How to Write a Mission Statement + 10 Great Examples

Gym owner assisting a client with exercising and reminded of what his mission is.

17 min. read

Updated May 10, 2024

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Why is an effective mission statement so valuable? It’s worth taking a minute to ask what it is about certain brands that keep us coming back. What is it about them that makes us spend more time, money, or effort over other options? Is it the price? Maybe the convenience? Or is it something more?

The brands and businesses that we really connect with do more than just supply a product or service . They showcase a purpose, a mission that we can get behind. This can be displayed in how they interact with customers, the organizations and communities they support, and even the way they develop their products.

And there’s no better way for a business owner to showcase this purpose, than through a well-written mission statement.

On this page

  • What is a mission statement?

Mission statement or vision statement?

  • Why write a mission statement?
  • How to write a great mission statement
  • 10 Examples of Great Mission Statements

A mission statement is a simple action-oriented statement that explains your company’s purpose. It summarizes what your company does for customers, employees, and owners, and typically includes general descriptions of your organization, its core function, and its goals. In short, you’re explaining what you do and why you do it within a mission statement.

Depending on the focus of your business, your mission statement may be even broader. Explaining not just how you serve your customers and employees, but your community and the world at large. Some businesses even opt to separate this larger aspiration into what’s known as a vision statement.

A vision statement is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a vision for the direction of your company and what it aspires to be. 

These two statements aren’t really interchangeable. They both reflect the purpose and goals of your business, but serve completely different purposes. Your mission statement is the roadmap to achieve your vision. Your vision statement is a much broader picture of the aspirations for your business. 

These can be completely separate written statements for your business, or they can be combined into a more comprehensive mission statement. Having all three does allow you to utilize them for different business purposes, so it may be worth developing variations over time.

Speaking of variations, it’s important to note that your mission statement will likely evolve over time as your business grows and changes. So, don’t be afraid to make adjustments when it seems necessary, and avoid looking for the perfect version of your mission statement. 

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I’ve had a 30-year love-hate relationship with mission statements. I’ve read thousands. I love it when a mission statement defines a business so well that it feels like strategy—which does happen—and I hate it when a mission statement is generic, stale, and completely useless. 

Just because a traditional business plan often includes a mission statement isn’t a reason to do one. If it’s not going to be useful for you and help guide your business, don’t bother. The vast majority of the mission statements are just meaningless hype that could be used to describe any business.

Don’t fall into the trap of writing a mission statement just because some checklist or expert said you had to. There are actually sites that poke fun at how most mission statements use vague, high-sounding phrases to say nothing. You should write a mission statement if you want to add clarity to your business goals and you want to get your employees, investors, and customers to understand what your organization is all about. 

Developing your company’s first mission statement, or writing a new or revised one, is your opportunity to define the company’s goals, ethics, culture, and norms for decision-making. The daily routine of business gets in the way sometimes, and a quick refresh with the mission statement helps you take a step back and remember what’s most important: the organization has a purpose. 

So how do you make a useful mission statement? Over the decades I’ve spent reading, writing, and evaluating business plans , I’ve come up with a process for developing a useful mission statement, and it boils down to these five steps.

1. Start with a market-defining story

A really good market-defining story explains the need, or the want, or—if you like jargon—the so-called “why to buy.” It defines the target customer or “buyer persona .” And it defines how your business is different from most others, or even unique. It simplifies thinking about what a business isn’t, what it doesn’t do.

Imagine a real person making the actual decision to buy what you sell. Why do they want it? How did they find your business? What does it do for them? The more concrete the story, the better. And keep that in mind for the actual mission statement wording: “The more concrete, the better.”

This isn’t literally part of the mission statement. Rather, it’s an important thing to have in your head while you write the mission statement. It’s in the background, between the words. If you’re having trouble getting started, make a quick list of what your company does and doesn’t do.

2. Define what your business does for its customers

Start your mission statement with the good you do. Use your market-defining story to suss out whatever it is that makes your business special for your target customer .

Don’t undervalue your business: You don’t have to cure cancer or stop global climate change to be doing good. Offering trustworthy auto repair, for example, narrowed down to your specialty in your neighborhood with your unique policies, is doing something good. So is offering excellent slow food in your neighborhood, with emphasis on organic and local, at a price premium.

This is a part of your mission statement, and a pretty crucial part at that—write it down.

If your business is good for the world, incorporate that here too. But claims about being good for the world need to be meaningful, and distinguishable from all the other businesses. Add the words “clean” or “green” if that’s really true and you keep to it rigorously. Don’t just say it, especially if it isn’t important or always true.

For example, Apple Computer’s 2020 mission statement is:

“Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms—iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS—provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it..”

That one obviously passes the test of defining the company with flying colors. Nobody could mistake that mission for generic hype. And it’s an interesting change from the early mission as defined by founder Steve Jobs:

“To make a contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind.”

Ikea, on the other hand, starts its mission statement with something that could be any company anywhere. “Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the [sic] many people.” To its credit, it goes on to define a “rest of the mission” that could only be IKEA:

“We make this possible by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.”

And note, in this mission statement, how Sweetgreen incorporates a world vision into a product-oriented mission statement:

“Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen is a destination for delicious food that’s both healthy for you and aligned with your values. We source local and organic ingredients from farmers we know and partners we trust, supporting our communities, and creating meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to create experiences where passion and purpose come together.”

3. Define what your business does for its employees

Good businesses are good for their employees too or they don’t last. Keeping employees is better for the bottom line than turnover. Company culture matters. Rewarding and motivating people matters. A mission statement can define what your business offers its employees.

My recommendation is that you don’t simply assert how the business is good for employees—you define it here and then forever after make it true.

Qualities like fairness, diversity, respect for ideas and creativity, training, tools, empowerment, and the like, actually really matter. However, since every business in existence at least says that it prioritizes those things, strive for a differentiator and a way to make the general goals feel more concrete and specific.

Don’t worry about being fully unique

With this part of the mission statement, there’s a built-in dilemma. On the one hand, it’s good for everybody involved to use the mission statement to establish what you want for employees in your business. On the other hand, it’s hard to do that without falling into the trap of saying what every other business says.

Stating that you value fair compensation, room to grow, training, a healthy, creative work environment, and respect for diversity is probably a good idea, even if that part of your mission statement isn’t unique. That’s because the mission statement can serve as a reminder—for owners, supervisors, and workers—and as a lever for self-enforcement.

If you have a special view on your relationship with employees, write it into the mission statement. If your business is friendly to families, or to remote virtual workplaces, put that into your mission.

You may not need to focus on employees

And this is rare in mission statements. The vast majority are focused on messaging for customers. My recommendation here is not the norm. I include it because it’s good practice, even though not common.

While I consulted for Apple Computer, for example, that business differentiated its goals of training and empowering employees by making a point of bringing in very high-quality educators and presenters to help employees’ business expertise grow. That was part of the culture and, to my mind, part of the mission; but it wasn’t part of the mission statement. It could have been.

American Express, however, includes the team in its mission:

“We have a mission to be the world’s most respected service brand. To do this, we have established a culture that supports our team members, so they can provide exceptional service to our customers.”

4. Add what the business does for its owners

In business school, they taught us that the mission of management is to enhance the value of the stock. And shares of stock are ownership. Some would say that it goes without saying that a business exists to enhance the financial position of its owners, and maybe it does. However, only a small subset of all businesses are about the business buzzwords of “share value” and “return on investment.”

In the early years of my business, I wanted peace of mind about cash flow more than I wanted growth, and I wanted growth more than I wanted profits. So I wrote that into my mission statement. And at one point I realized I was also building a business that was a place where I was happy to be working, with people I wanted to work with; so I wrote that into my mission statement, too.

However, this element too, as with the suggestion about including employees, is unusual. Few mission statements do it. That’s understandable, since most mission statements are outward-facing only, aimed at customers and nobody else.

Still, some of the best mission statements incorporate a much broader sense of mission that includes, or at least implies, the mission of ownership.

Warby Parker, an eyewear company, does a great job at voicing a higher mission that includes customers, employees, and owners.

“Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price while leading the way for socially-conscious business.”

5. Discuss, digest, cut, polish, review, and revise

Good mission statements serve multiple functions, define objectives, and live for a long time. So, edit. This step is worth it.

Start by considering developing a full mission statement for internal use and using a customer-facing subset for general publication. That’s common. Many companies have segmented mission statements, with sections set aside and categorized by type or goal. Use bullet points or sections if that works for you. Part of the reason people confuse mission with mantra and vision is that many businesses use them together, and many others also redefine them to fit their context. So what a company does for customers is often called vision, despite the formal definition.

Remember, form follows function, in mission statements, as in all business writing. Make it work for your business. Or don’t do it at all. If you want to call it a vision, and that works for employees and customers, then do that.

Cut out general terms

As you edit, keep a sharp eye out for the buzzwords and hype that everybody claims. Cut as much as you can that doesn’t apply specifically to your business, except for the occasional special elements that—unique or not—can serve as long-term rules and reminders. Unique itself, the word, means literally, the only one in the world. Use it sparingly. Phrases such as “being the best possible,” “world-class,” and “great customer service” mean little because everybody uses them. Having great customer service is way harder than writing that into a mission statement.

Read other companies’ mission statements, but write a statement that is about you and not some other company. Make sure you actually believe in what you’re writing—your customers and your employees will soon spot a lie.

Then, listen. Show drafts to others, ask their opinions and really listen. Don’t argue, don’t convince them, just listen. And then edit again.

And, for the rest of your business’s life, review and revise it as needed. As with everything in a business plan, your mission statement should never get written in stone, and, much less, stashed in a drawer. Use it or lose it. Review and revise as necessary, because change is constant.

  • Great Mission Statements: 10 Examples

If you’re looking for some inspiration to get you started on your own mission statement, here are a few of my favorites.

1. Southwest Airlines

“The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and company spirit.”

What’s most interesting about Southwest’s mission statement is that they don’t mention anything about getting from point A to point B. Their mission is all about how they differentiate what, these days, can be seen as a commodity experience. They also focus on their own employees and the “spirit of the company”, not just the customer experience.

2. Urban Outfitters

“A lifestyle retailer dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity and cultural understanding. Founded in 1970 in a small space across the street from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores in the United States, Canada, and Europe, offering experiential retail environments and a well-curated mix of women’s, men’s, accessories and home product assortments.”

Urban Outfitters focuses on the experience that they deliver and the focus on what they do. Their mission drives what their stores look like and what their goal is: to inspire. They also nod to their heritage of starting small and growing.

“At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) we believe a life outdoors is a life well-lived. We believe that it’s in the wild, untamed and natural places that we find our best selves, so our purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors, for all.”

REI’s mission focuses mostly on what it wants to do for its customers, but hidden in the mission statement is a mission to preserve the environment as well. Their focus on “getting outside” is what creates a connection between them and their customers.

4. Starbucks

“To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.”

Starbucks expands on its mission statement by stating its core values. This is really an extension of the mission statement and explains how they focus on their customers, how they grow their company, and how they work with employees. You can read their values here .

5. Walgreens

“Walgreens’ mission is to be America’s most-loved pharmacy-led health, well-being, and beauty retailer. Its purpose is to champion everyone’s right to be happy and healthy.”

Walgreen’s mission really defines their goals: what they want to achieve and in what product categories they want to achieve it in. They also bring in their broader purpose when they talk about “everyone’s right to be happy and healthy.”

“Make work-life simpler, more pleasant, and more productive.”

While Slack’s mission statement is short, it implies a lot. “Work” doesn’t just mean their customer’s work, it means their own work at their company. Their mission statement serves them both internally and externally.

7. The Coca Cola Company

“Refresh the world. Make a difference.”

Coca Cola takes a slightly different approach with a statement of purpose and then a vision statement. Their purpose is essentially their mission statement and says a lot for being so short. They want to refresh people in both body and spirit while making a positive impact on the world. Their vision also implies their goal of serving the entire world’s population which hits on their corporate and shareholder goals.

8. Patagonia

“We’re in business to save our home planet.”

Another short mission statement that says so much more than you would think at first glance. First and foremost, Patagonia doesn’t say that they are a non-profit – they state that they’re a business. And, this implies that they need to be a strong, healthy business to meet their goal of saving the planet. Their mission applies to their employees, their customers, their products, and their activism.

9. charity: water

“charity: water is a nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.”

charity: water’s mission statement is clear and to the point – it simply describes what it does and who it does it for. For most non-profit mission statements, this is enough.

 10. Asana

“Asana’s mission is to help humanity thrive by enabling the world’s teams to work together effortlessly.”

Similar to other mission statements, Asana blends a message about what they do with a higher goal of enhancing the world outside of their company. Yet, they still hint at their target market and goals of being a world-wide company, thus improving the lives of their employees and shareholders.

Content Author: Tim Berry

Tim Berry is the founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software , a co-founder of Borland International, and a recognized expert in business planning. He has an MBA from Stanford and degrees with honors from the University of Oregon and the University of Notre Dame. Today, Tim dedicates most of his time to blogging, teaching and evangelizing for business planning.

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How to Write a Business Plan Mission and Vision Statement [Sample Template]

Are you currently writing a business plan? If YES, here’s an in-depth guide and sample template on how to write a workable mission & vision statement for a business. A vision and mission statement are some of the most important requisite for business success and sustainability, but unfortunately, most entrepreneurs and small business owners run their business without these two thing out of ignorance.

What is a Mission and Vision Statement?

A mission and vision statement ( more commonly called a mission statement or a vision statement ) is a brief sentence that declares the goals that a business plans to achieve in the future. Like a compass guides a ship, it guides a business to success by providing continuously inspiring its stakeholders in their daily operations and strategic moves.

A mission statement helps you plan your business effectively. It provides the destination for your journey to business success. Of course, without a destination, you can’t plan a route. Before we discuss the steps involved in developing a mission statement for your business, let’s look at the components of a mission statement and why you really need a mission statement for your business.

Today, I will be sharing with you an underground secret to building a business from scratch. This secret is one of the contributing factors to the success of any business; yet, it’s often ignored. This secret is nothing more than a “ Business Mission Statement. ”

“The thing I really care about is the mission; making the world open.” – Mark Zuckerberg

The importance of a mission statement can never be over emphasized. I have seen so many startups without a mission; even some established firms also make the mistake of operating without a mission.

“Being an entrepreneur, I have come to realize that all successful businesses are driven by three fundamentals. One is the cash flow, two is the team and three is the mission. Of these three, the mission is the most important.” – Ajaero Tony Martins

Now what has a mission statement got to do with building a business? What’s the impact of a mission statement on an entrepreneur undergoing the entrepreneurial process? Is a mission statement a source of ? While I am not going to answer these questions directly, the following points will help you further understand why you need to develop a mission statement for your business?

Why Your Business needs a Mission Statement

1. The mission is the foundation on which your business will be built. It’s the true purpose of your business and that purpose is reflected in the mission statement. Without a strong mission statement, you don’t have a true business. All you have is just a profit making venture that will soon be wiped out with time.

“To turn really interesting ideas and fledging ideas into a company that can continue to innovate for years, it requires a lot of disciplines.” – Steve Jobs

2. The entrepreneurial spirit is found in the mission statement. When I look at the mission statement of any business, I get a peep into the life of the entrepreneur that founded that business. The entrepreneurial spirit is what drives the entrepreneur forward. If the mission is strong, your spirit will be strong towards the pursuit of your goal.

“The IKEA spirit is strong and living reality. Simplicity in our behavior gives us strength. Simplicity and humbleness characterize us in our relations with each others, our suppliers and our customers.” – Ingvar Kamprad

3. Your mission statement is the bond binding you, your team, employees and your customers to the business. Take away the mission and other key elements will fall apart. Your mission also has the power to attract other like-minded individuals and entities to your cause. The reason is that people with the same mission align together; more like birds of the same feather flocking together.

