7 Steps to Writing a Killer Mission Statement

Every organization whether it be a Fortune 500 company, or a sole proprietor, should have a mission statement. A mission statement defines your reason for being in business. It should encompass your core business objectives, the values of your organization, and your purpose. Below are some tips and examples to help you write a winning mission statement.

Tips

• A good way to start is by answering the question "Why am I in business?" or "What purpose does my business serve?" The answer to this will go a long way in writing your mission, and should be more than "To make money". Making money will be a byproduct of your business operations aligning with your mission.

• Keep it short and sweet. By keeping to a succinct format you will force yourself to put in your mission statement on those things that truly matter to your business. Five to seven sentences should be the maximum.

• Ask yourself what values you and your organization have, and how are they integrated into your work. Are you a company that prides itself in being eco-friendly? Perhaps faith plays a big part in your value system? The dovetailing of your purpose and your values will create a much stronger mission statement.

• Keep in mind you are writing this not only for yourself, but your employees and your customers. If part of your mission statement is to treat every customer like they were the first customer, then you should make sure your mission is shared with your customers in some way. Likewise for any mention to how your company values it's employees, all of your employees should see and know your mission statement.

• Use the "Front page of the newspaper" rule. Whatever you put in your mission statement you should believe in enough to have it printed on the front page of the newspaper, and be proud of it.

• A mission statement is no place for slang or jargon, keep it business professional.

• Lastly, write a mission statement that really resonates with you and your employees. Don't just write words on a paper that sound good in a sentence. Your mission statement are the rules, beliefs, and attitudes that you will live by on a daily basis, so make it genuine.

Keep In Mind:

• Your mission statement is setting the long term objectives and strategies that will guide your business for many years to come. You should write your mission statement in such a way it will not have to be revised for quite some time.

• Be sure to share your mission statement with key stakeholders. This could be employees, customers, vendors, suppliers, or anyone you do business with. Get their feedback and adjust as necessary.

• To be really effective your mission statement should be woven into your corporate culture. Everywhere you go, and anyone your company touches, should see and feel your mission in action.

Examples:

Notice how simple some of these are, but how they completely address why these companies are in business, and set the standards for which they will be held. Coca-Cola Company: “Everything we do is inspired by our enduring mission:

• To Refresh the World… in body, mind, and spirit.
• To Inspire Moments of Optimism… through our brands and our actions.
• To Create Value and Make a Difference… everywhere we engage.”

Starbucks: Establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles as we grow.

Nike: "To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are an athlete."

Apple: Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Ben & Jerry's

Product Mission To make, distribute & sell the finest quality all natural ice cream & euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment.

Economic Mission To operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our stakeholders & expanding opportunities for development and career growth for our employees.

Social Mission To operate the company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally & internationally.

 

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