Most likely, you have heard of many larger companies that employ both vision and mission statements.
You have even seen these statements as framed prints, posted proudly on a company wall.
However, as a small business owner, have you made the decision to create and follow the statements for your company? If not, you have most likely thought that a small business does not need either a vision or a mission statement.
This is not true though.
These types of statements do more than just express words.
They are ways to convey the purpose and the future of your business to employees as well as customers.
A vision and mission statement allows customers to have an idea behind your company, and it gives your employees something to work toward.
You can actually combine the process into one vision and mission statement that is an all-encompassing phrasing.
If you have never created such a statement, then you may not know how to approach the process.
Here is some information to help you create your company's own vision and mission statement.
The first thing you need to do is think of general things involving your business.
This may even mean involving your longtime employees by allowing them to throw out their own thoughts.
You can keep a running list of these ideas, avoiding anything that has to do with making money.
Once you have several general statements, you will be able to get a better idea of what your company is actually about.
Next, take all of the general ideas to come up with a more specific thought on what your business is and what you hope for it to be in the future.
This process may shed light on how you think of your business as a whole while it helps you create your vision and mission statement.
Finally, compile all of the thoughts and create a short paragraph.
You may want to write two or three drafts of the paragraph and then allow trusted employees to give their thoughts on the best one.
You may want to allow a lawyer, a trusted business peer, or even a couple of customers to read the statement and make sure it is clear, concise, and understandable.
This process can help you learn quite a bit about your company.
In the end, you will have the now and the future of your business in one paragraph that anyone will be able to read and understand.