4. With a strong mission, your business will weather any storm. Take a look at businesses that has been around for over 100 years and you will see businesses with a strong mission. As an example:

  • General Electric has stood the test of time because the spirit of its founder “ Thomas Edison ” continues to guide the company through its mission.
  • Henry Ford’s mission statement was: “ To democratize the automobile ” and that mission has kept the Ford Motor Company going.
  • Aliko Dangote’s mission statement goes: “ Providing your basic need ” and this mission drives the Dangote Group to dominate the commodities market of
  • The Rich Dad Company; founded by Robert Kiyosaki keeps waxing strong because of its mission, which is “ To elevate the financial well being of humanity .”

By contrast; I have come to observe that when a company forgets its mission, its starts to lose its relevance. The bond holding the business will be broken and good customers will leave, employees will resign and the business will dwindle. Just as the case of the Dot com burst, many profitable Dot com companies went under because they forgot their mission.

3 Components of a Mission and Vision Statement

1.  a vision.

This, simply put, states the impact you envision your business having on the world in years to come. You can have more than a single statement in here, but don’t go beyond three. Gloss it over to make sure anyone who reads it feels at least one of inspiration, hope, commitment, and awe.

In addition, your vision statement must be compelling, detailed, and reflective of the intended end outcome. Avoid one that is bland, generic, uninspiring, or unreasonable. An example of a good vision statement is that of Amazon:

“Our vision is to be earth’s most customer centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”

2.  A mission statement

This is a brief statement that states the important goal or purpose that your business is poised to achieve. In other words, it’s a single sentence stating why your business exists in a convincing manner. Keep your mission statement specific and concise ( the shorter it is, the better ), make it connect with both employees and stakeholders, and make it highlight your value proposition. Don’t make it too long, generic, or confusing. An example of a good mission statement is that of Nike:

“To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.”

Here’s another example of a mission statement:

“To contribute to development of value-added agricultural businesses . ”

3. Core values

These outline the principles and values that the stakeholders in a business will follow in their bid to achieve their vision. They also specify the bounds or limits that the stakeholders must watch while trying to actualize the mission. The following are examples of core values:

  • Respect and protect the environment
  • Offer high quality products that are safe for consumers
  • Meet the ever-changing needs of consumers
  • Practice highly ethical business standards

If your business is going to stand the test of time, then you will have to build it upon a strong mission. With the above in mind, let’s now look at the steps involved in developing a mission and visions statement.

How to Write a Mission and Vision Statement for a Business Plan

Please bear in mind that you are learning as much of yourself each day as you are about your customer. So, don’t feel that anything you state here is etched in stone and cannot be changed. The more you understand your customer and the market, the more necessary it would become for you to shift grounds accordingly. But you need to state here what you have to offer at the moment. This will be a starting point for any changes you may need to effect later ( as your business grows ).

1.  Sit down in a quiet spot and reflect upon your thoughts

Ask yourself what drives you forward? What keeps you motivated? When you have figured out the answer to these questions, put it down in writing.

2.  Ask yourself how best you can serve your customers

What will your business stand for in the heart of your customers? What will be the ultimate benefit your customers can derive from your business? When you figure the answer to these questions out, put it down in writing.

3. Brainstorm for your vision statement

The vision is the most important component of your mission statement. Simply put, this is a picture or idea of what you plan to achieve in future . A vision statement is always concise and easy to remember, and for this reason, every stakeholder in a business can easily focus on it; and their decisions and activities are directed towards achieving the vision. Here is a good example of a vision statement:

“ Creating a vibrant rural economy driven by value-added agriculture. “

Once you get one down, then getting other components becomes very easy. To find the best vision statement for your business, simply ask yourself the question, “Why does this business exist?” Present answers from various angles, and you will find your mission statement among them.

4.  Get down your mission statement

As stated earlier, your mission statement is that action sentence that describes how you will achieve your vision. Finding this is much easier once you have found your vision statement. If you are stuck, just do it this way: If your vision is “A diabetes-free society” , then simply add the word “ To ” and another suitable verb to convert it to an action sentence. And there you will have your mission statement.

Using the same vision, you will get “To bring about a diabetes-free society .” You can go further by tweaking it, so that you will have something like: “To manufacture products that can cure diabetes effectively and permanently.” You get it now?

5.  List your core values

First off, you need to clarify your values. This means taking into account all the various stakeholders that your business is ( or will be ) accountable to—including investors, customers, employees, and suppliers. Now, consider how you would like to ideally conduct business with each of these stakeholders. Start making a list and your core values should start to emerge.

These are the various steps you will follow in your quest to achieve your vision. Brainstorm for as many as possible, list them down, and the prune your list down to as few as possible without leaving out any important ones. Now, let’s look at some additional tips that you will need to keep in mind when preparing your mission and vision statement.

4 Extra Success Tips for Developing a Business Plan Mission and Vision Statement

  • Your mission statement must be brief and simple. Being succinct as demanded by a mission statement isn’t easy. And you may need to go through several hours of tweaking and editing before arriving at the perfect sentence. Though short, your mission statement must capture the very essence of what your business plans to achieve. The fewer words the better. Use just only the few words needed to pass the message without leaving out any vital details.
  • Your mission statement must be in tune with your vision, and both sentences must blend to form a single thought.
  • There’s no rule that says you must get it perfectly at once. You can keep review your mission statement later, if necessary.
  • Your mission and vision statements must give the reader an insight, a covert one, at least into what you offer. This is more important if the name of your business doesn’t suggest what products or services you’re offering.

If you follow the guidelines I shared in this post, you will prepare a perfect vision and mission statement that will drive your business to success. Now I want you to know that no one can help you develop a mission statement. You alone can develop your mission and as a final note, it’s worthwhile you know that of the entire business system, the mission is the most important.

  • Go to Chapter 8 Part C: Writing your Business Plans Goals and Objectives
  • Go Back to Chapter 7 : H ow to Write a Business Plan Executive Summary
  • Go Back to Introduction and Table of Content

More on Business Plans

85 Mission Statement Examples That Define Companies and Inspire Customers

Plus a guide on how to write a mission statement.

Stephen Gossett

Some skeptics are eager to criticize mission statements. They see them as generic and platitudinous , another startup box that founders need to check.

 Turns out, though, a mission statement’s success depends on how it’s written.

What Is a Mission Statement?

In his influential 1998 research article , consultant and business professor Chris Bart found “a significant and positive correlation” between organizational performance and mission statements when managers were satisfied with those statements . He also found a correlation between performance and the process used to develop statements. Simply having a mission statement was a non-factor, but one created with real buy-in delivered the goods.

Related Reading Tips for Effective Business Storytelling

Mission Statement Examples

Later, we’ll tease out what exactly makes a mission statement effective and explore tips for writing one. But first, here are some examples to fuel your inspiration.

  • Apple: “To bring the best user experience to customers through innovative hardware, software and services.”
  • Procter & Gamble: “To provide branded products and services of superior quality and value that improve the lives of the world’s consumers, now and for generations to come.”
  • Reddit: “To bring community and belonging to everyone in the world.”
  • Nike: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

how to make mission in business plan

TurboTenant

Mission statement: “At TurboTenant, our mission is to provide the software and processes to make managing their rentals efficient and professional so they can spend less time managing their properties while hitting their financial goals.”

how to make mission in business plan

Scaled Agile, Inc.

Mission statement: “To be the trusted provider of the system that enables our customers to achieve and sustain business agility.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “We’re passionate about powering safe, informed, and efficient communities. Our mission is to innovate with heart by building intuitive COA software solutions that foster transparency, efficiency, and collaboration for everyone who calls an association home.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “We help people in crisis get life-changing aid.”

how to make mission in business plan

Geode Capital Management

Mission statement: “To manufacture precision building blocks to help our clients efficiently achieve their investment objectives.”

how to make mission in business plan

Piaggio Fast Forward

Mission statement: “Our mission is to build technology products that move the way people move.”

how to make mission in business plan

Supernova Technology

Mission statement: “At Supernova, our mission is to enable investors to achieve financial wellness.”

how to make mission in business plan

Jabra Hearing

Mission statement: “We empower people with hearing loss to connect with their world through effortless technology and delightful care.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement:  “At Hivebrite, our mission is to help organizations build vibrant communities.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Humanizing brands to move people.”

how to make mission in business plan

Bectran, Inc

Mission statement: “Our mission is to reshape the credit industry and disrupt traditional processes. We believe in leading our business partners into the digital age to adapt to the tools and technologies that will allow them to remain at the forefront of their industries. Here at Bectran, we are committed to helping businesses leverage the power of SaaS solutions to save time and money and actualize their full growth potential through innovated, automated software.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement:  “To save lives and minimize loss by identifying active threats globally and facilitating timely communications when an emergency situation threatens personal safety and business continuity.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “We help people secure their future and protect the ones they love.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement:  Make a difference: Improve community health and safety through the power of data.

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “We’ve built the nation’s leading social care network with a clear focus on our mission — to connect people to the help they need with dignity and ease.”

W Logo

Mission statement: “In a world rife with complex relationships and hidden risk, we stand as torchbearers of corporate transparency, aiming to illuminate the intricate connections that exist between businesses, people, supply chains and the inner workings of a globalized economy.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Our mission is simple: To provide employers with a uniquely fair, predictive, and easy-to-use assessment that helps them identify the candidates most likely to succeed in all their open roles.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Our mission is to make the best care possible for all pets.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Our mission is to help financial institutions win and keep customers by delivering flawless customer experiences. Pinwheel’s activation and lifecycle management solutions remove friction, increase transparency, and help create a fairer financial ecosystem for all.”

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Mission statement: “Founded on the mission to simplify healthcare and improve outcomes.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Our mission: deliver powerfully-simple email marketing software for small businesses that does 90 percent of the work for you. We leave the last 10 percent for you to have fun!”

how to make mission in business plan

Bridge Legal

Mission statement: “At Bridge Legal, our mission is simple: To improve access to legal services in America.”

Personio company logo

Mission statement:  “At Personio, our mission is to help HR focus on what matters most: people.”

how to make mission in business plan

GrayMatter Robotics

Mission statement: “Our mission is to help your people and your industrial assets become smarter and more visible.”

how to make mission in business plan

Inspira Financial

Mission statement: “We solve complex problems for countless strategic partners and thousands of employers. We help millions of individuals to thrive today, tomorrow and into retirement.”

how to make mission in business plan

Scythe Robotics

Mission statement: “To provide the most advanced and sustainable autonomous technology for maintaining off-road environments safely, effectively, and responsibly.”

how to make mission in business plan

Biz2Credit Inc.

Mission statement: “Our mission is to provide small businesses with the best funding options for each and every project or capital need, with technology that makes business financing easy to understand and easy to access.”

how to make mission in business plan

Gradient AI

Mission statement: “Gradient AI is on a mission to increase precision and automation throughout the insurance industry.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “At Inato, we’re on a mission to bring clinical research to each and every patient, regardless of who they are and where they live.”

how to make mission in business plan

Formation Bio

Mission statement: “Our mission is to bring new treatments to patients faster and more efficiently. We are a tech-driven, AI-native pharma company changing the way drug development is done.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Our mission is to empower every homeowner. We’re creating a world where home ownership comes with ease, security, and financial know-how.”

how to make mission in business plan

Bilt Rewards

Mission statement: “Renting should be rewarding.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “FPFX Tech delivers technology solutions that bridge the gap between what brokers offer and what traders want, with innovative products and applications that create points of differentiation and client loyalty.”

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Mission statement: “Our mission is to make authentication and authorization simple and secure for every developer.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Our mission is to place the right person in the right shift, every time.”

how to make mission in business plan

Invoice Home

Mission statement: “We strive to maximize business efficiency with an affordable and easy-to-use billing and invoicing service. We cater to time-strapped small businesses and freelancers who seek to grow their business and build their brand.”

how to make mission in business plan

LoanStreet Inc.

Mission statement: “Our mission is to provide the most efficient, transparent and robust tools for financial institutions to manage their balance sheets, connect with partners and effectively share risk.

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Meetup’s mission is to help people grow and achieve their goals through real-life, human connections. From professional networking to craft brewery crawls to coding workshops, people use Meetup to get out of their comfort zones, meet new people, learn new things, pursue passions, and find supportive communities that will help them thrive.

how to make mission in business plan

Gogo Business Aviation

Mission statement: “To keep your passengers, pilots and planes seamlessly and continually connected worldwide.”

how to make mission in business plan

Snap! Mobile

Mission: “To empower coaches and educators in their dedication to develop the leaders of tomorrow. Our vision is to strengthen developing programs through technology-driven, community-first solutions that support dedicated leaders and champion the next generation.” 

how to make mission in business plan

VelocityEHS

Mission statement: “Making the world’s best workplaces safer and more sustainable.”

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OTR Solutions

Mission statement: “OTR’s mission is to create exceptional value for our clients by providing industry leading financing and back-office solutions. Three pillars that are crucial to supporting that mission are outstanding customer service, technology that creates efficiency for ourselves and our customers and a culture that provides the opportunity for employees to achieve greatness.”

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Mission statement: “To be a trusted partner in providing homeowners and their families safety, enjoyment, convenience, and peace of mind through innovative, professionally installed solutions that protect the condition and grow the value of their homes.”

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GameChanger

Mission statement:  “Help families elevate the next generation through sports.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement:  “We exist to advance the economic power of people living and working in the real world.”

MetLife logo, now hiring for IT positions

Mission statement: “Always with you, building a more confident future. MetLife contributes to a more confident future as an employer, an investor and a provider of financial solutions and expertise. Our purpose is at the heart of our virtuous circle of delivering for our colleagues, our communities, our customers and our shareholders.”

Terakeet logo

Mission statement:  “We bring together brands and their audience to make connections that matter.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement:  “For over a decade, we’ve been building tech for food people, so restaurant owners can save money, staff members can save time, and diners can order better. Because when restaurants thrive, they can keep serving food that gives your community its unique flavor. We want to keep it that way.”

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MobilityWare

Mission statement: “Bringing joy to others one game at a time.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement:  “We empower everyday people to move forward on the path to a better financial future.”

First Entertainment Credit Union

Mission statement:  “We build lifelong financial relationships with the people in entertainment based on a deep understanding of how they live and work.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Our mission is to rebuild the infrastructure of the travel industry in order to bring freedom, simplicity, and trust to travelers everywhere. We are bringing change to an industry that has been held back by outdated technology and complicated financial incentives that solve for the needs of middlemen instead of providing the best experience to users. Travel matters when communication is essential to building trust, commitment, and a shared sense of purpose. In essence, business travel is a necessity any time success depends on the strength of human connections.”

PatientPoint Logo

PatientPoint

Mission statement:  “ PatientPoint is on a mission to make every doctor-patient engagement better, and that goal is at the core of everything we do. We are the patient engagement platform for every point of care. Our digital solutions impact 750 million patient visits every year, helping drive better health outcomes that enable people to live longer, healthier lives.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement:  “At Trupanion , we’re on a mission to help loving, responsible pet owners budget and care for their pets.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement :  “We’re on a mission to simplify the complexities of payments to help you grow.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “Our mission is to bring the best user experience to customers through innovative hardware, software and services.”

