What is a mission statement and how do you write one for inclusion in a business plan?

Answer 1

It indicates where you want to go.
Mission statement is a summary description of an entity's purpose. It is typically included in the Articles of Incorporation. Many small businesses make the mistake of creating a mission statement that is actually a marketing message; it may look good in the lobby, but it doesn't do much to provide focus for a business.[original research?]


Example mission statement
A sample mission statement may be: "Our mission is to generate a profit by providing small businesses with strategic consulting services." This is crisp, clean, to the point, and keeps the owner and employees focused within the scope of their activities.

Answer 2

Mission Statements

Every business has a purpose, a reason that it was created. Maybe it was to better serve the banking needs of lower income individuals. Or a business might have been launched to make pets feel at home while their owners are away. Whatever the reason, there is always a mission - a purpose for a business being in existence. A mission statement is a way of summing up why a business exists and what it intends to do in a clear and concise manner. A well defined mission statement should inspire, direct and resonate with all of the people working in and for an organization.

Although it may seem like a simple task, writing a mission statement can be a challenging activity. It is best to involve all of a company’s major stakeholders in the mission statement process. That way everyone’s opinion will come to the surface and any disagreements can be discussed. Everyone should have an opportunity, whether in writing or verbally, to present what they feel would be an appropriate mission statement for a company. After all of the statements have been presented, everyone should have an opportunity to make comments and then vote on which mission statement they prefer. It is important to come to a consensus. A neutral party can be used to facilitate things if need be.

Once the mission statement has been determined, it should be announced to all employees so that everyone is on the same page. A mission statement should be revised when it no longer coincides with a business’ objectives or its reason for existing.

The following are some examples of mission statements from real corporations.

* Walt Disney – To make people happy

* Microsoft Corporation - To enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential

* Nike - To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world

* Wal-Mart - To give ordinary folk the chance to buy the same thing as rich people

Answer 3

-A mission statement defines the core purpose of the organization - why it exists. The mission examines the "raison d'etre" for the organization beyond simply increasing shareholder wealth, and reflects employees' motivations for engaging in the company's work. Effective missions are inspiring, long-term in nature, and easily understood and communicated.
-A mission statement outlines what the company is now. It focuses on today; it identifies the customer(s); it identifies the critical process(es); and it states the level of performance.

-Here are some basic guidelines in writing a mission statement :

A mission statement should say who your company is, what you do, what you stand for and why you do it.

An effective mission statement is best developed with input by all the members of an organization.

The best mission statements tend to be 3-4 sentences long.

Avoid saying how great you are, what great quality and what great service you provide.

Examine other company's mission statements, but make certain your statement is you and not some other company. That is why you should not copy a statement.

Make sure you actually believe in your mission statement, if you don't, it's a lie, and your customers will soon realize it.

...all the best.

Answer 4

A "mission statement" is merely a statement or two that describes the purpose, intent, and goals that the company/individual feels that it would like to achieve.

Introduce it first when writing your business plan.

Example:

"We are going to be the Best in the mid west and this is how we are going to do it!'

This would be the "Mission statement" and it would then be followed up in detail exactly what is going to be done to achieve it.

Example:

"We are going to offer the lowest prices available on all of our products, give the absolute best service possible, have more stores with easier access all across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa, and we are going to do this within three months!"

Good Luck!

Answer 5

A mission statement is basically a short statement that sums up what the business believes in and what the aim of the business is. It really is easy and I would help but it varies dependant on the nature of the business and the services which they provide.

For help on how to write a mission statement go to:

http://www.bplans.com/dp/missionstatement.cfm

Answer 6

A mission statement would be your goal for your business. If you were opening a coffee shop for example, it could be...I plan to make XYZ coffee shop a valuable part of this area by offering a great product, selling misc. products, and hiring local people. It's like a thesis statement for a research paper.