CREATING A MISSION THAT MATTERS

Mission statements, like many other components of a business plan are usually created in a “business planning session”. I don’t believe that a mission statement for a small business can be created in a hurry or as part of an overall business plan development session.

I believe that your mission is closely aligned to the “Why” of your business. As small business owners we have to be aware of the needs of others and the challenges they face. Your small business should be all about improving things for others and creating new opportunities. When you became a small business owner, you took up the challenge of becoming a leader who will make a difference in the lives of others.

The start for creating a mission that matters has to have its roots in your personal dream and vision. In most cases that dream is a stem from your experiences at work, in your community or perhaps a volunteer organization. Missions don’t grow overnight; they grow as you work on starting your business. If your business is already started, take a few minutes and write down your mission statement. If you are like many other small business owners, your mission statement is not a fixture in your mind. If you    don’t have a mission statement or are not happy with the one you have, then create a new one.

A good place to start or to review an existing mission statement is to create a list of those areas in which you would like to make a difference. This exercise is one that will help you determine where you want to put your time, effort and energy.

For a new business, I add the following questions to help develop your mission statement:

• What are your physical skills?
• What special talents do you have?
• What intellectual abilities do you have?

In each of these cases you will find strengths that are unique to you only. All of these special traits will be used to bring to a reality the difference you want to make.

In order to create a mission statement that really matters you have to be a big thinker and to have faith in your own God-given skills, talents and abilities. More importantly, you have to have faith in the desire of other people to do well, to make a contribution, to have a meaningful life.

If you have a purpose, a vision and a commitment to give of yourself, you can live your mission statement and make a difference.