Asana logo

Mission Statement : “To help humanity thrive by enabling the world's teams to work together effortlessly.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “To be the most trusted and convenient destination for pet parents (and partners), everywhere.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “Our mission is to increase economic freedom in the world. Everyone deserves access to financial services that can help empower them to create a better life for themselves and their families. If the world economy ran on a common set of standards that could not be manipulated by any company or country, the world would be a more fair and free place, and human progress would accelerate.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “DoorDash is a technology company that connects people with the best of their neighborhoods across the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Germany. We enable local businesses to meet consumers’ needs of ease and convenience, and, in turn, generate new ways for people to earn, work, and live. By building the last-mile logistics infrastructure for local commerce, we’re fulfilling our mission to grow and empower local economies.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “Our mission is to design a more enlightened way of working. Dropbox helps people be organized, stay focused and get in sync with their teams.”

how to make mission in business plan

Bright Horizons

Mission Statement :  “Dedicated to the highest quality education and care; making a lasting difference, one child, one student, one teacher, one family, and one employer at a time.”

how to make mission in business plan

EFFECT Photonics

Mission Statement : “To interconnect humanity through fast, affordable, sustainable, and effective communication technologies.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement:  “Our mission is to build the most popular car subscription platform. Our aim is to help anyone who loves driving a car of their own but fears the struggle, commitment, and intransparent costs associated with ownership to get behind the wheel.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “The Fivetran mission is to make access to data as simple and reliable as electricity. The invention of the lightbulb spawned generations to change the world through electricity, creating millions of new products, devices and services. We’re empowering future ‘Thomas Edison’s’ to transform the way the world makes decisions through our always-on access to accurate data. This helps drive better data-driven decisions in pursuits like discovering new drugs, serving humanity in ways big and small (think: banking the underbanked, keeping hospital records up to date, and more!), and enabling social good organizations to do what they do best by improving lives everywhere.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “It is GitLab’s mission to make it so that everyone can contribute. When everyone can contribute, users become contributors and we greatly increase the rate of innovation.”

how to make mission in business plan

Intel Corporation

Mission Statement : “We create world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “Our mission is to ensure the Internet is a global public resource, open and accessible to all. An Internet that truly puts people first, where individuals can shape their own experience and are empowered, safe and independent.”

NBCUniversal Brand Logo

NBCUniversal

Mission Statement : “To be the premier content provider for television and digital platforms, spanning all television.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

*If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

how to make mission in business plan

The Pokémon Company International

Mission Statement : “At Pokémon, our mission is to become an entertainment leader and bring the fun of Pokémon to people around the world!”

how to make mission in business plan

Procter & Gamble

Mission Statement : “We will provide branded products and services of superior quality and value that improve the lives of the world’s consumers, now and for generations to come. As a result, consumers will reward us with leadership sales, profit and value creation, allowing our people, our shareholders and the communities in which we live and work to prosper.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “Our mission is to bring community and belonging to everyone in the world.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “We help people achieve independence by making it easier to start, run, and grow a business. We believe the future of commerce has more voices, not fewer, so we’re reducing the barriers to business ownership to make commerce better for everyone.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “At Smartsheet, our mission is to empower anyone to drive meaningful change — for themselves, their businesses and even for the world.”

how to make mission in business plan

Warby Parker

Mission Statement : “To inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and style.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission Statement : “We’re empowering everyone to create for the web — and leading impactful, fulfilling lives while we do it.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “To unite everyday people to unlock their financial progress. By eliminating unnecessary fees and simplifying the credit building process, we’ve empowered millions of everyday people to take control of their finances.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Restaurants sit at the heart of communities. It’s our mission to strengthen their roots, deepen their connections, and increase the positive impact they have on people and society.”

how to make mission in business plan

Blueprint Test Prep

Mission statement: “To provide the most personalized and innovative experiences to help our learners achieve their goals.”

Clean Power Research Logo

Clean Power Research

Mission statement: “Our mission is to power the worldwide energy transformation with trusted, adaptable and efficient software.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “To empower insurance to communicate simply, build trust and protect what people love.”

how to make mission in business plan

Mission statement: “Our mission is to improve health outcomes by eliminating confusion around benefits and coverage.”

How to Write a Mission Statement

When it comes time to draft your company’s mission statement, consider the following:

Tips for Writing a Mission Statement

  • Make it simple, aspirational and memorable.
  • Direct it toward stakeholders, but don’t prioritize shareholders.
  • Keep employees — current and future — top of mind.
  • Avoid saying you’re “the best.”
  • Leave room for the mission to evolve.

Make it Simple, Aspirational and Memorable

A successful mission statement has three important traits, according to Jeffrey Abrahams, author of 101 Mission Statements From Top Companies . They are simplicity, aspiration and memorability.

There’s no magic word count, but experts agree that concision is best. Abrahams recommends aiming for a single-sentence statement. “That has greater impact and can be communicated easily, both within the company and to the target audience,” he said.

Bart, meanwhile, recommends capping at around 70 words. And Inés Alegre, a professor at the business school of the University of Navarra who led a 2018 review of mission-statement research, told Built In that three sentences or so is appropriate.

Your precise mileage may vary, but the “KISS” recommendation put forward by Bart in his 1998 paper still seems appropriate: Keep it simple and straightforward.

It’s common to find an organization’s mission statement posted on an “About” page, but it doesn’t have to be merely descriptive; incorporate some ambition, Abrahams suggested. He invoked Microsoft’s statement: “Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

Memorability

Action verbs, wariness of jargon and bizspeak — these are a CEO’s allies when drafting a statement. It should be organization-specific, too. 

“If the mission statement could be used by a number of companies, especially competitors, it’s not going to be either memorable or serve the company very well,” said Abrahams. “You want it to be distinctive.”

Direct It Toward Stakeholders

“Missions describe why an organization exists, but in particular, they should describe the relationships that the organization wants to have with the stakeholders upon whom it depends for survival, growth and sustainability,” Bart said.

According to him, an effective mission statement should at least speak to two audiences: customers and employees. He cited Southwest Airlines as an illustrative example:

“The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride and company spirit.   To our employees: We are committed to provide our employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, employees will be provided the same concern, respect and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest customer.”

In addition to customers and employees, a strong statement will also often address shareholders and the community at large, Bart said. Here’s one he helped draft for a casino resort that directly targets all four groups:

“Our mission is to provide every guest with a ‘blow away experience’ that is inspired by a celebration of the sea and the myth of a lost civilization. We accomplish this by bringing the myth of Atlantis to life by offering warm, positive, engaging service.   At Atlantis, we are a team of individuals who are passionate and committed in everything that we do. We continuously strive for perfection. We are proud to work at Atlantis because we are a caring and learning organization, which rewards accomplishment and promotes teamwork, respect and innovation.   At Atlantis, we are the pride of our community while providing enduring value for our shareholders. When Atlantis succeeds, we succeed as individuals, and we contribute to the success of the Bahamas.”

… But Avoid Prioritizing Shareholders

It may be more obvious today — after the rise of sustainable investing , office-perk culture that caters to employee happiness and the fact that we’re in the midst of a job seekers’ market — but the thrust of the mission can’t simply be shareholder yield.

Statements that center the returns of the investor class will align approximately zero employees to an organization’s mission. “Shareholder value was the typical mission in the nineties — not anymore,” said Alegre.

One possible symptom of such misalignment? Jargon creep. “When buzzwords and platitudes happen, they usually happen when the focus of the company moves from customer to shareholder,” wrote entrepreneur and Built In expert contributor Joe Procopio.

Read Next 3 Reasons to Prioritize Mission Over Profit in Tech

Resist the Superlatives

As mentioned, mission statements should have an air of the aspirational. But, especially in this era of superlative fatigue , beware of “the biggest,” “the boldest” and “the best.” They’ll inspire more shrugs than hearts, especially when unsupported.

“When a company says its mission statement is to be the best [category here] company in the world — the best steel company in the world or the best clothing company in the world, it’s too general,” said Abrahams. “It needs to be backed up by strongly worded core values, a vision, and guiding principles and beliefs.”

Think of It as a Management Tool

Even though mission statements address multiple audiences, they shouldn’t pretend to think each audience is listening with equal attention.

“There’s a question of prioritization of stakeholders — is it the clients, employees, suppliers, investors? You probably cannot satisfy all at the same level,” said Alegre.

That begs a question: Should companies think of mission statements more as an internal compass for culture and strategy, or an external branding — or even recruiting — element? That is, are they management or marketing? 

“My answer is yes,” said Abrahams. 

Ideally, it can serve as both, experts told Built In, but it should be considered first and foremost a management tool. (Indeed, most research on the topic is published in management, not marketing, journals.) “My impression is that it’s much more useful as an internal alignment tool than external branding,” said Alegre.

Think of the statement primarily as something for employees, Bart said, a true north against which the workforce can always orient itself.

Reinforce the Mission Statement in All Your Communications

Once the statement is finalized, think of it as a muscle: Exercise it often to prevent it from losing definition. Reference the mission during onboardings, training, team meetings, board reviews of key projects and wherever else reinforcement makes sense. Post it on your website, of course, but also your wall. “I work in a business school where the first thing you see after the entrance is the mission,” Alegre said.

Mission statements are especially important during times of uncertainty, such as early in an organization’s life or during growth pushes, Alegre said. Still, lean on them in times of greater stability, too. That provides room for the mission to organically evolve.

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How to write an effective mission statement (with free template)

How to write an effective mission statement article banner image

A mission statement explains your company’s purpose. You should write a mission statement when starting a business so you have a clear idea of what you stand for. Read on to learn how to write an effective mission statement that can help you tackle company goals.

It’s natural to face challenges when leading teams and managing projects, and one way to push forward despite the hard times is to remember your “why.” Your company mission defines why you do what you do, who you do it for, and the impact you’ll create by doing it. When you know your mission, you’ll feel good about where your company is going, even through ups and downs. 

What is a mission statement?

A mission statement is a brief declaration of your company’s what, who, and why. You should share this statement with everyone in your organization so team members understand your collective goals. While a mission statement isn’t specifically for marketing, you’ll likely share it externally as well. This is why it’s important to write it eloquently.

Your mission statement is a foundational piece of content you can use as a jumping-off point for various other materials, including:

Value propositions

Business plans

Company vision statement

Once you’ve solidified your core values and initiatives, you’ll have an easier time expanding on those ideas and getting the message out to your audience.

5 steps to write a mission statement

Your mission statement isn’t something you can craft by yourself. Before you sit down to draft it, recruit other senior and executive leaders at your company who have a sense of what you’re aiming for. Together, use the steps below to get to the root of what your company stands for and the message you want to spread.

[Inline illustration] how to write a mission statement (Infographic)

1. Answer fundamental questions

To figure out what your mission statement should say, you’ll need to answer fundamental questions about your business. 

What do we do?

What do we create?

Who is our audience?

How do we make a difference?

Once you’ve answered the basics, consider questions that can help you craft a strong mission statement.

How do we differ from others in the industry?

How can we make our mission statement stand out from our competitors?

Can we use other mission statements for inspiration?

Consider having each member of your mission statement tiger team answer these questions separately, then pool your answers together. Your mission statement should be evergreen, so think about it in a way that incorporates business growth. It’s important to consider what your company’s purpose is in the context of what your future might be. 

2. Use your answers to brainstorm copy

Now that you have the ideas for your mission statement, you need the right words. Use brainstorming techniques to help you and the other leaders at your company come with creative ways to express yourselves. The goal is to inspire your team without sounding cliché or overly complex.

Some helpful brainstorming techniques include:

Mind-mapping: Mind mapping is a visual brainstorming technique you can use on your own or with your team. Start with one word or idea and use it to inspire other ideas. You’ll need a large piece of paper or whiteboard to write down a topic. Then, draw lines connecting tangential words or ideas to it.

Brain-netting: Brain-netting is great for remote collaboration , and it involves brain dumping ideas virtually, whether on a Slack channel, Google Doc, or through your project management tool . Team members can add ideas whenever inspiration strikes, and the list will be ever-evolving. 

3. Write your first draft

Now that you have solid ideas about what to put in your mission statement and creative ways to express those ideas, you can start experimenting with what sounds best. The following formulas can help you get started:

To [contribution/goal] so [impact] .

Our mission is to [contribution/goal] by [what you offer/how you do it] for [target audience] so [impact] .

To build/offer [what you offer/how you do it] for [target audience] to [contribution/goal] and [impact] .

For example, if you work for a content marketing company, here’s how your first draft might look:

To increase the value and visibility of content so companies can build strong relationships with their audiences . 

Our mission is to increase the value and visibility of content by offering content marketing services for companies so they can build strong relationships with their audiences . 

To offer content marketing services for companies to increase the value and visibility of their content and help them build strong relationships with their audiences. 

4. Ask for feedback

Draft a few versions of your mission statement so you can ask for feedback from current team members. Because the mission statement applies to everyone, it’s nice to include everyone in the feedback process—even if executive feedback gets slightly more weight. Don’t rush through the writing process. Take your time and get your mission statement to a place everyone is comfortable with.

Collaborate with your team by holding a Q&A session or by sending out surveys to ask which version of the mission statement resonates with them most. That way, once you complete your statement, you’ll feel confident that the result was a team effort. 

5. Revise and share

After collecting feedback, revise your mission statement as needed. Then, finalize it and share it with the rest of the organization. You can also include it in your business plan and share it on your website. 

Your mission statement explains your company’s purpose to those working for the company, stakeholders who may get involved with the company, and customers or clients who may spend money at the company. While you shouldn’t craft your mission statement for selling, it’s something you should be proud of and will likely want to display.

Examples of mission statements

Most companies share their mission statements with the public, either front and center on their websites, or in an easily searchable location. By making your mission statement visible to the clients and customers, companies show what they stand for and what they strive to achieve—both as an internal workforce and with the products or services they sell.

[Inline illustration] Mission statement examples: Asana, Paypal, Patagonia (Example)

“To help humanity thrive by enabling the world’s teams to work together effortlessly.” 

At Asana , our mission statement explains who we serve and what we want our impact to be on the world. While we have various goals we work toward as a company, our mission statement is our guiding principle among all others. 

Let's do great things together. Join our team.

“To build the web’s most convenient, secure, cost-effective payment solution.” 

PayPal’s statement is more product-focused, but it’s still effective. Businesses may imply the impact they hope to make by explaining the unique features of their product offering. PayPal’s mission is to create the best product possible for customers because doing so will improve lives.

3. Patagonia

“Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” 

Patagonia’s mission statement is complex, but it shows that their company has many layers beyond the clothing they sell. While on the surface, Patagonia offers outdoor gear, they set themselves apart from other companies by keeping the environment front of mind in all they do. 

Free mission statement template

Using a mission statement template can help you centralize your company’s most important information. Below, you’ll see how a content marketing company would’ve answered fundamental questions about their business and used those answers to design their mission statement with the provided formula.

[Inline illustration] Mission statement example: Content marketing company (Example)

Use the free mission statement template below to answer relevant questions about your company’s values and goals.

Why is a mission statement important?

Your mission statement is a building block for everything your team does. When you get it right, it leads to a stronger team dynamic in the workplace , more successful projects, and happier customers. Your mission statement should:

Define your brand to team members: Give your team clarity on what product you’re creating, why you’re creating it, and who you’re creating it for.

Present your brand to others: Tell others outside of your company what your team strives for everyday. 

Uphold values and objectives: Refer to your mission statement when you need to hold yourself and your team accountable to your ultimate goals.

Mission statement vs. vision statement

Many people use a mission statement and vision statement interchangeably, and while some companies combine the two, they have different meanings. A mission statement is your company’s “why” statement—in other words, your company’s purpose. Consider your mission statement as what you’re currently trying to achieve.

A vision statement can be a “how” statement or a future-focused statement. It should paint a broad picture of how you want to achieve your mission. Sometimes, companies incorporate the vision statement within their mission statement so they can state and explain their mission simultaneously. 

For example, Google's combined mission and vision statement is:

“To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” 

Mission statement: To organize the world’s information…

Vision statement: ...and make it universally accessible and useful.

While LinkedIn has separate mission and vision statements:

Mission statement: Connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.

Vision statement: Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.

Use a mission statement to drive company success

Your mission statement is the launchpad for your company’s success. It states what you want to achieve and serves as a constant reminder of your purpose. But the only way to accomplish your mission is with small, everyday actions. A goal is just a dream until you put a process in place.

With work management software , you can set up workflows , schedules, and tasks that align with your mission statement and make your purpose a reality. Asana helps you create a purposeful and productive work experience for all your team members by giving them the clarity they need to achieve their goals.

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How to Write a Mission Statement (Definition & Examples Included)

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Table of Contents

What is a mission statement, mission statement vs. vision statement.

  • How to Write a Mission Statement

25 Best Mission Statement Examples

Mission statements faq.

  • ProjectManager & Mission Statements

When you’re creating a company or working on a business plan , the first thing you should do is create a mission statement. Your mission statement is the base for your company values, vision statement, slogan, value proposition and everything else.

