Purpose, vision, and why the heck we need both.
Without a mission, your business has no clear direction—it’s all wind and no map. And without purpose, well… who cares about the destination if it doesn’t mean anything?
Let’s talk about purpose vs. mission
Let’s play a little game: If your business was a boat, what would its destination be? 🛥️
I know, weird question. But stick with me.
Your mission is the direction your boat is headed—your North Star. It's the clear, concise statement that explains what you're doing and how you're getting there. It’s practical, grounded, and often a bit of a grind.
Now, your purpose? That's the wind in your sails. It’s the "why" behind what you do. It’s that deeper reason you get up every morning, even when things get rough. Purpose is what fuels the journey, while your mission steers the ship.
Why do you need both? Because without purpose, you might end up somewhere you don’t even want to be. And without a mission, you’ll just be spinning in circles, blown about by every gust of wind.
So, how do you craft them?
Let’s start with Purpose: Your purpose is the heart and soul of your business. It answers the question: “Why does my business exist beyond making money?” It's what drives you to push through late nights and hard days. To get at your purpose, ask yourself:
Why did I start this business in the first place?
What impact do I want to have on the world, my community, or my customers?
What would get me excited to keep going, even if I wasn’t paid for it?
Purpose should be short and sweet. A sentence or two is all you need. Think: “To create a healthier, kinder world,” or “To empower small businesses to stand out and thrive.” Purpose is broad, it’s aspirational, and it’s deeply personal.
Now, Mission: Your mission is all about what you're doing right now to live out your purpose. It’s specific, measurable, and a little more grounded in reality. This isn’t the romantic part of the journey (that's your purpose), but it’s where you get stuff done.
To craft your mission statement, think:
Who do you serve?
What do you provide?
How do you do it differently?
A good mission should include what you’re doing today to move toward that bigger purpose. For example: “We help mission-driven entrepreneurs create unforgettable brands through a blend of strategy, creativity, and heart.” 😉
Why bother with both?
Without a mission, your business has no clear direction—it’s all wind and no map. And without purpose, well… who cares about the destination if it doesn’t mean anything?
When you know your purpose and have a clear mission, that’s when magic happens. You’ll attract the right customers, make better decisions, and avoid drifting off course when things get choppy.
Aligning Purpose and Mission
Sometimes, your purpose and mission might feel disconnected. If that happens:
Revisit your purpose: Has it changed since you started? Does it still resonate?
Break down your mission: Are all parts of it serving your purpose?
Bridge the gap: Identify actionable steps that connect your daily work (mission) to your bigger why (purpose).
Remember, it's okay if they evolve. The key is keeping them in sync.
Cheers!
Brad
→ So, what's the purpose behind your business? And what’s the mission that's driving you today? Shoot me an email—I'd love to hear about how you’re steering your ship.
What’s next: If you're ready to explore your business's uniqueness and discover tailored, effective branding strategies, let's connect. Schedule a free 60-minute consultation call.
