According to Business Dictionary a mission statement is:
“A written declaration of an organization’s core purpose and focus that normally remains unchanged over time. Properly crafted mission statements (1) serve as filters to separate what is important from what is not, (2) clearly state which markets will be served and how, and (3) communicate a sense of intended direction to the entire organization.”
How long has it been since you have looked at your mission statement and compared it to where you are in the business and if you are still on track. Sometimes it’s easy to get sidetracked from your original purpose as your business grows and you add new things.
Or you may have found new opportunities and your business has changed it’s focus. If that is the case it’s time to update your mission statement. Or you may also find that you are, perhaps, focusing on things that aren’t the most important to your business.
Additionally, by paying attention to point two, you can assess your market strategies and tactics. Lots of opportunities come along throughout the year by being aware of which markets your serve and how they need to be served will allow you to take advantages of those that are a good fit and ignore those that aren’t.
Most importantly, is everyone who works in the business aware of the mission statement and what their focus needs to be to work to fulfilling the mission you have set forth. When all employees are clear on what needs to be done, the chances are much greater that the objectives will be reached.
We have talked about the business mission statement, what about your personal mission statement? Do you have one?
A personal mission statement may help balance your life if you have responsibilities in different areas. So think about a personal mission that may help you bring order to an overly busy life.
A tip of the glass from me to you
E Column
by Elizabeth “E” Slater, In Short Direct Marketing
A recognized expert in the fields of direct marketing and sales in the wine marketplace. Slater has taught more wineries and winery associations how to create and improve the effectiveness of their direct marketing programs and to make the most of each customer’s potential than anyone in the wine industry today.