A mission statement is a short action-based declaration that describes the purpose of an organization. Mission statements explain what companies do and are a very important part of their culture, along with the core values and vision statement . Mission statements are an internal guide for organizations, but they also need to be appealing to customers.

Before we learn how to write a mission statement, let’s explain the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement, two very important parts of a business plan.

There are several differences between a mission statement and a vision statement. The main difference between them is that a mission statement explains the purpose of a company, while the vision statement indicates where the company wants to accomplish in the future. Mission statements and vision statements are different but they need to complement each other to provide a clear base for strategic planning.

If you need help creating and delivering a plan for your business, then consider a project management software like ProjectManager . ProjectManager helps organizations plan, execute and track projects and tasks across teams. Make a long term plan on a roadmap, then execute the day-to-day tasks on task lists or kanban boards. It’s easy to collaborate, stay aligned and reach your goals. Get started today for free.

kanban board in projectmanager

How to Write a Mission Statement in 6 Steps

We know that every organization needs a mission statement, but how do you create one? There’s no standardized method to writing a mission statement, but there are some guidelines that you should consider.

Follow these steps to help you with the process of writing a mission statement.

1. Define your Company Culture

The mission and vision statements are elements of your company culture. For this reason, before writing your company mission statement, you’ll need to define the core values or guiding principles of your company culture. Don’t forget to ask yourself what your team members expect from the company too.

Related: Free Team Charter Template

2. Set Goals

Your company mission defines the purpose of your organization, and where it stands now, but that’s only part of the business plan. You’ll also need to define company goals and a long-term company vision.

3. Define your Ideal Customer Profile

It’s impossible to think about a business that doesn’t care about its customers. Before writing a mission statement or a business plan altogether, you need to understand who are your customers and how you can help them. That’s why you must define your ideal customer profile through market research .

4. Create a Value Proposition

Once you have a clear idea of what your ideal customer profile looks like, you need to think about the value proposition that will differentiate you from your competitors.

5. Select a Type of Mission Statement

Every mission statement is unique, but there are some recognizable types of mission statements. The most common ones are:

  • Customer-oriented mission statements
  • Socially conscious mission statements
  • Environmentally conscious mission statements
  • Product-oriented mission statements

6. Add the Mission Statement to Your Business Plan

Now that you’ve thought about all these key aspects of your business, you can start drafting a mission statement for your business plan. Remember to think about how that company mission fits with the other elements of your business plan.

You probably know a lot of mission statements without realizing it. We’ve gathered 25 of the best mission statement examples available in the world to help you create a great mission statement for your business plan.

1. Microsoft

“To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

“To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

3. Facebook

“To give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.”

4. Southwest Airlines

“Dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit.”

5. LinkedIn

“To connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.”

“To entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe.”

“To continually raise the bar of the customer experience by using the internet and technology to help consumers find, discover and buy anything, and empower businesses and content creators to maximize their success. We aim to be Earth’s most customer-centric company.”

8. Patagonia

“We’re In Business To Save Our Home Planet.”

9. Life is Good

“To spread the power of optimism”

10. Coca-Cola

“To refresh the world, to inspire moments of optimism and happiness, and to create value and make a difference.”

11. The Humane Society

“Creating animals, confronting cruelty.”

“We reach for new heights and reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind.”

13. Smithsonian

“The increase and diffusion of knowledge.”

14. American Express

“We work hard every day to make American Express the world’s most respected service brand.”

15. Nordstrom

“To give customers the most compelling shopping experience possible.”

16. JetBlue

“To inspire humanity – both in the air and on the ground.”

“To build the web’s most convenient, secure, cost-effective payment solutions.”

18. Kickstarter

“To help bring creative projects to life.”

“To deliver information on the people, ideas and technologies changing the world to our community of affluent business decision-makers.”

“To be a company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity.”

“Shape the future of the internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors and ecosystem partners.”

“To attract and attain customers with high-value products and services and the most satisfying ownership experience in America.”

“To create a better everyday life for the many people.”

“To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.”

1. How long Should a Mission Statement be?

A good mission statement is short, to the point and memorable. It’s like a tagline in advertising, something that sticks with a person when they hear or read it. In a true sense, the mission statement is an ad in that it identifies your company as one that a customer would want to work with or support.

2. What Is the Difference Between a Mission Statement and a Vision Statement?

Vision statements are about the future. Mission statements stay firmly in the present: who you are and what’s important to you, now. Be timely, explain who you are today and do so clearly.

ProjectManager Turns Your Mission Statement Into a Reality

A mission statement is an idea, but to get there, you need a plan. ProjectManager  is an award-winning tool that organizes your teams and projects to work more effectively. Use our cloud-based software to get real-time data and make your mission statement a mission accomplished.

Build Action Plans with Gantt Charts

Once you have a project approved, you can use the online Gantt chart to schedule your tasks. It’s a visual tool that creates a timeline that shows you the entire project in one place. Some tasks are dependent on others to start or finish. Use our tool to link these task dependencies and avoid having them cause bottlenecks later on in the project.

ProjectManager Gantt chart

Track Progress with Dashboards & Reports

Another way to monitor your progress and performance is with our real-time dashboard. It’s made up of six project metrics displayed in easy-to-read graphs and charts. Our tool automatically calculates time, workload, costs and more and gives you a high-level instant status report to help you meet the goals of your mission statement.

ProjectManager’s dashboard view, which shows six key metrics on a project

ProjectManager has a company mission too. It’s to deliver reliable project management software that helps managers and their teams plan, monitor and report with ease for high levels of efficiency. Our cloud-based tool has a real-time dashboard for live data reporting,  online Gantt charts for effective scheduling and a collaborative platform that frees teams to work more productively. See how it can help your mission by taking this free 30-day trial .

Click here to browse ProjectManager's free templates

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to write a mission statement in 5 steps

  • Joanna Kramer
  • Feb 19, 2019

how to write a mission statement for your business

A mission statement is one of the most powerful tools you have for leading your business or organization to success. The trick is knowing how to craft the perfect one, before you start posting it around your office or on your business website . There are a few tips and tricks to nailing exactly the right wording to articulate your vision and values - to yourself, to your employees, and to your target audience. Let’s jump in and review what makes an effective mission statement and how to write one for your business or organization regardless of whether you're just starting your business or scaling. Plus, we’ve included seven excellent mission statement examples at the end for your very own inspiration.

What is a mission statement?

Let’s start with the basics. You’ve probably heard that a mission statement is the lifeblood of your business. But what really is it? A mission statement takes the ‘why’ of what you do and consolidates it into about one to two sentences (and no, a run-on sentence that’s the length of a paragraph does not qualify). This abbreviated expression of your values and purpose helps everyone who encounters your work to immediately understand what you’re all about (much like your elevator pitch ). It's different from an executive summary but still important to your business. And it serves to remind you and your employees why you continue walking in the door each morning.

A strong mission statement will contain four key elements:

Inspiration

Plausibility

Specificity

As in, readers will walk away understanding the value your works adds to the world or to their lives, feeling inspired to join your mission, convinced that your goal is achievable, and crystal clear on the nature of your business or organization. Once these four components are present, you’ve got yourself a mission statement that is dressed to impress.

Why your business needs a mission statement

The mission statement ingredients sound all well and good, but why exactly is it important for you to adopt one? There are both inward and outward-facing reasons. Internally, it acts as a guiding statement to frame all of your strategic business decisions. It’s easy to reference every time you need a reminder of the values you embody as a company, or the vision you are pursuing. Furthermore, it becomes an important contributor to workplace morale, serving up a dose of inspiration every time your declared purpose starts fading behind administrative emails and fundraising campaigns. Those are the moments when you write your mission statement down on a little sticky note and post it on your computer screen.

Externally, this expression is a critical figure in the landscape of brand identity . Readers will associate your tone and register key words you select, and values you highlight with the larger persona of your company. The mission statement, then, communicates to outsiders who you are, and what you will do to guarantee quality business to your clients. In its concise form, its task is to explain how to foster a connection with the curious minds viewing its several sentences, and explain why yours should be the right business or organization for them to choose.

How to write a mission statement for your business in 5 steps

1. Ask yourself three fundamental questions

2. Hold a brainstorming session

3. Narrow down your choices

4. Refine your words into sentences

5. Review what you've written

01. Ask yourself three fundamental questions

What does your business do? How does it do it? And why? With the first question, evaluate your response through the lenses of your customers or beneficiaries, your employees, and - of course - yourself. When relevant, you can widen the perspectives to also define what your business does for your community, or even for the world. The exercise of answering these three questions will help you tease out your purpose, clarify the value you offer, and reconnect to your motivating passion.

02. Hold a brainstorming session

Either by yourself or with your team, throw around words and phrases that convey the answers you generated in the previous step. Of course, we know each of those questions could give way to an essay - sometimes even a book. Yet, here, brevity comes above all. Try instead for “snapshot words” that capture the sentiment of your business’ value and purpose. Don’t hold back here: All ideas are acceptable at this point, and you never know when a phrase that’s slightly off can spark the suggestion of the phrase that’s exactly right.

03. Narrow down your choices

Either through a group voting process or by soliciting the feedback of a few people you trust, whittle down the list you generated in step two. At the end of this step, you should emerge with a curated list of your favorite words and phrases that are fitting and truly reflect your brand.

04. Refine your words into sentences

Set aside a few hours, a quiet area, and put on your best ‘eureka moment’ playlist. It’s time to start massaging your list of chosen words and phrases into one to two complete sentences, keeping in mind all the key elements we reviewed earlier. Check in frequently with those four criteria to ensure you’re on the right track. Finally, remember to write in the present tense. This an active proclamation of what you do - not what you hope to do someday.

05. Review what you’ve written

The editing stage is best done with fresh eyes, after you’ve had some time away from your first draft. Notice points where you can tighten the phrasing, or make your wording even more precise. Run through potential future developments for your business. Will the statement you’re crafting now stand the test of time and an evolving business strategy? Take care to build some of this flexibility into your final version (without losing sight of the specificity, of course). Lastly, cut out the fluff. Big words that sound fancy but don’t add much value or clarity for your readers should be directed straight to the trash can. What survives your editing annotations will be the strong, durable, and exact material that quality missions statement examples are made of.

5 steps about how to write a mission statement for your business

Where to display your mission statement

Once you have your mission statement polished and gleaming, it’s time to debut it to your colleagues and target audience . Find a place to print and proudly display it in your workplace so you and all of your team members can look to it as a source of guidance whenever a big decision is in front of you, or you need an inspirational boost.

Additionally, your new mission statement should appear across all of your marketing and promotional materials, from printed brochures to your beautiful website. Due to its short length, it also makes for an excellent bio lines on your social media channels. It’s a snappy answer to people’s initial question of ‘What is this?!’ after they stumble across your profile - and on the Internet, it’s important to keep information flowing fast to keep a web visitor’s attention engaged. Your mission statement makes your point quickly and succinctly, giving your online traffic a reason to stick around. Now, that’s good for business!

P.S. One little hint from us to you: Keep a note of all places where you feature your mission statement. In the event you update it, you will want to be able to make an easy sweep of your office and your online presence to implement the new edits across the board.

Get inspired by these mission statement examples

Enjoy some of these examples of great mission statements that have hit the ball out of the park with their bold precision:

Amp’d: “To provide people with limb loss/difference resources that allow them to live to their fullest potential.”

Southwest Airlines: The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and company spirit.

Honest Tea: Honest Tea seeks to create and promote great-tasting, healthy, organic beverages. We strive to grow our business with the same honesty and integrity we use to craft our recipes, with sustainability and great taste for all.

S’well: It’s S’well’s ongoing mission to create products that are both beautiful and eco-friendly, that infuse innovation with inspiration, and that continue to give back to communities in need.

Girl Scouts of the United States of America: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Snap Inc.: Snap Inc. is a camera company. We believe that reinventing the camera represents our greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. We contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.

The New York Times: We seek the truth and help people understand the world. This mission is rooted in our belief that great journalism has the power to make each reader’s life richer and more fulfilling, and all of society stronger and more just.

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how to make mission in business plan

Small Business Trends

30 mission statement examples and how to write one for your business.

There’s even a template to follow at the end that’ll help you write your company mission statement in no time at all. By crafting a compelling mission statement, you can articulate your business’s purpose, values, and direction, setting the foundation for your company’s success and differentiation in the competitive market.

Table of Contents

30 Amazing Mission Statement Examples

Tesla’s mission statement reflects the company’s focus on sustainability and its commitment to driving change in the energy sector. It inspires stakeholders to work towards a shared goal of creating a more sustainable future.

Amazon’s mission statement emphasizes its focus on the customer and reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and technology. It communicates the company’s purpose in a memorable way.

The Walt Disney Company

Microsoft’s mission statement emphasizes its focus on innovation and technology, while also reflecting its commitment to helping people and organizations achieve their goals.

Ben & Jerry’s

“To make, distribute and sell the finest quality all-natural ice cream and euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment.”

General Electric

General Electric’s mission statement reflects its commitment to innovation and technology, while also emphasizing its focus on improving people’s lives. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable and inspiring way.

Procter & Gamble

Southwest airlines.

Southwest Airlines’ mission statement reflects its commitment to providing affordable and friendly air travel. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable and inspiring way.

“To connect the world through the most innovative, reliable, and secure payment network – enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive.”

Apple’s mission statement reflects its focus on innovation and technology, while also emphasizing its commitment to improving people’s lives. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable and inspiring way.

American Express

Universal health services, inc..

Universal Health Services, Inc.’s mission statement reflects its commitment to providing quality healthcare services that meet the needs of patients, physicians, purchasers, employees, and investors. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in

What is a Mission Statement?

Why your company’s mission statement is so important.

Just like a mission statement, a business needs to establish a process for putting down plans on paper to make sure they are carried out. Creating a one-page marketing plan and even conducting a SWOT analysis are all part of this process. If you establish these disciplines early, you will continue to improve your business and better chance of ensuring the success of your business.

How to Write a Good Mission Statement

A company mission statement should be crafted with your target audience in mind. Consider who your company serves and what problem you’re solving for them. Your mission statement should be clear and concise, using language that resonates with your target audience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Writing Your Company’s Mission Statement

One common mistake when writing a company’s mission statement is being too broad or generic. A mission statement that is too general or lacks specificity may fail to communicate the unique value proposition of the company, and may not inspire or motivate stakeholders.

Benefits of Having a Mission Statement

Challenges of developing a mission statement, mission statements vs. vision statements.

Mission and vision statements are essential components of any company’s identity and strategic direction. While both are designed to guide decision-making and communicate the company’s values and goals, there are distinct differences between the two. Here are some key differences between mission statements and vision statements:

Use this Mission Statement Template to Create Your Own

The first step in creating a mission statement is to define your company’s purpose. This includes what your company does, why it exists, and the impact it seeks to have on the world. A clear understanding of your purpose is essential for crafting an effective mission statement.

After drafting your mission statement, review it carefully and seek feedback from stakeholders. Revise and refine as necessary, ensuring that it accurately reflects your company’s purpose, target audience, and values. A well-crafted mission statement is an essential tool for communicating your company’s identity and inspiring stakeholders to work towards a shared goal.

No.StepsKey PointsDetails
1Define Your Company's Purpose- Identify what your company does and why it exists- Clearly articulate the impact your company aims to have on the world
2Identify Your Target Audience- Consider who your company serves- Understand the problem your company is solving for your target audience
3Consider Your Values- Determine your company's core values- Reflect on the principles that guide your company's behavior and decision-making
4Draft a Statement- Craft a clear, concise, and memorable statement- Summarize your company's purpose, target audience, and core values in an inspiring and motivating way
5Revise and Refine- Seek feedback from stakeholders- Carefully review and revise the mission statement to ensure it accurately reflects your company's purpose, target audience, and values

The Template in Action

Integrating your mission statement into business operations, start writing your mission statement today.

