There are many more things we want to do to improve the functionality of the Stuffed Pepper website, as well as continue to expand its reach, and so we need to work on monetizing it. I’m almost finished working on the business plan, but I keep getting hung up on writing the mission and vision statements, which any good business (and business plan) has. Its not as easy to write one, as you would think. So for inspiration, I’ve looked up some famous and profitable businesses to see how they’ve phrased their mission and vision statements.
A mission statement is a statement of what your company intends to accomplish. A vision is more of a philosophical or belief statement of how you envision the world to be in the future, based on the work your company will do. Some companies have both a mission and a vision statement. Some companies have a mission but no vision. Some have a vision but no mission. Some have a vision, but call it a mission and vice versa. And some incorporate both mission and vision into one statement. No matter which way it’s done, it’s important for a business to clarify what its purpose and intent is. Otherwise, how can you expect to accomplish your goal, if you don’t know what it is?
Here are 15 great mission/vision statements to inspire anyone to define their own goals in life. Some of these mission statements are no longer current (noted as “historically”), but still speak to what the company originally set out to do. Have they accomplished their goals? Are there any other great mission or vision statements you think should be added to the list?
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.
Ben & Jerry’s (part 2 of a 3-part mission statement): Product Mission – 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.
Coca-Cola: To refresh the world…To inspire moments of optimism and happiness…To create value and make a difference.
CVS (historically): We will be the easiest pharmacy retailer for customers to use.
Facebook: to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.
Google: to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.
Harley Davidson: We fulfill dreams through the experience of motorcycling, by providing to motorcyclists and to the general public an expanding line of motorcycles and branded products and services in selected market segments.
Levi-Strauss (historically): We will market the most appealing and widely worn casual clothing in the world. We will clothe the world.
McDonald’s (historically): to be the world’s best quick service restaurant experience. Being the best means providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness, and value, so that we make every customer in every restaurant smile.
Nike: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.
Pandora: To play only music you’ll love. (OK, we’ve added comedy as well so we’re also up for playing some jokes you’ll love.)
Starbucks: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment.
World Wildlife Fund is one company with both a clear mission and vision. Mission: to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth. Vision: to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature.
YouTube: to provide fast and easy video access and the ability to share videos frequently
