When you get on top of the mountain, you want to make sure you are on the right mountain. That’s what vision statements do!
Sitting here 5 years from now, ask yourself: what would you love to see about your business? What would the journalist write about you and your business? What should your company look and feel like for you and your clients? What would you have achieved by then?
A mental picture
The vision is the mental picture of your ideal future. It describes the best possible outcome. It’s the “where you want to get to”. It’s a tool to help you create the future and promote change from within your business. This vision is what pulls you forward. It is a road map for future accomplishments. This is where you aim high and think big.
Keeps you focused
If your actions and behavior are not consistent with the vision, writing a vision statement is a waste of time. Your vision statement helps focus your attention on what’s most important for you and your business. It also helps you eliminate all the unproductive activities and stops you from taking decisions that are not in line with that vision.
Common target
You can also realize the full potential of your vision, when it’s shared and understood by everyone working with you, so that you enjoy the collective commitment to bring it to life.
What’s not a vision?
The vision is not a plan, not a mission and not a magic cure of your business illness. The vision statement is not a measure to determine if you have succeeded or failed. Goals and objectives are used for that purpose. The purpose of the vision statement is to open your eyes to what is possible.
Make it emotional
It’s a statement that comes from the head and the heart. It serves to inspire, energize, motivate and stimulate you and your team. It’s meant to help you jump out of your comfort zone.
Keep it simple
Simple vision statements are the best. They should be clear and easy to communicate.
Focus on values
The vision statement should focus on the value of the services and products your business provides to clients. It simply focuses on the positive changes and characteristics that your products bring to the lives of people. A health food store should express how it helps people live happier lives because they feel good.
Write it down
Many business owners keep their vision in their heads. They say they know where they want to go but have never attempted to write it down. Some say they don’t have the time, others say it may not materialize. Creating a vision statement is a way of articulating your dreams and hopes for your business. It reminds you of what you are trying to build. Write it down and guide yourself to success and hold yourself accountable to your principles or values.
Commit to it
Take action to make your vision statement come true and use it as the basis for your business planning. Keep your vision statement alive by posting it on your desk and wherever you and your team will see it and be reminded of it daily.
Here are examples of some famous vision statements:
Nike: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world” * If you have a body, you are an athlete.
Virgin Atlantic: “The success of our three-year strategy requires us to build on these foundations by focusing on the business and leisure markets and driving efficiency and effectiveness.”
General Motors: “GM’s vision is to be the world leader in transportation products and related services. We will earn our customers’ enthusiasm through continuous improvement driven by the integrity, teamwork, and innovation of GM people.”
Ikea: “Affordable solutions for better living.”
Avon Products: “To be the company that best understands and satisfies the product, service and self-fulfillment needs of women – globally.”
Black & Decker: “Black & Decker’s objective is to establish itself as the pre-eminent global manufacturer and marketer of power tools and accessories, hardware and home improvement products, and technology-based fastening systems.”
Toys ‘R’ Us: “Our Vision is to put joy in kids’ hearts and a smile on parents’ faces.”
Kraft Foods: “Helping People Around the World Eat and Live Better.”
To your success, start writing your vision!!