your company focused and on track for the years ahead.
Make it real
Much as it can be tempting to put fancy-sounding phrases and lofty goals into your mission statement, the idea is to have something that truly reflects your company, in all its glory (or everyday practicality). There’s nothing wrong with a mission statement that states your aim to become a nationally recognized brand in the field of high-quality toilet brushes, if that’s what your company does. Talking about changing the world through clean toilets, on the other hand, is not only not inspiring, it’s simply not based in reality.
Make it specific
This is your mission statement, so it shouldn’t resemble anyone else’s – even your competitors. Ask yourself a few pertinent questions, and you should be able to see what you’ll need to include. Questions like: What business am I in, and why? What am I very good at? Who am I selling to, and how do I make their lives easier? The answers to these questions will not only contribute to your mission statement but focus your employees (and yourself) on the most essential tasks at hand.
Make it goal-oriented
While it’s important to base your mission statement in reality and make it specifically about what your business does, it’s just as important to have something to aspire to – for the whole business. Including your goals and where you hope to be in the next few years will keep your company focused and reaching for those goals, instead of stagnating where they are. It’s important to create your mission statement with any key stakeholders in the business and any employees you feel will play a vital role in the future, so that it’s not just your goals of where you want to go, but those of the entire company.
Finally, take the time to write your mission statement – and allow for time to revise it as many times as necessary before it feels inevitable, and right for you. Once you’re happy with your mission statement, be sure to print it out and put it up in your office and anywhere your employees will be able to see it. The goal, after all, is to keep you all focused on where your company is going. Have you written a mission statement? Care to share it?