What is a Mission Statement (and Why Do You Need One)?
When you start a new business, the first thing you have to think about is your mission statement. However, you'll have a crucial question to figure out the answer to: What is a mission statement, anyways? We'll intend to answer that question with this article.
We're actually going to lean on a baking metaphor. Have you ever baked a cake? The recipe is like a formula – and all the ingredients and their amounts add up to a perfect mix. For that reason, if you forget any key ingredients, your cake can turn into a pile of mush!
A good mission statement is similar. However, instead of a cake, it’s your business. The mission statement is the main ingredient that helps you stand out from the rest and make a lasting impression on clients, employees and potential partners. A mission statement reminds your team why you exist. It also provides an outline of your present-day objectives. Finally, it recognizes your future goals.
Whether you’re a startup or a decades-old company, it’s always good to revisit your mission and values. This can help you build a culture that inspires and motivates your team to go the extra mile for your company’s success.
What is a Mission Statement?
A mission statement is a short statement that explains your organization's purpose, vision, and values. These statements are important for guiding a company’s strategic goals and influencing its marketing, operations, and culture.
It’s crucial that a mission statement accurately describes your unique characteristics and what sets you apart from the competition. It also gives customers and employees a deeper insight into a company’s underlying philosophy and values.
Crafting a mission statement is no simple task. To start, conduct brainstorming sessions with your team and leadership to identify the concepts that drive your business.
Why Every Small Business Needs a Mission Statement
Mission statements are a vital part of any business. They help to define the big picture and motivate employees to work towards the long-term goals of the company. A good mission statement should be simple – the shorter the better, as long as you're clear! It should also outline an ideal you can live up to.
In addition, a strong mission statement helps to clarify the ideal audience for a business. It can even help to attract "perfect fit" people to join your team. Finally, it should also help a company stand out from competitors and encourage customers to return.
How a Mission Statement Can Help You Be Your Best
If you have a mission statement, it can help to focus and motivate you, no matter what's going on. It also allows you to set clear goals and track them effectively. A mission statement should tell the story of why a business exists. This is a critical element of your company’s identity that will resonate with your customers and set you apart from competitors.
One of the best ways to be your best is to know who you really are at the core and work to your strengths. If you can do this, you'll be able to push yourself to achieve your goals, even when it seems like they're not possible.
What Does a Mission Statement Include?
The first step in writing a mission statement is to determine your key market, the people or groups of people that would benefit most from what you offer. Next, you'll work to describe your contribution to that market.
A mission statement should also include a set of core values that your employees and customers hold in high regard. These values may include quality, customer service, being clean and green or other themes that are important to your organization. Incorporating these values into your mission statement can help you attract and retain employees who believe in and understand your vision.
How to Write Your Mission Statement
Writing your mission statement can be an important step in setting goals and defining your company's purpose, accountability and fulfillment. It requires introspection, analysis and clarity of mind, and usually several drafts before you produce it in a final form that represents you and your values.
When you're working on a mission statement, use brainstorming techniques to get the words flowing. You can also try mind-mapping, which is a visual brainstorming tool.
There's a reason so many successful people have developed a personal mission statement. It’s a powerful tool that helps them stay focused and make decisions that will ultimately lead them to their goals. Here are a few examples:
Elon Musk
“If something is important enough you should try, even if the probable outcome is failure.”
Maya Angelou
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Walt Disney
“To make people happy.”
Creating a mission statement can take time, but it’s worth the effort as a touchstone to help you achieve your company's goals. It’s also a great way to keep your team accountable and remind yourselves of why you’re doing what you do every day.
Need Help? Call Us!
At Interactive ID, our mission statement is "To help businesses achieve greater profitability through effective branding and advertising services." Our goal and reason for existence is your success! for that reason, if you'd like help developing your brand in order to grow, we'd love to talk with you. Call us at (888) 623-1891 or fill out the simple form on our site today.