How to Write Your Mission Statement

Creating a clearly defined mission statement is the first thing you should do when starting a business or entrepreneurial venture.

There are many resources that go into great depth about writing a mission statement, but it’s ultimately a very personal process. If you want to read a whole book on the subject, Start With Why by Simon Sinek is a popular resource.

To come up with your mission statement, start with reflection. Ask yourself these important questions and reflect deeply.

“The important thing is that it clearly communicates what is driving you to start this particular business.”

• Why do you want to start this business?
• What are you trying to accomplish?
• What will it mean for your life? 
• What will it mean for your co-workers?
• What will it mean for your customers?
• How will you create change with your business?
• Why does this business have to exist and why do you have to be the person to start it?

After you’ve gone through the reflection phase, articulate your findings. Grab a pen and paper and write down some of the answers you developed during reflection. Your mission statement is not something that just lives in your head. Actually, write it down and read it back to yourself. Then revise it. Then revise it again.

There are no formal requirements for what a mission statement has to say or include. It can be short or it can be long. The important thing is that it clearly communicates what is driving you to start this particular business. The whole purpose of a mission statement is to communicate your business’s purpose to yourself and to others.