Let’s talk Vision and Mission for a Moment

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”

is a lyric in George Harrison’s song, “Any Road”. While this certainly true in many aspects of our lives, nowhere is it more true than in business. This is why, having a compellingly written Vision and Mission Statement is so critical. They help you to know where you’re going, and when you know where you’re going, you know which road will get you there. The Vision Statement should be a clear and concise statement that points you to a desirable future state — one that may never actually be attained. But the likelihood of it actually being realized pales in comparison to pull and the goal of the achievement. The Vision Statement represents WHY your company exists. Your Mission Statement, by comparison, should be a clear framework for HOW your company will achieve the Vision. When you have a Mission Statement, it can give you a framework for evaluating opportunities and making decisions for your business. It certainly is a cornerstone of establishing your brand, and it helps your employees get on board and help you to achieve the Vision. Even if you’re a solopreneur, a Mission Statement will help to provide you clarity and serve as a touchstone while you’re working hard on growing your business. It pays to remember WHY and HOW you’re doing this in the first place, so that when you get caught up in the day to day, you have something to inspire you to keep moving forward. I would suggest some of the following guides for crafting one if you’re in need.

• Inc. – Developing Effective Mission and Vision Statements
• Tuts Plus – How to Write Vision and Mission Statements
• Yahoo Small Business – Business Plan Basics: Vision Statements, Mission Statements, and Objectives