Do you have a vision for your business?

If not, chances are you’re just going with the flow and may never reach your ideal destination.

Think about it. When you get in your car, do you go where the car takes you? No. You have a destination in mind. You guide the car where you want to go.

Well, it’s the same with your business. It takes intentional effort to reach the destination you have in mind.

But, if you aren’t clear about where you want your business to go, your results might be disappointing.

What’s your vision look like?

Do you know where you want your business to be? Can you see it clearly in your mind? Have you written it down on paper so others can come along side and help you achieve it?

If not, how come?

Some reasons might be…

  • Too busy doing things instead of strategic thinking
  • Not sure where to start
  • Expecting immediate results
  • Not sure the value of having a vision

I get it. I really do. When I worked for a tech company, I was part of the team that put together the company’s strategy map. Yet, I didn’t create my own strategy map for my business until three years in. That’s crazy!

When I did finally create the strategy map, it gave me clarity and helped me see the vision I had for my business was attainable.  To learn how to create a strategy map, read my article How to Get Moving Towards Your Dreams.

What is the vision for your business?

A clear vision will identify who do you want to serve, how you serve them, and why you do what you do.

It also conveys how you want to feel about your business, about your clients, about the impact you’re having in the lives of those you serve.

Here are some examples from Hubspot on vision statements:

  • Alzheimer’s Association: A world without Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Teach for America: One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.
  • Creative Commons: Realizing the full potential of the internet — universal access to research and education, full participation in culture — to drive a new era of development, growth, and productivity.
  • Microsoft (at its founding): A computer on every desk and in every home.
  • Australia Department of Health: Better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.
  • LinkedIn: Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce. 
  • Disney: 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.
  • Facebook: Connect with friends and the world around you on Facebook.

Notice how each of these statements has a big reason behind it. That reason is their why. The reason they exist in the first place.

If you’re struggling with coming up with a vision for your business, you might start by asking yourself why you started your business. Then continue asking why of every answer you give, until finally you have exhausted all the why questions.

For example,

Why did you start your business?

I have a good idea to help people.

Why do you want to help people?

It’s always been my nature to help those around me.

Why is starting a business the best way to help others?

I won’t be limited on who I can help. I’ll have more flexibility to reach more people.

Why do you want more flexibility?

I’m tired of trading my time for money. I want more control over my time to decide where I spend it and when whom.

Why will flexibility allow you to help others?

Because I’ll have the time to help others to avoid the mistakes I’ve made and live a better life.

Why do you want others to live a better life?

So, they can have an abundant life, living out their purpose, enjoying each day as a gift, and making an impact in the world because they are showing up as they were designed to.

Why is living a better life important to you?

Because life it too short to waste our time is unhealthy situations, unacknowledged and unappreciated.

Try the “Why” exercise for yourself find your deep reason for your business.

Vision statement for the those why questions might look like this:

“Helping small business owners enjoy their business and live an abundant life without trading hours for money.”

When you understand the why behind your business, it will become the fuel that keeps you going during the lean or challenging times. It will motivate you to never give up on your dream. It helps you make decisions that are aligned with your vision.