You have a business. You’ve done your research, know your product, and have identified your customer base. Congratulations! But there’s one thing you may be forgetting. Did you remember to write your mission statement?
All good companies have—or should have—a mission statement. Even if you are an independent consultant, it is beneficial to take the time to write your own personal or team mission statement.
You could adopt the mission statement of the company you’re representing as your own. However, if you are working in direct sales, the company’s mission may only touch upon your personal goals for the business. Creating your own mission statement will help you develop a focus and sense of purpose to what you are doing.
What is a Mission Statement?
A good mission statement needs to represent who you (and your company) are. You don’t want to write a book, just one to three sentences on the purpose of your business.
If you are with a direct sales company, you may find it hard to get past the need for one. If your company permits it, break away and create your own business name. This name can then be incorporated into a team name. Share your mission statement with your team and adopt it as a team culture.
Creating a Mission Statement
When creating your own mission statement, take a look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself:
• What do you want to accomplish 10 years from now?
• What is your main reason for getting involved in your business?
• How do you hope to help others?
Your mission statement can create a culture for yourself and your team. By defining your purpose, everyone involved with your business will understand its goals and how best to achieve them.
Here are some examples of mission statements:
• Our team will help other women grow through income opportunities and weekly training meetings. By the end of 2008, we will be in the top 10 teams for our parent company.
• To help other women become financially independent by promoting our members within their first year on our team.
• Our mission is to promote literacy while offering parents and schools a way to get free books.
Now that you have a mission statement, publish it online or post it in your home or office so you are reminded of what you are striving for every day.
