Thursday, December 4, 2008

Mission Statements – To be (utilized) or not to be that is the question

I posted in the forums to ask Etsy sellers what the focus of their blog or Etsy business was. In all honesty, I was a little surprised as I did not get as much feed back as I thought I would and some of the responses I did receive was along the lines of “hmmm… never thought about it maybe I should consider it”. So let’s be honest here. If we don’t know where we are trying to go, how will we ever get there? And if by some chance we do arrive i.e. have success (or get somewhere positive or lucrative if you will), then how do we measure it so we can maintain it or repeat it if we had no Mission statement or planned goals in place? No doubt success is relative and subjective but either way it is measurable at least partly based on the mission and goals set by the individual. Remember too that the Mission Statement not only reflects why you started your business/blog but it helps others to know exactly what you and your business stand for and what it is all about. What would people/potential customers say about you?

So I decided, for those that did share their mission statements, I would post some of them on Random Musings for the next few days and let you look see what some of them had to say. And hey if you like feel free to go the extra mile and take a look at their shop/Website/Blog and see how their mission statement lines up with or is reflected in what is represented in their shop/Website/Blog. Maybe even ask yourself what picture does this mission statement paint to me about the entity? Is it clear to me and or well represented? Does it make me want to come back or even learn from them?

Perfect Touch shared “I'm all about having purpose and a mission statement. The mission of my store is to introduce people to the lovely world of vintage and antiques. I’m passionate about this uber chic way to recycle, and enjoy sharing my passions with others. My purpose is to brighten someone's day, whether it's a luminously colored piece of vintage glassware, or a sparkling brooch from a bygone era; I'm here to help :)”

Signed,
Indiscriminate and Random Musings

6 comments:

Kelly said...

I didn't see your thread in the Etsy forums, but when it comes to my business...my mission statement is to provide traditional, high quality, original handcrafted teddy bears and other animals that evoke memories of a childhood past, or simply one wished for.

When it comes to my blog I don't have a mission statement for that. My blog is my personal diary, and it's very eclectic and an extension of all aspects of my life, feelings, etc. I think the key word in there is personal...since it's personal I don't feel it needs a specific mission. =)

Unknown said...

Hmmm...you bring up an important point. I need to develop a mission statement...brings everything into focus once a purpose is stated. Thanks for the post!
God bless!!
~g

Anonymous said...

You do have a way with words and putting them together. Thanks for sharing your experience from this forum post.

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking about it ever since I posted in your thread, UC. In fact... I've been thinking about it a lot. It only makes sense and it allows us, as well as potential customers, to know that we are indeed serious about the wares we are peddling. Let's everyone know that we stand behind our products. Also it gives us, the creators, direction and focus.

So thank you for bringing this topic up. I'm pondering exactly what it is I want my mission statement to consist of. Succinct and to the point.

Unfortunately, I'm a witch of many words and it is proving harder that I imagine :)

Live, Love, Laugh, Write! said...

great idea to blog about! I'm going to link to it...

I don't have an actual mission statement, but I do have a good idea of my goals and where I'm going with both my blog and my shop. Not really awake right now - but maybe I'll write about it when I mention your blog post :P

storybeader said...

You said "If we don't know where we are trying to go, how will we ever get there." or how will we know if we arrive!

It's a very good point - most of us have created businesses around our craft, and mission statements are important - even if you're a non-profit. So I've decided to write a m.s.! My business will be a year old next month...

OK, here's the next question: When I'm finished, where should I put it?