How to Write a Great Business Mission Statement
Your business mission statement is your opportunity to define the purpose, focus and direction of your company. In just a few sentences, you should be able to clearly describe what it is that makes your business unique and why customers should buy from you.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are 15 tips on how to write a great business mission statement:
1. Keep it short and sweet
The best mission statements are concise and to the point. They avoid industry jargon or complex language and can be easily understood by anyone who reads them. Aim for no more than one or two sentences – anything longer will likely lose people’s attention.
2. Focus on what you do best
Your mission statement should focus on what your business does best. It’s not the time to try and be everything to everyone – just explain what it is that makes you unique and why customers should buy from you.
3. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes
When writing your mission statement, think about what your customers want or need from you. What problem are you solving for them? How are you making their life easier or better? Keep this front and center in your mind as you write.
4. Use simple, everyday language
Don’t try to impress with big words or industry jargon – use language that anyone can understand. The simpler, the better.
5. Avoid empty words or platitudes
Your mission statement should mean something, so avoid empty words or platitudes that don’t actually say anything. Be specific and concrete in your language.
6. Be clear and concise
It’s important that your mission statement is easy to understand. Avoid ambiguity or vagueness – be clear and concise in what you’re trying to say.
7. Keep it relevant
Your mission statement should be relevant to both your customers and your business. It should reflect your company’s values and aspirations, as well as what you’re actually doing day-to-day.
8. Make it aspirational
While your mission statement should be grounded in reality, it should also be aspirational – something to strive for. Think about where you want your business to be in the future and use this as inspiration for your mission.
9. Get input from others
Don’t try to write your mission statement in a vacuum – get input from your employees, customers, and other stakeholders. See what they have to say about your business and use this feedback to inform your writing.
10. Write it down
Once you have a first draft of your mission statement, write it down and put it somewhere visible. This will help keep you accountable to living up to your stated mission and can be a good reminder for everyone in your company.
11. Revise as needed
As your business grows and changes, don’t be afraid to revisit your mission statement and make revisions as needed. It should be a living document that evolves over time.
12. Practice what you preach
It’s not enough to just have a great mission statement – you need to actually live up to it. Make sure your actions as a business align with the values and goals you’ve set out in your mission.
13. Use it as a filter
Your mission statement can be a helpful filter for making decisions about your business. When you’re faced with a choice, ask yourself whether it aligns with your mission. If not, it might not be the right decision for you.
14. Let it inspire you
In addition to being a practical tool, your mission statement can also be a source of inspiration. When times are tough or you’re feeling lost, refer back to your mission and let it guide and motivate you.
15. Share it with the world
Last but not least, don’t keep your mission statement to yourself – share it with the world! Post it on your website, include it in your marketing materials, and make sure everyone in your company is familiar with it.
Conclusion:
By following these tips, you can write a great business mission statement that will be an asset to your company. Just remember to keep it relevant, aspirational, and actionable, and you’ll be on the right track.