Mission Vision Statements

Although the distinction may not be immediately clear, mission and vision statements are not the same. They are both necessary components to running a successful business, but their overall purpose is very different. It is important that business owners understand the difference between these two statements so that they can be implemented correctly.

A business that has clear mission and vision statements is a business that is prepared for the future. The purpose of a mission statement is to define the company's overarching purpose, based on its unique philosophies and goals. A company that knows exactly why it is in business can successfully move forward on a clear path.

While a mission statement may remain unchanged for many years, a vision statement is much more specific, and will therefore change more often. For example, a goal to be the most powerful retailer in the country by the year 2020 is a vision statement. It is a concrete goal that paints a clear picture for the company's future. Together, mission and vision statements help businesses succeed by constantly reminding employees why they come to work every day. Even in rough times, these statements can motivate and encourage both you and your team.

The importance of creating a mission and a vision statement cannot be underestimated. Many successful businesses have been using Mission Expert to help them create effective mission statements. This simple tool will construct a first-draft mission statement based on your responses to a series of questions regarding your company's goals and values. This generated statement can then be used as a starting point for you and your team, saving you a great deal of work.