Now you are ready to write your business plan. You may ask yourself “where should I start?” The answer is: You can start anywhere you like, but start building your plan from the heart is better, which implies that the heart comes first. And usually, it does.Your Business Identity, Your Market, and your Strategic Focus build the heart of your plan. The mission statement is of the very first parts of your business identity. Let’s discuss what Mission statement is and how we can write a winning one.
Your mission statement is about you, your company, and your ideals. Read other companies’ mission statements, but write a statement that is about you and not some other company. Make sure you actually believe in what you’re writing; your customers and your employees will soon spot a lie. I suggest addressing three key components:
1. What are you doing for your customers? Let’s hope this is something that sets you apart, that makes you different, and that
your customers will recognize.
2. What are you doing for your employees? Fair compensation, good tools, professional development, encouragement, or whatever. If you’re serious about it, put it in the mission statement. If it’s in the mission statement, get serious about it.
3. What does the company do for its owners? Don’t apologize for needing profits to stay in business, or for generating return on investment for those who invested. Say it as part of your mission statement.
A few more tips:
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- Your mission statement should be able to withstand the changes that come up over time in your product or service offerings or customer base. A cardboard box company isn’t in the business of making cardboard boxes; it’s in the business of providing protection for items that need to be stored or shipped. The broader understanding helps it see the big picture.
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- The best mission statements tend to be three to four sentences long.
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- Run your draft mission statement by your employees. Is it clear and easily understood ?
- Aim for substance, not superlatives. Avoid saying how great you are, what great quality and what great service you provide.
(Source :The plan-as-you-go business plan : Tim Berry)
