A business’s mission helps a business focus on the steps needed to succeed. A mission statement is just as crucial as a business plan. The idea of a mission statement is to capture a few concise sentences sharing the business’s values, objectives and goals. The mission statement explains what the business is all about to employees, customers, community and suppliers.
The mission statement reveals every aspect of the business from the type of products and services offered, to quality, pricing, market position, niche position and technology.
To create a mission statement that includes all major components of a business, start with the right questions. The best questions to ask are: What business are you in? What is your target market? Who are your customers? Why are you in business? What are the products and or services offered? What kind of image do you want to convey?
It is important to take the time to write down well-thought-out answers when building a mission statement. Planning through the process will help clarify the motivations behind the business and solidify the reason for creating the business.
Start promoting the business’s mission statement once it is complete. Make the mission statement visible to employees, customers, and visitors; post it in your office, so everyone can see it daily. Print it on business materials, such as business cards, brochures and the business plan. It is best to deliver the mission statement to others outside and inside of the business to tell everyone you know where you are going and why.
Here are some good examples of successful business mission statements to use as a guide when creating your business’s mission statement:
‘Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings.’
‘Facebook’s mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.’
‘Microsoft’s mission is to enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential.’
For more information on creating a successful mission statement contact us at info@karenjonesconsulting.com
