It’s hard to believe that another year is coming to an end.

For most businesses, it’s a time for reflection.

• How did your business do this year?
• What goals do you have for next year?

Now is a perfect time to work on your business communication plan.

Over the next few weeks, we will take a closer look at each of the 10 steps for developing a solid business communication plan.

It starts with your vision statement.

The Vision That Makes it Happen

Running a business is tough. Sometimes it’s hard to remember why you started.

Your vision statement captures your dream.

Before you dismiss that as wordsmith fluff, consider the benefits of a vision statement.

• It focuses you on your business
• It provides the foundation for strategic planning
• It defines success

It is your business all grown up – imagine it as your legacy.

Capturing the Dream

It’s time to get that dream on paper.

If you already have a vision statement, start your business communication planning by reviewing what you have.

Begin by responding to the following. Go with your gut and jot down the first thoughts that pop into your head.

1. Why did I start my business? Think back to the beginning and describe what it was that made you so passionate about starting your business.
2. What are my hopes/dreams for my business? If you had the means and the power to make your business anything at all, what would you want it to look like?
3. Describe your value set. These are the non-negotiable, core values that mean the most to you. Your core values are your guide for conducting business.

Predicting the Future

It’s time to bring out the crystal ball. Remember, this is your vision.

Look five years down the road (or three years if five seems an eternity). Answer these questions. Be specific.

1. What does your business look like? What services/products do you provide?
2. Who are your clients? How many do you have?
3. What makes your business stand out from all the rest? What is being said about it?
4. What is your business income?
5. How big is your business? Are you solo? Do you have employees? Do you have joint ventures?

There will be words or ideas that grab you. They speak to that inner dream. Use them.

A Dream Taking Shape

You now have what you need for your vision statement.

Remember, this is what you want for your business. It does not tell you how you get there.

• Include those words that spoke to you
• Define the dream – don’t limit yourself

Examples

Still need help? Here are a few examples. Because vision statements evolve, some of these may have changed.

Cisco – Changing the Way We Work, Live, Play, and Learn

Google – To develop a perfect search engine

Kraft Foods – Helping People Around the World Eat and Live Better

Nike – To be the number one athletic company in the world

Wal-Mart – Saving people money to help them live better was the goal that Sam Walton envisioned when he opened the doors to the first Walmart more than 40 years ago. Today, this mission is more important than ever to our customers and members around the world

Your Vision

Your vision is personal. No one can tell you it is right or wrong.

Go ahead and dream. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Do you have your vision statement?

=====================

This is Part 1 in a 10-part series for developing a business communication plan. I would love to have your feedback. Please share those in Comments.

Follow-up Posts in Series

Part 2 – Learn From Lieutenant Colombo to I.D. Your Killer Client

Part 3 – Why Blind Hog Business Communication Objectives Don’t Work

Part 4 – Busting 3 Budget Myths for Your Business Communication Plan

Part 5 – Are Your Business Communication Vehicles Driving You?

Part 6 – A Control Freak Guide to Business Communication Roles & Responsibilities

Part 7 – Does Your Message Stink From the Headline Down?

Part 8 – 3 Chopped Lessons for Your Business Communication Timeline

Part 9 – Is Your Hamster Wheel Business Communication Getting You Nowhere?

Part 10 – Do You Have Your Business Communication on Autopilot?

=====================

BigStock Photo Credit

=====================

Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

=====================