WHY WRITE A VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT FOR THAT BUSINESS?

I am sure you have at one point or the other heard that when starting a business the first thing you write is your vision and mission statement. I am also here to tell you to have it clearly written, but do it with understanding and zest, not because it's a requirement or you just like to have that nice written vision and mission statement hanged in your office, displayed on your website or written in your company's profile. Some people trivalize this very important statement by copying and pasting another business's vision and mission statement without doing a deep search of what they really want for their business.

What is a Vision statement?
It is simply a statement of where the business will be in future. It is futuristic. It often begins with "To become".

What is a Mission Statement?
Every business has a value propositon, i.e the value the business is adding to the society or community. Therefore, a mission statement is a statement about the purpose of the business.

The importance of a vision and mission statement cannot be over emphasized.

"write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readth it."
(Habakuk 2:2)

"When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable."
Myles Munroe.

One of the importance of a mission and vision statement is that, it give focus. The business owner and employees carry out every activity with the sole purpose of accomplishing the mission and attaining the vision of the business. There is no confusion about what ought to be done at every point in time, and the priority of the business is well-known.

Consequently, these statements help to create inspiration and aspiration. In my opinion, inspiration is more of a mission thing, while aspiration is more of a vision thing. When you have a clear picture of where you are going and the purpose of what you are doing, the journey becomes less stressful and mre convincing. You are also motivated to take the necessary actions needed to enhance your business (it could be a training).

It is also noteworthy to state that a vision is not a fixed statement. As soon as you attain that aspired height, u raise the bar. Howerver, the mission statement does not change except when the business is diversifying.

A well-defined and understood vision and misson statement gives a business proper bearing.

(Picture credit)