First off, exactly what is a vision statement?
Well, simply put it’s the vision you have for your business or company and encapsulates what it is you are trying to build.
A vision statement is slightly different from a mission statement in that it is typically an internal document meant both for yourself, and any employees you might have. The mission statement is usually geared towards your customers, or client’s perspective.
They can either be short and sweet as in the following example from Ford:
”To become the world’s leading Consumer Company for automotive products and services”.
Or longer, and more in depth as in the case of Gillette:
“The Gillette Company aims to create Total Brand Value by innovating to provide consumer value and lead in customer service quicker, better, and more thoroughly than our competitors. This aim is backed by two key principles that form the basis for all we do: Organizational Excellence and Core Values.”
Attaining our Vision requires superior and continually improving performance in every area and at every level of the organization.
Our performance will be guided by a clear and concise strategic statement for each business unit and by an ongoing Quest for Excellence within all operational and staff functions.
This Quest for Excellence requires hiring, developing and retaining a diverse workforce of the highest caliber. To support this Quest, each function employs metrics to define, and implements processes to achieve, world-class status”.
My own vision statement here at PLR Internet Marketing is:
“Our vision at PLR Internet Marketing is to provide a quality online resource that is dedicated to helping individuals with the information to achieve financial growth in the online world. We specialize in showing people how to make money with their blogs, through Internet marketing, affiliate marketing, PLR, as well as SEO techniques in order that they may experience the freedom that comes with owning an online business. With your success, comes our success!”
Why create one?
Well, unless you have a clear idea, and a direction, and are able to articulate that idea and direction, there is a better than even chance you won’t ever arrive at your final destination, or if you arrive it may not be as you had pictured, or imagined it. Knowing where you’re going in business may only be one step in the journey, but it’s considered a fairly important one!
Depending on where you are with your business, and how clear your idea of what you’re hoping to achieve happens to be creating a vision statement might take anywhere from a few minutes, to an afternoon to complete.
It’s important to note that while a vision statement should help shape your business over the years to come, there is no reason that it can’t change and adapt as your business grows. Over time, as your business grows your direction may change, or focuses shift. Don’t be afraid to change or adapt your vision statement to reflect this.
What to do once you have it?
Hang it in your office for all to see, include it in your operations manual or business plan. This document is just one more piece that is to become the business you and your team are building!
Good luck to you!