A compelling mission statement is a defining piece of a business plan, articulating the company’s purpose, values, and goals. It sets the direction for the organization, guides decision-making processes, and communicates its purpose to stakeholders.

Remember that a mission statement is a dynamic expression of your company’s ethos, and revisiting and refining it over time can ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in guiding your business toward a bright and prosperous future.

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How to Write a Mission Statement for Business Plan With Examples

Mission and Vision Statement Templates

Mission and Vision Statement Templates

  • December 15, 2023

how to write a mission statement for business plan

Every business is as unique as its audience. Each one strives to put its best foot forward, especially when it comes to customers.

While there are countless marketing strategies—social media, content, email—all of the above marketing materials are linked to the business’s common purpose.

This is where a mission statement comes in. A business plan mission statement displays the purpose and values of a business, giving a clear message to customers about what your business is about.

But writing a mission statement that’s catchy and concise is a task. So, in this article, let’s see how to write a mission statement and why you need it.

What is a mission statement?

A mission statement is a short actionable statement that specifies your company’s core purpose, principles, and goals. It states the value your company creates for your customers, employees, stakeholders, and owners.

In short, it’s a snippet representing why your business exists and what it does.

People often use mission and vision statements interchangeably, but they are different. Let’s see how.

Mission statement vs. vision statement

Your mission statement focuses on what you do and how you do it. It details the organization’s current purpose, core values, and primary objectives. This provides a framework for the organization’s day-to-day operations.

In contrast, a vision statement describes where you aim to reach in the future. It outlines the long-term goals and the desired future position of the company. A clear vision statement inspires and motivates stakeholders by offering a clear and compelling future direction.

Now that we’ve clarified the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement, let’s dive into why the mission statement is so important.

Why is a mission statement important?

Mission statements are necessary for any business. They not only guide internal operations but also communicate the company’s purpose to external people.

Here are some of the reasons why you need to have a great mission statement in a business plan:

Gives clear direction

A mission statement outlines the company’s purpose. Thus, it acts as a guiding star for decision-making and strategic planning, ensuring that all actions align with the company’s core values and primary goals.

Inspires and motivates employees

A well-crafted mission statement can inspire and motivate employees by providing them with direction. It also helps them understand how their roles will contribute to the company’s goals, especially the larger ones, encouraging unity among them.

Engages customers

A concise mission statement communicates the business’s values and company’s goals to customers, helping to build trust and loyalty. It tells customers what the organization stands for and why they should choose its products or services over competitors.

Supports marketing efforts

A mission statement can enhance branding and marketing efforts by clearly conveying the business’s identity and purpose. It helps create a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with customers, investors, and other audiences, boosting the business’s market position.

Now that you know the importance of the mission statement, let’s dive deep into learning how to write one.

How to write a mission statement for your business plan?

A company’s mission statement is barely three sentences long. But, ironically, its simplicity makes it so tricky to write.

Here are the following steps that make it easy for you to write a mission statement:

Step 1: Ask the right questions

Before you begin the mission statement writing process, understand your business in its entirety. Articulating the answers to the following questions can be helpful:

  • In what industry are you working?
  • Who’s your target audience?
  • What are your offerings?
  • What are your unique selling propositions (USPs)?
  • What customer problems do you solve through your offerings?
  • What’s the value you deliver through your product or services?
  • What’s your brand personality?
  • What are your competitive advantages?

how to make mission in business plan

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Craft a strong and purposeful mission statement in minutes with our easy-to-use Free AI Mission Statement Generator .

Step 2: Organize the answers

After answering all the above questions, organize them into the following categories:

The value you add to your customers

List down how you make your customers’ lives better. It can be through your products, the methods you use to deliver them, or through non-profit work and community service.

For instance, if you own a green tea brand, you add value to your customers by providing healthy beverages. Additionally, if you support recycling, you provide a sense of ethical consumerism.

The value you add to your employees

Here, write down how you create value for your employees.

These could be the:

  • Employee retention strategies you employ
  • Benefits and perks you offer
  • Work culture in your company
  • Training programs you offer

The value you add to your owners

Here’s the thing: Not many mission statements talk about the owners and stakeholders.

However, it can be beneficial to state how your business adds value to them. Why? Doing so can be a subtle indication to prospective investors that they might want to be associated with your company.

For example, “ Our mission is to deliver exceptional value to our customers while ensuring significant returns and growth opportunities for our owners and stakeholders. ”

The impact you want to create

Here, state the mission you want to achieve in the long run through your offerings. State the impact you aim to create via value addition for your target audience, employees, owners, and stakeholders.

Remember the green tea brand example? The goal of such a company could be to promote a healthy lifestyle and advocate for sustainability.

Step 3: Draft, edit, and review

Once you have organized all the answers, start creating drafts of your mission statement. Don’t make it a lengthy essay; remember, a good mission statement is supposed to be short and simple. Below are the components you need to incorporate in your mission statement.

Key elements of a great mission statement

key elements of a mission statement

  • Core values: Mention how you create and deliver value to your customers, employees, investors, and society at large.
  • Inspiration: Define the motive for people to follow you. Why do they want to buy from you, work with you, or invest in you?
  • USP: Highlight the unique aspects that make the organization distinct and valuable.
  • Target audience: Identify the primary stakeholders or target audience the organization serves. This could include customers, employees, shareholders, or the community.
Without a mission statement, you may get to the top of the ladder and then realize it was leaning against the wrong building. – Dave Ramsey

Step 4: Update when needed

It’s necessary to keep updating your mission statement to align with your company’s current situation.

As your business grows and evolves, so do your company’s goals , target audience, and guiding principles. Therefore, regularly revisiting and revising your mission statement ensures that it reflects the current company’s vision and direction.

A strong and concise statement can keep your investors hooked and inspire your team. Don’t just write buzzwords. A mission statement should be accurate, ambitious, ethical, and achievable.

Make it a practice to review your mission statement frequently—at least once a year or whenever significant changes occur in your business. This proactive approach helps maintain alignment between your mission and your company’s path forward.

Mission statement examples of popular brands

A well-written mission statement tells everything about your company. Here are some examples of well-crafted mission statements by famous companies:

1. Starbucks

To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

In the first part of the statement, Starbucks describes the work culture it promotes and the customer service delivered. The second part points to its mission of growing and expanding.

To provide the best in cosmetics innovation to women and men around the world with respect for their diversity.

L’Oréal’s mission statement is simple and direct focusing on two aspects.

One: Provide the best products.

Two: Promote inclusivity by creating products for a diverse population.

To bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons, and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.

Apple’s mission statement doesn’t have much wordplay and clearly conveys the point. It emphasizes three key aspects: its products, its audience, and its scope of business.

To be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.

Amazon aims to satisfy customers the most by providing a vast selection of products and making shopping easy. This is exactly reflected in the company’s mission statement.

5. Microsoft

To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Microsoft’s mission statement is simple yet powerful. It concentrates on empowering individuals and organizations by providing them with the technology to reach their full potential.

To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are an athlete.

Nike’s mission statement focuses on inspiring all levels of athletes and the inclusivity of everyone as an athlete. Besides that, they also emphasis innovation in sportswear.

To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

This statement is about forward-thinking. It’s all about speeding up the use of sustainable energy solutions.

To entertain, inform, and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds, and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.

Disney’s mission statement emphasizes its commitment to creating magical experiences for audiences worldwide. Through their iconic brands, creative talents, and innovative technologies, Disney aims to delight and inspire people of all ages, shaping the entertainment world.

To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

Google’s mission statement is loud and clear. It emphasizes organizing all the information available globally and making it accessible to everyone.

To give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.

Meta’s mission statement is empowering and inclusive. It emphasizes providing people with the tools to build communities and fostering connections to bring the world closer together.

In summary, a mission statement is the essence of a business in under 30-40 words. It shows what your business is all about and why it matters.

However, creating a mission statement along with a solid business plan is necessary yet challenging. Consider using software like Upmetrics to ease your journey of business planning and financial forecasting.

Upmetrics guides you step-by-step, helping you create a clear and effective mission statement with a business plan that sets you up for success.

Start crafting yours today with Upmetrics and see where it takes you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides the mission statement.

Founders, the CEO, or the chairperson frame a mission statement. Many times, such people even team up to develop a mission statement. This team consists of senior and board members who know the company inside out.

Can we change the mission statement?

Changing a mission statement is uncommon but possible. So yes, if the mission changes over the course of years, companies may change their mission statements. The change could be for rebranding purposes, a change of product or services, a change of target audience, a change of authority, or so on.

If the company changes, does the mission statement change too?

If the company’s mission has changed, then yes. However, the company’s change can mean many things, like:

  • Has the product and services changed?
  • Has the target audience changed?
  • Has the authority changed?

Sometimes, the change of the company also means the presence, absence, or change of a merger and/or association. In any case, the company can change its mission statement.

How important is it to have a mission statement?

An effective mission statement is a necessity. Through it, you answer some of the most important business questions like why does your company exist? What change is it trying to make in society? How does the world benefit from its existence? Answers to such questions keep you and your team on track.

About the Author

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Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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35 Vision And Mission Statement Examples That Will Inspire Your Buyers

Lindsay Kolowich Cox

Published: February 28, 2024

Why do you choose to buy products and services from certain brands even when cheaper options exist? It often comes down to a compelling brand mission — like these 35 mission statement examples.

mission and vision statement examples

Brands use a mission statement to express their values. As consumers, we like to patronize businesses that have values we believe in.

→ Free Resource: 100 Mission Statement Templates & Examples

A strong mission statement makes it easy for consumers to understand your values and feel confident purchasing from you.

Still, loyalty doesn’t happen overnight. Building brand loyalty, like creating mission and vision statements, takes time. You may just find the inspiration that you need in someone else’s mission statement, so we’ve gathered 35 example mission statements to help make your research easy.

If you’re in a bit of a time crunch, use this table of contents to find precisely what you’re looking for to inspire the development of your company’s mission.

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Table of Contents

What is a mission statement?

How to write a mission statement, what is a vision statement.

  • Mission vs Vision Statements

Mission and Vision Statement Template

Best mission statement examples.

  • Best Vision Statements Examples

A mission statement is a simple statement about the goals, values, and objectives of an organization. A mission statement summarizes why a business exists and helps a company respond to change and make decisions that align with its vision.

This brief description helps customers, employees, and leadership understand the organization’s top priorities.

An effective mission statement will naturally change over time. As a company grows, it may reach its early goals, and they’ll change. It’s important to revise mission statements as needed to reflect the business’s new culture as it achieves its goals and develops new targets.

What makes a good mission statement?

A great mission statement combines physical, emotional, and logical elements into one exceptional customer (and employee) experience that you value as much as they do. A good mission statement will not only explain your brand’s purpose but will also foster a connection with customers.

When your brand creates a genuine connection with customers and employees, they’ll stay loyal to your company, thereby increasing your overall profitability.

Mission statements also help you stand out in the marketplace, differentiating your brand from the competition.

I’ve personally observed that there’s more brand recognition for companies when consumers think they have an important mission.

When wearing a pair of TOMS shoes, I’ve noticed that people comment more on my shoes than when I’m wearing Converse or Nike shoes (which are both more well-known brands). TOMS famously created the One for One® model, where they vowed to donate one pair of shoes for every one purchased.

A memorable company mission makes your product more noteworthy.

What are the three parts of a mission statement?

Your mission statement should clearly express what your brand does, how it does it, and why the brand does it. You can quickly sum this up in your mission statement by providing the following:

  • Brand purpose. What does your product or service do or aim to offer and for whom?
  • Brand values. What does your company stand for? For example, are you environmentally conscious and provide a more sustainable solution to solve a problem? Values are what make your company unique.
  • Brand goals. What does your company accomplish for customers? Why should they purchase from you instead of other competitors?

With these three components, you can create a mission that is unique to your brand and resonates with potential customers. Next, we’ll guide you step by step on how to write a proper mission statement to build on as your company evolves.

You understand the importance of a well-crafted mission statement that effectively summarizes a company’s purpose, but how do you write one? Let’s look at the steps to write a good mission statement, and then we’ll dive into mission statement examples to inspire your creativity.

  • Explain your company’s product or service offering.
  • Identify the company’s core values.
  • Connect how your company’s offering aligns with your values.
  • Condense these statements into one.
  • Refine your mission statement.

1. Explain your company’s product or service offering.

A good mission statement helps prospects understand what your company does in a literal sense. This means explaining your offering in basic, clear terms. Your explanation should answer the most basic questions like:

  • Are you selling a product or service?
  • Why would customers buy it?
  • How does your offering solve for the customer?

Record your answers and focus on how your product or service brings value to your buyer personas , otherwise known as your target audience.

2. Identify the company’s core values.

Now, this is where you can start thinking bigger. You didn’t just make a product or service at random. Instead, you’re most likely motivated by a set of core values . This is particularly important for socially conscious businesses and brands that care about well-being.

Core values are deeply ingrained principles that guide a company’s actions. Take HubSpot’s culture code, HEART , for example:

  • Empathetic.
  • Remarkable.
  • Transparent.

These are principles that not only company employees respect but are principles that our customers appreciate as well. By identifying core values that hold meaning on personal and organizational levels, you’ll have an appealing set to add to your mission statement.

3. Connect how your company’s offering aligns with your values.

So, how can your company offering serve your core values? You need to draw a connection between the two in a way that makes sense to the public.

For example, if one of your core values centers on innovation, you want to frame your product or service as pushing boundaries and explaining how it helps customers innovate their lives or business practices. Essentially, you’re taking the literal benefit of the offering and expanding it to serve a higher purpose.

4. Condense these statements into one.

A mission statement can be as short as a single sentence or as long as a paragraph, but it’s meant to be a short summary of your company’s purpose. You need to state the what, who, and why of your company:

  • What — The company offering.
  • Who — Who you’re selling to.
  • Why — The core values you do it for.

Condense this to be between one and three sentences long. At this stage of development, it’s often helpful to write several mission statement drafts to help process ideas and experiment.

Once you have successfully conveyed your brand’s message, it’s time to refine and perfect your mission statement.

5. Refine your mission statement.

Above all, your mission statement stands as a marketing asset that is meant to be:

  • Free of fluff.

Your mission statement should clearly outline the purpose of your company offering, capture the company spirit, and show the common goals the company is working to achieve.

Have other team members or advisors read your mission statement draft and make adjustments if needed according to their recommendations. This is normally a slow process for brands, and I’ll share ideas and company mission statement examples in a moment to help inspire creativity in the writing process.

A vision statement is aspirational and expresses your brand’s plan or “vision” for the future and potential impact on the world. They often serve as a guide for a brand’s future goals and explain why customers and employees should stick around for the long haul.

What makes a good vision statement?

A good vision statement should be bold and ambitious. It’s meant to be an inspirational, big-picture declaration of what your company strives to be in the future. It gives customers a peek into your company’s trajectory and builds customer loyalty by allowing them to align their support with your vision because they believe in the future of your brand as well.

What are the three parts of a vision statement?

Your company vision is meant to be inspirational while also aligning with the company’s mission. A vision statement should have the following characteristics:

  • Aspirational and ambitious. Have a lofty outlook for what you want your business to accomplish? Here’s the place to put it. Your vision statement should be aspirational and showcase how your business will grow in the future.
  • Practical and achievable. While your statement should be ambitious, it shouldn’t be impossible. Set a goal that is both challenging and practical.
  • General. Your vision should be broad enough to encompass all of your brand’s overall goals. Think of it as an umbrella for your mission statement and company objectives to nest under.

Both mission and vision statements are often combined into one comprehensive “mission statement” to define the organization’s reason for existing and its outlook for internal and external audiences — like employees, partners, board members, consumers, and shareholders.

The difference between mission and vision statements lies in the purpose they serve.

Mission Statement vs. Vision Statement

A mission statement clarifies what the company wants to achieve, who they want to support, and why they want to support them. On the other hand, a vision statement describes where the company wants a community, or the world, to be as a result of the company’s services.

Thus, a mission statement is a roadmap for the company’s vision statement.

