It takes hard work and dedication to become self-dependent. We all make very similar sacrifices to be able to steer our own professional lives. And like me, you most likely made these sacrifices in order to build the dream in your head.
Your dream is your vision. Take time to refine and share that dream with colleagues through a well-crafted vision statement.
The vision statement enables you to detail which direction you want your business to head in. It describes a picture of your preferred future and will follow immediately after the mission statement within your business plan.
The benefit’s of planning are obviously countless but my opinion is that a well thought out vision statement will save you time and the possibility of making the wrong decision when opportunities suddenly arise.
- Do we hire the expensive senior employee who has unexpectedly become available ?
- Should we offer the discount a client is requesting to win the project ?
Does a “Yes” align with your vision for the business? Why take a punt or tie-up budget on a decision that ultimately doesn’t take you in your chosen direction?
Because, “if you don’t know where you’re going, it doesn’t matter which way you go”. The Cat. Alice in Wonderland.
Your vision is aspirational. It is probably the reason you got into business. What mark are you trying to leave? Which direction should your employees pull in? When will you know that you got there?
You might wish to include the market sector / industries you aim to compete in. Which locations? The reputation you’re aiming to be held in?
Note that neither the mission or vision statement set objectives. Only once the two have been considered can thought be given to short and long term aims.
But the key point to all planning – business plans, vision statements, forecasts – is that it gets you thinking about it. Writing it down gives you and colleagues something to share and refer to.
So remember to dedicate time and space to set out your vision … “You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you’re going, because you might not get there.” Yogi Berra, former New York Yankee.
