How to Create a Vision Statement for Your Small Business

A vision statement describes an organization’s long-term and short-term goals and plans. This will serve as the organization’s guide in planning the necessary course of action in order to attain such smart goals. Vision statements set the direction towards the organization’s growth.

A mission statement is not entirely different from a vision statement, as it also states an organization’s goals and objective statements. However, the main aim of a mission statement is to define the purpose of the organization at present, while leading to a futuristic view of the organization.

Both value statements of vision and mission can be changed as your organization grows, but considering both need statements as the building blocks of your organization, it is best to keep revisions to a minimum.

Purpose of a Vision Statement

A vision statement, like a mission statement, primarily defines the purpose of an organization’s existence. At the same time, it creates a foundation for the organization’s strategic plan.

A clear vision statement has the ability to inspire current employee statements, while at the same time attracting potential employees. A specific vision statement establishes a clear reason for your organization to stay in the game and move forward in order to achieve its goals.

Having a vision statement also provides motivation to the organization’s personnel so they could still move on and forward despite problems and issues along the way. In the simplest sense, an organization needs a vision statement to survive in the harsh world out there.

Elements of an Effective Vision Statement

There are no official elements for a perfect vision statement. However, there are common traits which are believed to make a capability statement for vision as effective (at the very least).

Here are some:

• Clear. Clarity will make an organization’s existing employees and potential employees understand the goals which keep the company plan going.
• Brief. Keeping a vision statement concise will make it easily accessible and understandable.
• Stable. Stability means it cannot be easily affected or influenced by external factors or challenges.
• Futuristic. Being futuristic means it needs to look ahead into the future.
• Motivational. This will keep the employees motivated despite problems and challenges.

How to Write a Vision Statement

A vision statement will be the starting point of your organization’s growth over time. Thus, you need to create an effective and long lasting concept statement for the vision to guide you and your organization to the success you dream of.

Here are some points for consideration:

• Forecast far ahead into the future. A project where you want to be in five to ten years from now.
• Imagine the goals you want to attain. Be honest about what you really want to achieve.
• Use simple and clear language. Remember, simplicity and clarity are among the elements which make a vision statement effective.
• Be positive. A positive attitude is all you need to keep you going. So make your statement analysis for vision positive to make it inspiring.
• Communicate with your readers. Make sure your readers understand your vision statement.
• Be realistic. Future goals also need to be realistic and achievable. Dream big, yes, but don’t risk in dreaming the impossible.