A mission statement is a literal quote stating what a brand or company is setting out to do. This lets the public know the product and service it offers, who it makes it for, and why it’s doing it. A vision statement is a brand looking toward the future and saying what it hopes to achieve through its mission statement. This is more conceptual, as it’s a glimpse into what the brand can become in the eyes of the consumer and the value it will bring in the long term.

In summary, the main differences between a mission statement and a vision statement are:

  • Mission statements describe the current purpose a company serves. The company’s function, target audience, and key offerings are elements that are often mentioned in a mission statement.
  • Vision statements are a look into a company’s future or what its overarching vision is. The same elements from the mission statement can be included in a vision statement, but they’ll be described in the future tense.

Now that we know what they are, let’s dive into some useful examples of each across different industries.

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Ownr Blog  > Ownrship 101  > Business Stages  > Managing Your Business  > Marketing  > How to Write an Effective Mission Statement for Your Business

How to Write an Effective Mission Statement for Your Business

Ownr Author

Writing a mission statement is a fundamental step for any business. A good mission statement effectively communicates to customers, investors, employees, and other businesses who you are, what you do, and why you do it. In this guide, we describe what a mission statement is, provide some mission statement examples to inspire you, and walk you through how to create a mission statement for your own business.

  • What is a Mission Statement?

A mission statement is a clear, succinct explanation of the purpose of a business. You already know exactly what your business does and why, but your mission statement needs to summarize all of that information into a single sentence or short paragraph. 

Unless your company changes drastically, a business mission and mission statement usually don’t change too much over time.

  • What are the 3 Purposes of a Mission Statement?

A mission statement explains a business’s objectives, and in doing so, fulfills the following 3 specific purposes:

  • 1. Communicate Business Values

The main purpose of a mission statement is to clearly express what your business is all about, including your company values. A unique, memorable mission statement can provide you with a competitive advantage by differentiating you from the competition.

  • 2. Connect with Customers and Team Members

A good mission statement fosters genuine connection with potential customers and employees, which in turn can lead to growth in reputation, brand loyalty, and overall profitability.

  • 3. Guide Business Decisions

Being a business owner means having to make all kinds of decisions constantly, both big and small. Your mission statement should act as a guide you can refer back to for all manner of business decisions, as well as a means of evaluating how your company performance is measuring up to the goals you set.

  • Mission Statement Examples

To give you a better idea of exactly what mission statements involve, here are some mission statement examples from leading companies:

  • 1. Starbucks
To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time.

Why it works: Starbucks is more than a utilitarian coffee shop where you go to get your caffeine fix and leave. They “inspire and nurture the human spirit” by inviting customers to linger and relax in coffee shops outfitted with art and inspiring images and stories about their coffee growers – their “partners”. To create a sense of community and provide a personal touch they ask for customers’ names, making customers feel welcome “one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.” We get a strong sense of Starbucks’ “why” from this mission statement.

To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.

Why it works: Nike provides an excellent example of how you can employ your brand’s tone of voice effectively even in something as brief as a mission statement. Here, their famous commitment to being innovators in the sports apparel space is clear. This mission statement communicates that one of their core “whys” is to inspire. The best part, though, is the cheeky and unexpected asterisk accompanied by the inclusive declaration that “if you have a body, you are an athlete.” This perfectly communicates that Nike is committed to empowering all people, regardless of body type or athletic ability, in an unexpected mission statement structure that is both memorable and on-brand. 

To enrich the lives of everyone in WestJet’s world. We’re proud to have won awards that show us you think we do.

Why it works: This is a great example of a mission statement that reflects a commitment to both customers and employees. By stating that its mission is to “enrich the lives of everyone in Westjet’s world,” Westjet conveys its commitment to provide a satisfying work environment for employees, as well as a rewarding travel experience for customers. By using the word “world” instead of, say, community, it invokes the idea of travel and exploration, reminding us that “Westjet’s world” spans the globe. The second line offers proof their mission statement isn’t just empty words. Not only has the company won awards, they indicate gratitude to the reader for helping them with that achievement. 

To make work life simpler, more pleasant and more productive.

Why it works: Slack’s “why” is all about keeping things uncomplicated, and achieving more with ease. This mission statement shows that brevity can be very effective. It’s short even by mission statement standards, but it reflects the experience that Slack wants its users to have on the platform: simple, pleasant, and productive. The choice of the term “work life” instead of just “life reminds us that work is a major part of life, so we should aim to make it less stressful and complicated, something Slack achieves with their product. Finally, their stated aim to make work life “more pleasant”, evokes their generally positive outlook about work and their mission to make it even better.   

To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Why it works: Tesla is a car manufacturer known for its pioneering electric vehicles. Tesla is certainly a car manufacturer with a mission, and even people who don’t know much about cars can associate the name with electric vehicles. Their mission statement reflects a commitment to reducing the world’s reliance on fossil fuels by speeding up a transition that is already underway. Notice that they don’t even mention cars in their mission statement, but rather allude to driving with the word “accelerate”. It’s great copy that is subtle and clearly demonstrates their vehicles are a means to a greener world. 

To create a better everyday life for the many people

Why it works: Ikea’s products have changed the way people furnish their homes by offering sleek, innovative solutions for every room at an affordable price. Their mission statement indicates their broad range of products with the phrase “better everyday life”. And “the many people” conveys their mission to serve as many people in the world as possible. The slightly awkward use of “the” in “for the many people” cheekily invokes their Swedish origins and their often idiosyncratic ads, typically delivered in a Swedish accent. This mission statement is uncomplicated, just like their products. 

To be a company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity. 

Why it works: Since Sony makes such a wide range of electronics and technologies, from cameras and gaming consoles to robotics and AI, they keep it simple by focusing on one thread that runs through their enterprise: curiosity. Whether it’s curiosity about the world, art, music, technology, or entertainment, Sony conveys that their products will not only inspire their customers’ curiosity but also provide the means to fulfill it through innovative products, themselves the result of curiosity and ingenuity.  

  • 8. Microsoft
To enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential

Why it works: Microsoft’s mission statement is clear, simple, and to the point: their products are made for people and businesses, and by using Microsoft’s suite of products, individual and corporate customers can reach their full potential.  

To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

Why it works: Google’s concise statement reveals an enormous mission: to catalogue all of the world’s information so that it can be accessed by anyone, anytime. This statement indicates Google’s commitment to democratizing access to information in an organized and easy-to-use manner. 

  • 10. Ben and Jerry’s
To create fantastic ice cream (for its own sake). 

Why it works: Ben and Jerry’s is known for its delicious, ever-expanding variety of ice cream flavours. Its mission statement explains what they do in simple terms: make fantastic ice cream. This clearly indicates their commitment to a delicious, high-quality product. The unique use of parentheses to explain why they do this—”for its own sake”—keeps the tone light and fun, and cheekily affirms that ice cream, itself, is inherently reason enough (as if to say, who doesn’t like ice cream?)

  • 11. sweetgreen
“Building healthier communities by connecting people to real food.”

This mission statement concisely informs the audience of the type of products they provide, while tying into sweetgreen’s broader commitments to animal welfare and becoming carbon neutral.

“Discover and spread ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding, and drive meaningful change.”

TED’s mission statement effectively communicates their core idea: that sharing ideas can change the world for the better. It’s a lofty goal, but it seems more achievable because of the way they break it down.

“The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.”

In their mission statement, Disney makes a point of first emphasizing the power of storytelling before moving on to graciously acknowledge and bring attention to the brands, employees, and technology that sets them apart from the competition.

“Giving people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.”

Meta makes it clear right off the bat that they are all about empowering their customers, giving them the ability to connect with consistent innovation and development.

  • 15. Penguin Random House
“To ignite a universal passion for reading by creating books for everyone. We believe that books, and the stories and ideas they hold, have the unique capacity to connect us, change us, and carry us toward a better future for generations to come.”

With their initial statement, Penguin Random House emphasizes that they serve everyone. They go on to explain how they believe that books can connect and change present and future generations. These values can be seen in their focus on equity, inclusion, and amplifying diverse voices.

“Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, Earth’s best employer, and Earth’s safest place to work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon.”

Amazon opts for a lengthier mission statement that lists their business principles before expressing their desire to be not only the most customer-centric company, but also the best employer and safest place to work. They then list a number of innovations which may be recognizable to consumers, emphasizing their impressive market share. 

  • 17. YouTube
“Our mission is to give everyone a voice and show them the world. We believe that everyone deserves to have a voice, and that the world is a better place when we listen, share and build community through our stories.”

YouTube keeps their mission statement relatively simple, focusing on giving everyone a voice while providing access to all of the other voices around the world. They take it a step further by expressing the belief that sharing our stories and listening to others makes the world a better place.

“Keep Commerce Human Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s home to a universe of special, extraordinary items, from unique handcrafted pieces to vintage treasures. In a time of increasing automation, it’s our mission to keep human connection at the heart of commerce. That’s why we built a place where creativity lives and thrives because it’s powered by people. We help our community of sellers turn their ideas into successful businesses. Our platform connects them with millions of buyers looking for an alternative – something special with a human touch, for those moments in life that deserve imagination. As a company, we strive to lead with our guiding principles and to help spread ideas of sustainability and responsibility whose impact can reach far beyond our own business.”

Etsy’s statement is unique since they choose to summarize their mission in three words, before going into detail about what their business offers the consumer and how they support their sellers, all while emphasizing the human touch.

“We are revolutionizing commerce globally. With this mission as our North Star, we are aligned around one central vision: to make sending and receiving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure. Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day.”

This statement immediately expresses PayPal’s mission to revolutionize commerce around the world, going on to provide further context by mentioning what services they offer, emphasizing  keeping the experience simple and safe, and stating that these values guide their everyday operations. 

  • 23. Alzheimer’s Association 
“The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.”

The Alzheimer’s Association’s mission statement speaks to their future goal of eradicating Alzheimer’s and dementia, while succinctly stating the methods they use at present to achieve these goals. 

  • Why are Mission Statements Important?

A great mission statement can be a valuable tool to keep your business on track, especially when setting goals or making big decisions, ensuring your efforts remain aligned with what you want your business to accomplish. The ability to maintain a clear vision for your business approach is a trait that distinguishes the most successful businesses . 

In addition to helping guide business decisions, a mission statement can also serve to provide guidance and a sense of identity to employees.

  • Not Just for Internal Use

Potential customers, employees, or investors may look at your mission statement when determining whether to work with you. A well-written mission statement can make all the difference.

  • What to Include in Your Mission Statement

Your mission statement should be unique to your business, and what you include will depend on your particular focus and values. Typically, a mission statement includes a basic description of the company, its purpose, its goals, and can also cover how the business serves customers, employees, the community, and the world.

That said, here are the 3 main things you should include in a mission statement:

  • 1. What your Business Does

Anyone reading your mission statement should be able to tell what type of business you do.

  • 2. How your Business Achieves its Goals

Make sure to address what you’re doing differently and why people should choose your business over your competitor.

  • 3. Why you Do What you Do

Give people something to root for by talking about your larger purpose and why it matters.

  • How to Write a Mission Statement

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you create a mission statement:

  • Write some bullet points about what your business does, the product or service you offer, and your target audience .
  • List some of your core values, including what motivated you to start this business, and what principles guide your decision making.
  • Bring the two together by defining how your offering aligns with the values you’ve identified.
  • Finally, take what you’ve written and condense it into a straight-to-the-point mission statement. 
  • Keep it Concise

Part of the challenge of mission statement writing is figuring out how to say everything you want while keeping it brief. Remember, you can include additional information elsewhere: many leading companies have sections on their websites that go into further detail than the initial mission statement.

  • Mission Statement vs Vision Statement

A mission statement differs from a vision statement, although some companies may lump them together. While a mission statement focuses on the company’s fundamental purpose, a vision statement typically outlines where the company plans to be in the future and can provide more details on its strategy to get there.

If you’re looking to craft a vision statement, the Vision Statement module of Ownr’s free business plan generator, Blueprint contains examples to kickstart your imagination and help you build a compelling vision statement for your business.

Here are some vision statement examples to help you tell the difference:

  • Vision Statement Examples
  • 1. LinkedIn

“Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.”

  • 2. Alzheimer’s Association 

“A world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®”

  • 3. American Express

“Provide the world’s best customer experience every day.”

  • Mission Statement vs Purpose Statement

Some organizations write purpose statements in addition to mission statements. A purpose statement focuses on why a business came into existence in the first place. This may include mentioning a problem the business seeks to solve or a unique opportunity the business is leveraging. It can also be a bit longer and provide a brief summary of how the business came to be. 

  • How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Mission Statements

According to some experts, many companies have mission statements that are too vague , unrealistic, or contain too much business jargon. 

Here are some tips on how to avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Be Accurate

Don’t include words just because they sound good. You may end up with a mission statement that sounds catchy, but serves no use as a guide for your company.

  • Be Realistic

It’s good to be ambitious, but your mission statement should be realistic. If the mission statement sets a purpose and goals that are clearly unobtainable, it won’t be taken seriously.

Avoid writing a mission statement that’s generic or vague. One useful trick is to ask yourself if one of your competitors could use the exact same mission statement. This will help you focus on being more specific about your unique purpose, goals, and values.

Now you know what it takes to craft an effective mission statement. Put these tips into practice and you’ll have a clear and concise statement that keeps your company on track.

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This article offers general information only, is current as of the date of publication, and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Ventures Inc. or its affiliates.

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How to Write a Mission Statement

Focus your company in 3 easy steps with examples

Susan Ward wrote about small businesses for The Balance for 18 years. She has run an IT consulting firm and designed and presented courses on how to promote small businesses.

how to make mission in business plan

© The Balance, 2018

A mission statement articulates a company's purpose. It announces to the world at large why your company exists. Every business should have a mission statement as a way of unifying the organization.

You can think of a mission statement as a combination of what your business or nonprofit does and how and why it does it, expressed in a way that encapsulates the values that are important to you. It can be a challenge to clearly and concisely bring these ideas together, though. Here is a simple guide—along with some examples—for writing your own company mission statement.

Describe What Your Company Does

There's no need to be fancy here. Just say it simply for the moment. What product or service does your business produce or provide? Get down to the bare basics and don't add any filler. You will elaborate on this purpose in the next steps.

My company's purpose is to:

  • Provide educational services
  • Grow market vegetables
  • Design phone apps 
  • Provide financial advice
  • Sell women's clothing
  • Provide pet sitting services

Describe How Your Company Does What It Does

This is the tricky part, because we're not looking for a detailed description of your business' physical operations here. Instead, we're looking for a description of how your business generally operates. This usually means incorporating one or more of your core values into your description.

So take a moment to list the core values that are important to express in your business. Here are some sample values that you may want to use when you write a mission statement:

  • Provide high product quality
  • Provide superior customer service
  • Protect the quality of the environment
  • Ensure equal access to resources
  • Encourage innovation /creativity
  • Practice sustainable development

It might be helpful to focus on your business' core competencies when you're considering which values are worthy of including in your mission statement. Zero in on one (or two at the most) to add to your description of what your company does.

Mission Statement Examples

Here's what the first three examples from step one might look like when you add values to them. 

  • Sell shoes of the highest quality.
  • Provide educational services that allow all children to experience learning success.
  • Grow market vegetables using organic, sustainable farming practices.

Remember, these are not finished yet. There's one step to go before your mission statement is complete.

Add Why Your Company Does What It Does

This is the part of your mission statement that describes your spark—the passion behind your business.

Why does your business do what it does? For some people, it helps to think back on why they started their business in the first place.

This is what our three mission statement examples might look like when you add "why" to them: 

  • Sell shoes of the highest quality so every customer can find a pair of shoes they actually love to wear.
  • Provide educational services that allow all children to experience learning success and become life-long learners and contributing members of our community.
  • Grow market vegetables using organic, sustainable farming practices to give people safe and healthy food choices.

When you're finished, have another look at your mission statement and see if it captures what you want to say or if there's a better way of phrasing it. Be sure to change the phrase "my company's purpose" to the name of your company.

