Your Mission and Vision

Often when I start working with 1:1 clients we will look at their Vision and Mission in the world- without these it is hard to make a plan for how to feel fulfilled as we don't know where the ultimate direction is.

If you would like some clarity on this, read on- this will guide you on these 2 essential elements as a business owner. Without a clear direction, you may find yourself going around in circles!

What is a mission statement?

A mission statement is an action-oriented statement, declaring the purpose an organization serves to its audience. It often includes a general description of the organization, its function, and its objectives.

As a company grows, its objectives and goals may be reached, and in turn they'll change. Therefore, mission statements should be revised as needed to reflect the business's new culture as previous goals are met.

Both mission and vision statements are often combined into one comprehensive "mission statement" to define the organization's reason for existing and its outlook for internal and external audiences — like employees, partners, board members, consumers, and shareholders.

A business mission statement consists of three essential components:

• Key market: the target audience.

• Contribution: the product or service.

• Distinction: what makes the product unique or why the audience should buy it over another.

What is a vision statement?

A vision statement describes where the company aspires to be upon achieving its mission.

This statement reveals the "where" of a business, meaning the direction a business is trying to go and what type of impact they wish to have.

The difference between mission and vision statements lies in the purpose they serve.

A mission statement clarifies what the company wants to achieve, who they want to support, and why they want to support them. On the other hand, a vision statement describes where the company wants a community, or the world, to be as a result of the company's services. A mission statement is the roadmap for the company's vision statement. A mission statement is a literal quote stating what a brand or company is setting out to do.

This lets the public know the product and service it provides, who it makes it for, and why it’s doing it. A vision statement is a brand looking toward the future and saying what it hopes to achieve through its mission statement. This is more conceptual, as it’s a glimpse into what the brand can become in the eyes of the consumer and the value it will bring in longevity.

In summary, the main differences between a mission and vision statements are:

• Mission statements are the current purpose a company serves, like its functions.

• Vision statements are a look into a company’s future or what its overarching vision for the world is.

Vision Statement Examples:

Disney: To entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.

LinkedIn: Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.

Creative Commons: Realising the full potential of the internet — universal access to research and education, full participation in culture — to drive a new era of development, growth, and productivity.

Australia Department of Health: Better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.

Mission Statement Examples:

Honest Tea: To create and promote great-tasting, healthy, organic beverages.

Universal Health Services, Inc.: To provide superior quality healthcare services that: PATIENTS recommend to family and friends, PHYSICIANS prefer for their patients, PURCHASERS select for their clients, EMPLOYEES are proud of, and INVESTORS seek for long-term returns.

Tesla: To accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

Invisible Children: To end violence and exploitation facing our world's most isolated and vulnerable communities.

TED: Spread ideas.

Nordstrom: To give customers the most compelling shopping experience possible.

Prezi: To reinvent how people share knowledge, tell stories, and inspire their audiences to act.

How to write a vision statement

Creating the perfect vision statement may seem like an overwhelming task, but it does not have to be. You don't have to reinvent the wheel to develop a powerful vision statement. Instead, use the information you already have to guide your work- your values, your content themes, your ideal client avatar can help shape this. It’s also worth looking at vision/mission statement of companies you admire. A vision statement should be concise, no longer than a sentence or two.

So have a go with your vision and mission statements- perhaps start with your vision- the overarching difference you want to make in the world through your work. Then distil that down into your mission statement- the HOW of the vision.

Found this useful?

If you would like more guidance in helping you to write you Mission and Vision Statements or further support in your business journey, take a look at my 1:1 services to see how I can help you.