Turning Busyness Into Vision, Mission, and Purpose
When managing it all, some days are better than others. It’s common to get discouraged and lose sight of what matters most. Whether it’s staying on top of social media calendars or putting out fires in the daily operations of your business, it all can be a bit much. The Alternative Board surveyed entrepreneurs and found on average entrepreneurs spend 68% of time working “in” the business and only 32% of time working “on” the business. Nailing the right blend starts with you.
You are the leader and it’s up to you to set the pace.
Early on when launching SOMEI, I put countless hours each week into the work. There were several long nights and weekends spent in my home office. This was time spent away from Darnell and the kids. For what may have deemed necessary in the beginning, as in any business, however I knew for me it was not the lifestyle I wanted or the message I wanted to send to my children over time. I had to make some changes.
Starting with identifying what I wanted the business to be all about, it became an exercise of knowing what I wanted for the customers that I serve and finding clarity about what that meant for myself and my family.
Clarify Where You Are Headed with Strategy
A brand strategy moves you forward when there is clarity about where we want to go with the business. There are 4 strategic factors that lay the groundwork for this step in building a brand. After you’ve taken a look around at the landscape, zero-in on vision, mission, and purpose.
Entrepreneurs and leaders of a business know how they want that business to impact their own life, those they are serving, and all that are in the support seats around.
Set the vision. Do the job in writing down what you want the business to be. The vision you set is ambitious and ultimately what you want the business to do for customers, yourself, and others that are invested?
Be mission-driven. Take this opportunity to make clear to yourself and those with a key stake in your business, what you are on a mission to do. Often we can assume that those that are close to the business already know this. This is not always the case.
Know your purpose. Customers love knowing the purpose of your business. Beyond the product and profits, dig deeper and discover what the real purpose is.
Clarify why it matters. Everyone wants to know how they can be different and stand out. Maybe you’ve thought about this for your brand too. In the context of the industry you are in, your product has to matter to your target. Discovering this golden nugget is everything!
Where are you headed? What do you want the business to ultimately be? Your brand strategy is strengthened with a clear mind set on a mission and purpose that goes beyond the day-to-day operations.
Cheering you on!
Sharnell Weathersby
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