"My company's purpose is to grow market vegetables using organic, sustainable farming practices to give people safe and healthy food choices,"

might become:

"At Earth's Bounty, we grow market vegetables in a way that's good for the earth and good for the table."

And, "Our company's purpose is to provide educational services that allow all children to experience learning success and become life-long learners and contributing members of our community,"

could be better phrased as:

"Our company, Hopscotch Learning, exists to provide educational services that allow all children to experience success in learning and success in life."

Put Your New Mission Statement to Work

Once you've crafted your business's new mission statement, you'll want to put it to work right away.

Besides directing your business planning , you want your mission statement to be front and center in the minds of everyone who works in or interacts with your business. As the statement of why your business exists, it also explains to them why they would want to do business with you.

Some businesses go so far as to make their mission statements the themes of their advertising campaigns. If you do nothing else, you should make sure your mission statement is highly visible on your business premises, website, and all your marketing materials.

A good mission statement isn't just a slogan; it's the foundation of your operations manual—and it can't provide guidance if people aren't familiar with it.

Besides having mission statements to communicate who they are and what they do, successful small businesses also have vision statements to describe their ultimate achievements. You can follow a similar process to create your own vision statement.

Examples of Famous Mission Statements

  Justin Sullivan  / Staff / Getty Images

Virgin Airways : "Our mission statement is simple, yet the foundation of everything we do here at Virgin Atlantic Airways... to embrace the human spirit and let it fly."

Tesla : "Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy."

Facebook : "Founded in 2004, Facebook's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. People use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what's going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them."

Starbucks : "To inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time."

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How to Write a Mission Statement

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When you’re first starting a business, writing a mission statement may seem like a challenge, but it can be pretty simple. Your mission statement is a critical component of your business plan . It articulates why you started your company and what you hope to achieve. And when written well, your mission statement serves as an invaluable marketing tool for your business.

In this article, we’ll show you how to craft an authentic mission statement that resonates with your customers, employees and business peers. Also, be sure to review our mission statement template infographic at the end of this guide — it will help you dive into the writing process with greater clarity and confidence.

how to make mission in business plan

What is a mission statement?

Your mission statement explains, briefly and concisely, the mission you first set out to accomplish when you started your business. Your mission statement should also make clear how you’re unique to your competition, hint at your business strategy, reflect your core values and ethics and take your universal or longer-term business goals into account.

If you’re starting a daycare , for instance, your mission might be to provide safe, flexible and affordable child care and children’s education for parents in your community. If you’re starting a wedding planning business , your mission may be to provide hands-on, personalized support to busy spouses-to-be who don’t have the bandwidth to deal with crazy wedding logistics. Your mission statement is simply a polished and cohesive version of your business's essential purpose.

You will usually feature your mission statement on your website in the “About” section or company overview section, and in job postings, marketing supplements and your business plan. It’s one of the business fundamentals that you’ll find will have many uses as you grow your business.

Why you need a mission statement

In his Ted Talk about effective leadership, Simon Sinek says that business leaders should be able to answer these questions: “What’s your purpose? What’s your cause? What’s your belief? Why does your organization exist? Why do you get out of bed in the morning? And why should anyone care?”

When you encapsulate your answers in a cohesive mission statement, you tell everybody:

Who you are.

Why you matter.

What you stand for.

This is critical because your mission statement should affect every future business decision — from hiring your first employee to how your brand yourself. Every choice you make should align with your company’s core purpose and beliefs.

Now, let’s move on to the nuts and bolts of writing your mission statement. It will help you create a comprehensive business plan that will guide you in launching, running and growing your business.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

How to write a mission statement in 5 steps

Now that you understand why a mission statement is essential, we’ll dive into the details about how to write a mission statement.

1. Free write about starting your company

Don’t expect to produce a polished and publishable mission statement as soon as you put pen to paper (or fingers to keys). To overcome any stress or writer's block, try “free writing” about your business instead.

As we’ve mentioned, your mission statement conveys your business’s “why.” What problem did you seek to solve when you started your business? Why was this particular problem important for you to take on? What inspired you to start your business? And how does your product or service solve that problem better than your competition does?

If you have or plan on hiring employees, touch on the vision of the working environment you aim to provide for them, as well. What kinds of people comprise your team, and how do they align with your business’s overall values?

At this stage, you’re simply gathering your thoughts and pointing yourself in the direction of a complete mission statement. The most important thing is to generate the raw material; you can hone and edit from there.

2. Explain what your company does

Next, you can get a little more granular and explain precisely what product or service your company provides, focusing on how your particular product or service offers value for your target customer. This explanation should touch on your broader mission and how your business differs from others like yours, either explicitly or implicitly. Keep this short, concise and specific.

For example, let’s take a look at our hypothetical wedding consultant example. If that’s you, you could write that you provide couples with wedding consulting and planning services, as well as day-of coordination. Personalize your services according to the couple’s particular needs and wishes. This thoughtful, bespoke level of service puts busy couples without the time or desire to handle planning and logistics at ease, so they can truly enjoy their big day.

3. Describe your ideal customer

Learning how to write a mission statement is a critical component of customer-facing marketing material; it must articulate who your business serves, why someone should choose to work with you, and what you can do for your customers.

Start by describing your ideal customer: What are their general demographics? What do their professional and personal lives look like? What problems or challenges are they facing? How do they find new businesses or products (i.e., Instagram, word of mouth, or another marketing tactic)? How do you want your customers to feel when they use your product or service?

On the flip side, you can consider the types of customers your business wouldn’t be best suited for. This is also known as creating a buyer persona, and it’ll help you hone in on who your target market is and how to fashion your mission statement so that it resonates with their particular needs and desires.

This probably won’t appear verbatim in your final mission statement, but it’ll help you hone in on what you do, why you do it and the unique value you bring to your customers’ lives.

4. Define your core values

Your mission statement should convey your business’s values and ethics as much as it does your literal product or service.

Let’s return to our daycare center owner example. Your business’s core values might:

Flexibility.

An accessible price point for parents with demanding or unusual working hours.

Providing children with a creative, nurturing and cooperative environment.

Specializing or focusing on a particular subject, such as art, music, or group projects.

This is as important for your customers to understand as it is for your current and prospective employees, as well as key stakeholders like lenders, investors and other owners. Those core values shape your company culture, offer your current employees both an ethical and goal-oriented guidepost and attract the right employees. You will also help lenders and investors understand your larger, longer-term goals (and why they should invest in your business).

5. Revise and condense your mission statement

We’ve noted that your mission statement should reflect your business’s purpose and goals and that you should be authentic — but don’t mistake your mission statement for an essay, op-ed, or journal entry. At its core, your mission statement is a marketing asset. That means it should be relatively short and concise.

Once you’ve written to your heart’s content, try to cut your statement down to a few paragraphs. Then, try to condense it even further so you can easily use this one- or two-liner in your marketing materials; think of this as the elevator pitch version of a more comprehensive mission statement.

Get some readers on board, too. If you have employees, run your mission statement by them to gauge their opinion (after all, this is as much for them as it is for you and your customers). Also, consider sharing your mission statement with your advisors and even trusted customers to ensure that your statement accurately portrays your business and reflects your long-term goals.

Mission statement examples

If reading about how to write a mission statement still leaves you feeling stuck or lost, you can always consult the brands you admire to get a sense of how they approached their statements. Typically, brands include their mission statements on the “About,” “Our Story” or “Our Mission” page of their websites.

Here are just a few mission statement examples we collected from successful brands. Note that some of these mission statement examples are longer than what we’ve included here, so if one resonates with you, we’d recommend heading directly to their website to read the full statement.

Glossier: “You have now entered a people-powered beauty ecosystem. Here you’ll find products inspired by the people who use them, along with people to be inspired by, and for you to inspire. Glossier was founded on the fact that beauty isn’t made in a boardroom — it happens when the individual is celebrated. Personal choice is the most important decision a brand can never make.”

Spotify: “With Spotify, it’s easy to find the right music or podcast for every moment — on your phone, your computer, your tablet and more. There are millions of tracks and episodes on Spotify. So whether you’re behind the wheel, working out, partying, or relaxing, the right music or podcast is always at your fingertips.”

Patagonia: “At Patagonia, we appreciate that all life on earth is under threat of extinction. We aim to use the resources we have — our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations — to do something about it.”

SoulCycle: “Our mission is to bring Soul to the people. Our one-of-a-kind, rockstar instructors guide riders through an inspirational, meditative fitness experience that’s designed to benefit the body, mind and soul. Set in a dark candlelit room to high-energy music, our riders move in unison as a pack to the beat and follow the signature choreography of our instructors. The experience is tribal. It's primal. It's fun.”

Casper: “We believe sleep is the superpower that charges everything people do. We’ve spent years studying the magic and science of sleep. The more we learn, the more we’re sure: Great sleep changes everything. It makes us friendlier, faster, smarter… even warmer-and-fuzzier. If we all got great sleep, the world would be brighter.”

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The bottom line

In the beginning, you may be tempted to bump learning how to write a mission statement to the bottom of your very, very long starting-a-business checklist. But the very start of your venture is arguably the most auspicious time to write your mission statement. Right now, you’re deeply in touch with your business’s “why” — otherwise, you wouldn’t be putting in the hard work of starting your business at all. That motivating purpose underlies your mission statement.

As you grow and evolve, you’ll be grateful that you took the time to put that passion and energy into words. Use it as a kind of ethical guidepost as you and your team face increasingly challenging decisions over your business’s lifetime. Plus, your mission statement will be an essential marketing tool that you’ll use both to draw in potential customers and employees.

And keep in mind that your mission statement isn’t an essay — it should be the opposite. Your finished mission statement should be a few paragraphs at most. As you get to work drafting your mission statement, be sure to craft an authentic and memorable story about your company.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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How to Develop a Mission Statement

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Introduction

What is a mission statement.

An organization’s mission statement describes clearly and concisely why the organization exists – its purpose. The mission statement defines what is important to the organization and guides the organization’s decisions and activities.

The mission statement answers three (or sometimes four) basic questions about the organization:

1. Whom does the organization serve?

2. What does the organization do?

3 . Why does the organization do it?

4. [Optional] How does the organization do it?

This guide provides direction for developing a mission statement for any type of organization and uses an imaginary health communication network, the Africa Network of Social and Behavior Change Communication Practitioners (SBCCAf.Net), to illustrate the steps.

Both guide an organization’s direction. However, while a Vision describes it would like to see in the future as a result of ifs efforts; the Mission explains the organization exists.

Why Should a Health Communication Organization Write a Mission Statement?

The mission statement allows everyone in an organization to clearly understand why they are doing their work. An organization’s mission also guides its operational plans and describes the organization to potential funders, clients and beneficiaries.

Who Should Develop a Mission Statement?

The board of directors, managers and their teams should craft the mission statement together.

When Should a Mission Statement Be Developed?

Ideally, the organization should develop a mission statement when it first forms. The mission statement should be reviewed during strategic planning sessions and updated every few years or as needed.

Learning Objectives

After completing the activities in this guide, the planning team will be able to:

  • Clearly describe the organization’s purpose, clientele and core activities.
  • Develop a concise mission statement.

Estimated Time Needed

A mission statement meeting or workshop might take one to four hours, depending on whether or not the organization already has a mission statement. Stakeholder review and finalization of the statement can require several days to several weeks.

Step 1: Gather Information, Form a Planning Team and Organize a Meeting

Agree on the membership of a planning team. Usually, the planning team will include representation from the board of directors, senior management and staff of the organization. Sometimes, representatives from the organization’s beneficiaries are also members. Invite the planning team to a half-day meeting to review and revise or develop a new mission statement.

Prior to the meeting, collect a copy of the organization’s mission statement, if there is one, as well as information about the organization’s clients, products and services, and history. Make copies of the Mission Statement Worksheet in this guide. Prepare an agenda that allows time for the group to discuss each of the four basic questions.

Step 2: Define Whom the Organization Serves

Since no organization is large enough to meet the diverse needs of everyone, the planning team should specify who its priority beneficiaries are by answering the question, “Whom does this organization serve?” To answer this broad question, ask the three more narrow questions below. List the responses in the Mission Statement Worksheet .

Whom does the organization serve?SBCCAf.Net Example
a. To whom does the organization offer its products and services?b. What are the characteristics of the target population or market?c. Where is the target population or market located?a. Health and development communication practitionersb. Well educated; working for government or non-governmental organizations; most are Africanc. Africa

Step 3: Clarify What the Organization Does

Now the team needs to describe the purpose of the organization: what it does or, if it is a new organization, what it will do. Clearly identify the needs of the populations served and specify what products and services the organization offers to address those needs. Add them to the Worksheet .

What does/will the organization do?SBCCAf.Net example
a. What products and services does the organization offer?b. What do its beneficiaries or clients need and want?c. How well do its current products and services meet the needs and desires of its clients or beneficiaries?a. Annual award for excellence in health communication, SBCC training program and regional SBCC conferencesb. Tools and assistance to improve the quality and effectiveness of the SBCC work they doc. They match well

Step 4: Explain Why the Organization Does What it Does

Next answer the question, “Why do we do what we do?” The answer generally describes a response to a broad social problem. It also provides a basis for decisions concerning what the organization does moving forward. Complete this section of the Worksheet .

Why does the organization do its work?SBCCAf.Net example
a. What are the needs and desires of the organization’s clients or beneficiaries?b. Why is this important?a. To more effectively improve health practicesb. Improved health practices contribute to the health and development of Africa

Step 5: Describe How the Organization Delivers Products and Services

In this optional step, define the strategies, means and resources by which the organization delivers services and meets the needs of its clients or beneficiaries. Look at organizations that offer similar services and products for the same clients to determine how products and services need to differ from those of competitors. Summarize the answers to the following questions in the Worksheet .

How does the organization do its work?SBCCAf.Net example
a. What strategies will be employed to provide the right products and services to clients/beneficiaries?b. Can the strategies be implemented, given the context and available resources?a. Increasing opportunities for experience sharing; documenting processes, tools, lessons learnedb. SBCCAf.Net can implement these strategies through internet, email and in-person meetings

Step 6: Write the Mission Statement

Compose a smaller team—one or two people who are good writers—to pull together the deliberations into a one or two sentence mission statement. Articulate the “who,” “what,” “why” and “how” of the organization in a way that makes it stand out as unique among competitors.

Get feedback from everyone who participated in its development to ensure the statement reflects a common understanding. Then share it with staff and board members, those who are served by the organization, and partners to get feedback. Finalize and share the statement with the board, staff and public.

A well-framed mission statement is the foundation of a well-functioning and inspired SBCC organization. It will guide the organization’s work over the long term, motivate its staff and attract funders.

Here are two examples of mission statements from actual SBCC organizations:

  • Population Services International (PSI) makes it easier for people in the developing world [the Who ] to lead healthier lives and plan families they desire [the Why ] by marketing affordable products and services [the What ].
  • Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG) strives to improve the quality of life [the Why] of all Ugandans [the Who ] by providing essential, superior and affordable health care solutions [the What ], using a combination of social marketing and innovative campaign approaches [the How ].

Using the SBCCAf.Net example, the finalized mission statement would be:

SBCCAf.Net [the ] by [the ] through [the ] among [the ].

Mission Statement Worksheet

Tips & Recommendations

  • After answering the mission questions as a group, let one or two individuals draft and redraft the wording for the full group to respond to. Groups are good at many things but writing is not one of them.
  • Avoid rushing the process. Provide time to reflect on the information you gather, to write an initial draft, to allow key participants to read it, and to make changes.
  • Avoid using jargon that only professionals will understand. Remember that the mission statement is a marketing tool.
  • Use active, not passive voice (active: Wyz helps children live longer; passive: helping children live longer is the goal of Wyz.)
  • Focus the organization’s mission statement on the people it serves, rather than on the organization itself.

Lessons Learned

  • Mission statements should articulate commonly held ideas. There needs to be broad consensus on the answers to the three or four basic questions that define the mission statement.
  • Good mission statements are short and state the obvious. The statement’s length and complexity depend on what the organization wants to do, but it should be brief enough for members of the organization, its funders and beneficiaries to remember.

