Hey there, friends! Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, trying to articulate where your business is heading but stumbling over the right words? Well, you’re not alone. In my 30 years of dancing through the industry, I’ve seen it all — and if there’s one piece of wisdom I’d love to share, it’s the power of a well-crafted vision statement. Let’s chat about how you can create one that’s not just words on a page, but a beacon guiding your business forward.

Why a vision statement matters

Imagine your business is on a journey. Now, what’s the first thing you need? A map! Your vision statement is just that. It’s a clear, inspiring declaration of what you aspire to achieve in the long run. It’s not about where you are today; it’s about where you dream to be. Think of it as your North Star, guiding you and your team through thick and thin. Having a strong vision statement can transform your aspirations into reality, keeping everyone motivated and on the same page. And trust me, in the whirlwind of daily tasks, having that clarity is like having a best friend who always knows the way.

Crafting your vision statement: a girlfriend’s guide

Now, onto the fun part — crafting your vision statement. I promise, it’s like chatting over coffee rather than sitting in a stuffy boardroom. First, think about your business’s purpose. Why did you start it in the first place? Reflect on the impact you want to have on the world or your community. Dream big, darling! This isn’t the time to be shy.

Next, keep it simple but powerful. Your vision statement should be easy to understand but compelling enough to inspire action. Imagine explaining your dream to a friend — you wouldn’t use jargon or overly complex language, right? The same goes here. Also, make it future-focused but grounded in realism. It’s like planning a dream vacation; you have to know where you’re going and believe it’s possible to get there.

Here are a few examples from familiar companies:

1. IKEA: “To create a better everyday life for the many people.”
2. Walgreens: “To be America’s most-loved pharmacy-led health, well-being and beauty company.”
3. Warby Parker: “We believe that buying glasses should be easy and fun.”
4. Amazon: “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
5. Ben & Jerry’s: “Making the best ice cream in the nicest possible way.”

Lastly, involve your team or even your customers in the process. They’re your companions on this journey, after all. Their insights can help refine your vision, making it truly representative of the dream you all share. Once you have it, shout it from the rooftops! Embed it in everything you do, from your website to your social media, and let it guide your decisions and strategies.

Crafting a vision statement might seem daunting, but remember, it’s about paving the way to your dreams. In my 30 years in the industry, I’ve learned that those who dare to dream and articulate those dreams boldly are the ones who find their path to success. So, grab a pen, or hey, just start talking it out. Your vision statement is not just a sentence; it’s the heartbeat of your business. Let’s clear the way to your future, together.

Need help with your vision statement?

Need more guidance? Working together might be helpful. I offer hourly consulting and retainer packages that give you the flexibility to work on branding and marketing as needed.

My vision is to help small businesses reach their goals with impactful branding and marketing. To do so, I create brand strategies and eliminate marketing guesswork to achieve measurable results.

Interested in working together? Reach out for a free consultation.

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