Never an easy one to master but according to many well worth the attention.

Before I say anything here is Starbucks Mission Statement, might as well start with a multi-national:

• Provide a great work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity.
• Embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business.
• Apply the highest standards of excellence to the purchasing, roasting and fresh delivery of our coffee.
• Develop enthusiastically satisfied customers all of the time.
• Contribute positively to our communities and our environment.
• Recognize that profitability is essential to our future success.

I personally would not write a mission statement like that, it seems in my opinion too much like ‘yes we will do this *enter giving phrase* this *second nice thing to say* and this *more kindness* but to do that we will have to *play down the mercyless profit chase*.

I mean its a good mission statement, its to the point and no doubt its had a lot of work put into creating it, after all its a huge corporate thing the mission statement. However I would still write one if I was a one man show - the mission statement is a concatenated version of all the big plans, its the short, to the point intention behind the company. Writing it well and keeping it in the for-front of your business thinking will allow you to focus on your goals while operating on a day to day basis.

Here’s a few tips on writing your mission statement:

• Keep it short - avoid floundering, be blunt but eloquent.
• Sugar coat it - for the public if its to be published - but don’t lie
• Make sure all employees know it - and understand it
• Let employees change it - partaking in its refinement will help you get everyone on board the same boat
• Change it as often as you need too - almost no expense should be spared because essentially it is the core of your business - once a day is too often once a fortnight/month is sustainable
• Do it first, Now - don’t start a whole business trade for 4 years then realise you didn’t actually intend to sell plant pots.

There are numerous writers, business theorists and planners that swear by mission statements, as do I. Personally I originally invested in the concept after reading seven habits by Steven Covey, he suggests going to the level where by you have a family mission statement and a personal mission statement also. So if you haven’t already - bare in mind your mission statement is a great way to focus your business!

• We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
• Using Google Alerts - Watch for your business name or name online - monitor your presence!
• Yahoo Answers - People seeking advice - have you got time?