Resources and References

Nonprofit Mission Statements

Writing a Mission Statement

  • Albrecht, Karl. The Northbound Train: Finding the Purpose, Setting the Direction, Shaping the Destiny of Your Organization. New York: AMACOM, 1994.
  • Bennis, Warren G., and Burt Nanus. 1986. Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge. New York: Harper Business, 1997.
  • Covey, Stephen R. 2004. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Restoring the Character Ethic, 151, 152–54. New York: Free Press, 2004.
  • Helfenbein, Saul, Sara Seims, and Deborah Ruhe. “Learning to Think Strategically.” The Family Planning Manager (Boston) vol. 3, no. 1, 1994.
  • Seltzer, Judith B., Elizabeth Lewis, Fiona Nauseda, and Stephen Redding. “Business Planning to Transform Your Organization.” The Manager (Boston) vol. 12, no. 3, 2003,
  • Management Sciences for Health. Health Systems in Action. Chapter 4: Planning the Work and Working with the Plan.
  • Idealist, http://www.idealist.org/info/Nonprofits/Gov1 .

Banner Photo: © 2002 Center for Communication Programs, Courtesy of Photoshare

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Business planning: how to craft your vision and mission statement.

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A rudderless ship is vulnerable to the strongest blowing wind. So too is your business if you're focused only on the here and now, and your operation is perpetually reacting instead of proacting. Leading professionals know that looking forward drives growth.

Here, we'll examine how to build a strong foundation. Now that you’ve spent time examining your "why" and the legacy you'd like to leave behind, we'll discuss in detail how to craft your vision and mission statement. With this, you'll have a blueprint for success and a target on the horizon to strive for.

Your mission statement is a set of words that defines and communicates the purpose of your business. It shows how you define success, make business decisions and ensure that everyone involved in the company is on the same, inspired track.

Google ’s mission statement is a great summation of what the company does: “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” Here's  Microsoft 's: “We believe in what people make possible. Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

Step 1: Establish The Framework

Define your purpose. 

• Why did you choose this line of business?

• What is the best part of your business, and what keeps you going?

Who do you serve? 

• Who is your ideal buyer?

• Who are your customers?

• How do you treat your customers and employees, and why is that important to you?

Establish your reputation. 

• What do you do better than anyone else? Why should people buy from you ?

• What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want to be known for?

• What keeps your competition up at night — what’s your “secret sauce?"

• What do you stand for?

Measure your success. 

• What does success look like to you?

• What kind of goals have you established to make your business succeed? How will you measure them and how will you know when you've arrived?

Step 2: Refine Your Mission Statement

Now that you have broad objectives, it’s time to start narrowing them down. Ideally, your mission statement should be three to four sentences that capture your goals, purpose and your "why."

Ask for input from your employees, and make it personal. It should be something everyone can buy into. Go for the big picture; the sky is the limit.

Keep in mind mission statements can evolve over time. Try different combinations until you find one that resonates with you and your employees. Use actionable words. It can be helpful to include goals in your mission statement, like “95% of the time we will …”

Remember, there are no wrong mission statements. If it resonates with you and your employees, your mission statement is complete.

Step 3: Create Your Business Vision

Now that you know what you stand for, it’s time to build the blueprint to get there. Here are key steps to follow:

Start with your history.

You have to look back to move forward -- you can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.

• When did you start in business, and how many employees did you have?

• Write all your company's significant milestones on a piece of paper with a brief description of each, and turn it into a line graph with peaks and valleys. What are the positive and negative milestones and turning points, and when did they occur?

• What are the achievements you are most proud of to date? Any awards or innovations? Include big and small achievements.

• What are your favorite parts of the business? What are your passions?

• What other details need to be included in the history of your business for a complete picture?

Now, pretend your business history belonged to a third party. What do you notice? What are significant positive or negative business decisions and what was the outcome? What's holding you back from moving forward? What were the obstacles and how did you overcome them?

Look at the present.

• What does your business look like currently?

• What are your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?

• What is your value proposition?

• What do you need to get to your goals? Resources, finances, income, employees, training, product launches?

• Do you have work-life balance?

• How is the company’s financial health? Sales, payables, loans, inventory?

• Is your technology current? Do you have a website, social media presence, infrastructure?

• Do you have key employees? Do they need development or training? If so, where are you going to obtain it and what is the return on investment?

• If you could make two or three changes to have an immediate impact, what would they be and how would you do it?

Plan for the future.

Picture your business three months, six months, one year, three years, five years and ten years down the line.

• What are your top short- and long-term goals, in order of priority?

• How can you best leverage your top three strengths?

• How do you define short-term and long-term success?

• What impactful ideas do you have that have not yet been implemented? What would it take to act on them? What's holding you back?

• What should you start doing, stop doing or find a different way of doing?

• If you put energy into it, where could your business shine that it isn’t already?

• What three things would make your business a success in the coming year? How can you achieve that?

• What are secondary goals for success? How can you achieve them? What will the business look like if you do? What resources are required?

It's a lot to think about, but it's worth the investment of your time to create a clear vision for your company. Where you are and where do you want it to be?

Christine J. Culbertson (Boyle)

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4 Steps to Building a Purpose-Driven Business Learn how to build a purpose-driven business that thrives by focusing on sustainability, community and impactful values.

By Chris Bowman Edited by Chelsea Brown Aug 20, 2024

Key Takeaways

  • Building a business with purpose has become a necessity, as the world is increasingly focused on sustainability and social responsibility.
  • Having a mission-driven business can significantly impact your success, with 70% of consumers choosing to back brands that support causes, even when facing tighter budgets.
  • There are four practical steps entrepreneurs can take to build a purpose-driven business.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and social responsibility, building a business with purpose has become a necessity. A purpose-driven business creates a nurturing environment for its stakeholders, which reminds me of some of the underlying principles of running a successful chicken coop and my experience building Chicken Coop Company. Here, we'll explore the lessons we can learn about infusing a business with a strong sense of purpose.

Make no mistake: Having a mission-driven business can significantly impact your success. Even when facing tighter budgets, 70% of consumers , which marks an 11% increase from 2022, consciously choose to back brands that donate money or supplies to causes that are important to them. Italian shoppers are especially enthusiastic, with 84% prioritizing these mission-driven brands.

To ensure your business operations reflect your values, start by clearly defining your mission and values . Integrate these values into every aspect of your business, from product development to customer service. Just as a chicken coop must have all its components working harmoniously to create a safe haven, your business should have its operations seamlessly aligned with its values.

Related: 3 Ways to Become a Purpose-Driven Company

Conduct regular assessments to ensure your practices line up with your values. This might involve auditing your supply chain for sustainability or implementing employee training programs focused on your mission. Also, communicating your mission effectively is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. Transparency and authenticity are key. Share your story and the impact of your mission through various channels, such as social media, your website and marketing campaigns.

This is a great time to make sure your company "voice" is aligned with your purpose-driven mission. For example, if you were reading your website, emails, SMS or other communications, would you clearly be able to hear, perceive and understand the purpose you're trying to communicate? If not, now's the time to put the right words, graphics, gifs and videos together to communicate the benefits of your product or service to the customer and do so on the foundation of your mission-driven purpose.

Taking lessons from the chicken coop, let's explore practical steps to build a purpose-driven business.

1. Define your mission and values

A clear mission and set of values act as a compass for your business decisions and help attract like-minded customers and employees. Whole Foods Market's mission of " Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet " guides their focus on natural and organic products, employee welfare and environmental sustainability. This clear mission has helped them build a strong brand and loyal customer base, even when they are the more expensive option. Just as chickens thrive in an environment designed for their needs, employees and customers are drawn to businesses that reflect their values.

Adding to this, it's crucial for businesses to regularly revisit their mission and values, ensuring they remain relevant as the market evolves. This ongoing alignment not only builds internal coherence but also enhances the external perception of the brand as genuinely committed to its foundational principles.

Related: 4 Essentials for Making Your Company Mission Thrive

2. Integrate your values

Integrating values into business practices ensures consistency and builds trust with stakeholders. Dr. Bronner's, the organic soap company, integrates its values by committing to fair trade , organic ingredients and ethical sourcing. They also cap executive salaries and donate a significant portion of their profits to social causes. This commitment has earned them a loyal following and industry respect. Like a well-constructed chicken coop that provides consistent shelter and food, businesses that integrate their values create a reliable and trustworthy environment for their stakeholders.

Companies should consider establishing partnerships and collaborations that reinforce their values . For example, partnering with non-profits that align with a business's mission can enhance credibility and extend its impact beyond direct customers. A great example of this would be a vitamin company aligning with Vitamin Angels to give free vitamins to those who are malnourished.

3. Be transparent

Transparency fosters trust and loyalty among customers and stakeholders. Everlane, a clothing company, practices " radical transparency " by sharing the true cost of its products, detailing the manufacturing process and providing transparent pricing. This approach has resonated with consumers and set them apart in the fashion industry. Transparency in your business, like a clear, clean and open chicken coop, helps build trust and loyalty among those who depend on it.

According to a recent survey by Sprout Social , 86% of Americans believe transparency from businesses is more important than ever before. The same survey found that 73% of consumers are willing to pay more for products that offer complete transparency. Buffer, a social media management platform, practices transparency by openly sharing company financials, salaries and business metrics on its public blog. This transparency builds trust and aligns with their value of openness.

Related: 5 Examples of Companies Succeeding Through Transparency

4. Engage your community

Building a community around your business can increase customer loyalty and advocacy. The Honest Company focuses on community engagement through social media, customer feedback and educational content about healthy living. Their approach has helped them build a strong, engaged community of parents who advocate for the brand. Just as a coop is a community for chickens, developing a community around your business creates a supportive and loyal customer base.

To that end, consider hosting community events and workshops that promote your products or services while providing value and enrichment to your audience, thereby strengthening the bonds within your business's community.

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® Contributor

Co-owner of Chicken Coop Company

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  1. Vision Statement Examples For Business Plan

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  2. What Is A Mission Statement Example For Business Plan

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  3. How To Write Your Real Estate Investing Business Plan

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  4. Mission Statement Examples: How To Write A Mission Statement

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  5. How to Write a Powerful Business Mission Statement (+15 Examples

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  6. What is a Mission Statement

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COMMENTS

  1. 15 Mission Statement Examples For Your Business

    3. Capture your why. Think about why you started your business in the first place, and what impact you hope to make. Customers want to know the backstory for a brand and why they should feel ...

  2. The 28 Best Mission Statement Examples (+Templates!)

    Naked Juice's mission statement. Making the whole planet feel better. One bottle at a time. Naked Juice, the square-bottled smoothie drink company, has a mission statement with a high order, involving the whole planet, but shows the value and bigger picture well. 28. Warby Parker's mission statement.

  3. How to Write a Mission Statement + 10 Great Examples

    This is really an extension of the mission statement and explains how they focus on their customers, how they grow their company, and how they work with employees. You can read their values here. 5. Walgreens. "Walgreens' mission is to be America's most-loved pharmacy-led health, well-being, and beauty retailer.

  4. Business Plan Mission and Vision Statement [Sample Template for 2022]

    1. The mission is the foundation on which your business will be built. It's the true purpose of your business and that purpose is reflected in the mission statement. Without a strong mission statement, you don't have a true business. All you have is just a profit making venture that will soon be wiped out with time.

  5. Free Mission Statement Template (With Examples)

    A mission statement is action-oriented and focuses on how an organization operates in the present. It is grounded in the reality of what the organization is currently doing and is often used as a ...

  6. How to Write a Mission Statement (With 84 Examples)

    Mission Statement Examples. Apple: "To bring the best user experience to customers through innovative hardware, software and services.". Procter & Gamble: "To provide branded products and services of superior quality and value that improve the lives of the world's consumers, now and for generations to come.".

  7. How to write an effective mission statement (with free template)

    By making your mission statement visible to the clients and customers, companies show what they stand for and what they strive to achieve—both as an internal workforce and with the products or services they sell. 1. Asana. "To help humanity thrive by enabling the world's teams to work together effortlessly.".

  8. How to Write an Unforgettable Mission Statement (With Examples)

    You probably know a lot of mission statements without realizing it. We've gathered 25 of the best mission statement examples available in the world to help you create a great mission statement for your business plan. 1. Microsoft. "To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.". 2.

  9. How to Write a Mission Statement in 5 Steps

    03. Narrow down your choices. Either through a group voting process or by soliciting the feedback of a few people you trust, whittle down the list you generated in step two. At the end of this step, you should emerge with a curated list of your favorite words and phrases that are fitting and truly reflect your brand. 04.

  10. 30 Mission Statement Examples and How to Write one for Your Business

    Starbucks. "To inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.". Starbucks' mission statement emphasizes its focus on creating a positive impact in the communities it serves. It reflects the company's commitment to its customers and their well-being.

  11. How to Write an Effective Mission Statement in 3 Steps

    How to Write an Effective Mission Statement in 3 Steps. Whether you're a small business owner or the chairman of a Fortune 500 company, you've probably thought about why you do what you do. If you're serious about your business, it's because you have a sense of mission. Having that is the first step toward writing a mission statement for ...

  12. How to Write a Mission Statement for Business Plan With Examples

    Here are some examples of well-crafted mission statements by famous companies: 1. Starbucks. To inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. In the first part of the statement, Starbucks describes the work culture it promotes and the customer service delivered.

  13. 35 Vision And Mission Statement Examples That Will Inspire Your Buyers

    Starbucks: To inspire and nurture the human spirit — one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. Google: Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. 1. Life Is Good: To spread the power of optimism.

  14. How to Write a Mission Statement for Your Business

    1. Communicate Business Values. The main purpose of a mission statement is to clearly express what your business is all about, including your company values. A unique, memorable mission statement can provide you with a competitive advantage by differentiating you from the competition. 2.

  15. Simple Guide To Creating A Compelling Mission And Vision Statement

    1) Regular discussions: Host monthly or quarterly meetings focusing on aligning your teams' activities with your mission and vision. 2) Onboarding process: New employees should receive a handbook ...

  16. How to Write a Mission Statement With Examples

    So take a moment to list the core values that are important to express in your business. Here are some sample values that you may want to use when you write a mission statement: Provide high product quality. Provide superior customer service. Protect the quality of the environment. Ensure equal access to resources.

  17. How to Write Your Mission Statement

    Read the statement, select the best bits and pieces, and fit them together. Use "radiant words." Once you have the basic idea in writing, polish the language of your mission statement. "Every word ...

  18. How to Write a Mission Statement (Infographic)

    5. Revise and condense your mission statement. We've noted that your mission statement should reflect your business's purpose and goals and that you should be authentic — but don't mistake ...

  19. How To Write a Mission Statement (With Template and Examples)

    Follow these steps to learn how to write a direct and concise mission statement: 1. Identify the key audience. Identifying your key audience first can help you draft a mission statement that resonates with potential customers and investors. Define an ideal customer or target audience for the company's products or services.

  20. How To Write an Effective Mission Statement (With Examples)

    When you write a mission statement, it's important to make it clear and concise and address all the key elements. Here are steps for writing an effective mission statement: 1. Define the company's purpose. Start by stating the reason for the company's existence. For example, a retail store's purpose may be to sell shoes and apparel to customers ...

  21. How to Develop a Mission Statement

    Step 6: Write the Mission Statement. Compose a smaller team—one or two people who are good writers—to pull together the deliberations into a one or two sentence mission statement. Articulate the "who," "what," "why" and "how" of the organization in a way that makes it stand out as unique among competitors.

  22. Business Planning: How To Craft Your Vision And Mission Statement

    Step 2: Refine Your Mission Statement. Now that you have broad objectives, it's time to start narrowing them down. Ideally, your mission statement should be three to four sentences that capture ...

  23. 4 Steps to Building a Purpose-Driven Business

    Make no mistake: Having a mission-driven business can significantly impact your success. Even when facing tighter budgets, 70% of consumers, which marks an 11% increase from 2022, consciously ...