How to Write a Small Business Mission Statement

Your business needs a mission statement.

The mission statement is an important management tool in the business environment. An article in Inc. magazine notes that "vision and mission provide direction for a new or small firm, without which it is difficult to develop a cohesive plan." Writing a mission statement is not easy. In fact, writing and refining your small business mission statement -- which is just a couple of sentences -- may take a few years to complete.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Evaluate the company history. Note important aspects of company operations or success stories that help define your company strategy and vision. Build your mission statement from an analysis of what you do, how you do it and who your customers are.

2. Pinpoint distinctive business competencies. Note what the company does best. Determine your company's advantage over competitors. Your mission statement can make a statement about how you stand out and why your customers should seek out your products or services.

3. Make achievable statements. Create vision of new opportunities for your small business, but do not focus on unrealistic ventures.

4. Be motivational. Provide guidance to employees and managers. Create a shared sense of purpose throughout the business.

5. Be specific. Your missions statement should provide direction for managers who make decisions in order to achieve the company objectives.

References

• Entrepreneur; How to Write Your Mission Statement; October 2003
• Inc.; Developing Effective Mission and Vision Statements; Jay Ebben, Ph.D.; February 2005