How to Discover Your Business Mission & Vision Statements
I think most small business owners skip creating mission and vision statements because they are just too damn busy doing the day-to-day work of running a small business. Who has time to create a mission statement? My mission is just to service my clients and make a living. While that mindset may sustain you for the first couple of years, down the road, it is advantageous to get out of the day-to-day work IN your business and start working ON your business.
So here is my special plan for creating your own mission and vision statements for your interior design business.
Hopefully, you've already created your Guiding Light, this is your personal drive, your personal reasons for starting a business. This is Why You Are In Business (and not working for someone else).
Vision Statement
Your Vision Statement is the purpose for your business, this is why you're in business for business reasons and not personal reasons. This is the biggest dreamiest dream. This is something that you'll be working toward for your entire career. Your Vision Statement can be the same as your Guiding Light or they can be different. You're the boss.
Your Vision Statement is your business vision for the future, the ultimate why of your business, the mic drop at the end.
So, while your Guiding Light (personal purpose) may be to feel secure and achieve financial independence, your Vision Statement (business purpose) could be to enhance client's lives through good design.
Or, your Guiding Light and Vision Statement can be the same: to transform homes into works of art. Here's another that could be both: to become the most globally recognizable interior designer.
Vision Statement Pointers:
Keep it simple & clear
Be easily explained
Be short & concise
Here are some examples of Vision Statements:
Ikea – To create a better every day life for the many people.
Disney - To make people happy.
De Designs & Interiors - To consistently deliver eco-friendly world class finishes in our interior design concepts, execute & complete all projects in such a way to create an ambience that will echo the desires of our clients’ hearts and to bring to life their life style in harmony with nature.
BoConcept - To make BoConcept no. 1 brand within urban interiors.
Notice that the sample Vision Statements don't go into the how, which is what the Mission Statement does.
Mission Statement
Your mission statement is how you'll achieve the Vision Statement.
This is where you can go into a little more detail about how to service your customers, how to achieve your goals, and the direction you'll take to build your business.
Here are some examples of Mission Statements:
Warby Parker - Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price, while leading the way for socially conscious businesses.
Ikea - Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.
Keystone Architecture - We earn our clients' confidence through innovative design and sound business decisions that are grounded in collaboration and experience. We bring dynamic design teams together to develop exceptional projects for our clients. Our attention to detail is foundational to the successful completion of our projects. Our unparalleled respectful, knowledgeable and honest service is prime reason our clients choose to continually do business with us.
Creating Mission and Vision Statements can help clarify and give direction to your business, but I don't believe they are required when running a small interior design business. These Statements can also be a little redundant and generic, I mean every business wants to serve its customers, be successful, and make a difference. It may not be necessary to repeat these in your own statements.
So, if you feel like you need a little focus and direction in your business, take some time out and create your Mission and Vision Statements.
