7-Step Framework for Developing an Actionable, Revenue-Focused Mission Statement for Solopreneurs
Actionable Mission Statement Framework
Step #1 - Your Vision, or ‘Moon-Landing’ Moment
What’s your big vision for the future? Think really big. 5, 10, 15 years into the future. How will things look, who will you be helping, what services will you be offering, what will you be doing in (or out) of the business, what are your revenue goals and expectations?
Example:
My vision for the future involves becoming a leading freelance web designer known for innovative and user-friendly designs.
In 10 years, I envision working with a diverse range of clients globally, particularly small businesses and startups.
My services will have expanded to include not just web design but also UX/UI consulting.
I aim to have a steady stream of passive income through online courses and design resources.
My goal is to achieve annual revenue of £500,000, allowing me to work selectively on projects that are truly inspiring.
Additionally, I see myself mentoring young designers, contributing to their growth in the industry.
Write your Vision Here
Step #2 - Your Revenue-Focused Mission Objectives
Your mission objectives are the key goals you need to hit to move closer to your bigger vision. These objectives should be firmly related to revenue. Without money coming into your business, you’re not going to get very far.
Example:
👉 Mission Objective #1: Increase project rates by 50% within the next year through enhancing my skills and portfolio.
👉 Mission Objective #2: Develop and launch a series of online web design courses generating £100,000 in the next 12 months.
👉 Mission Objective #3: Build a recurring revenue stream by offering maintenance and support packages to clients.
Write your 3 Revenue-Focused Mission Objectives Here
👉 Mission Objective #1:
👉 Mission Objective #2:
👉 Mission Objective #3:
Step #3 - Your Mission Deadline
NASA didn’t get to the moon in one mission. It took many missions over a long period of time.
Keep your deadline short to keep on track. 90 days, or 12 months at most. Remember, your mission statement will likely change as time moves on and you get closer to your big dream outcome.
Example:
📆 Mission Deadline: I set my mission deadline for these objectives at 12 months from today.
Write your Mission Deadline Here
📆 Mission Deadline:
Step #4 - What’s Your Bigger Purpose? What’s Your WHY?
Why are you doing all this in the first place? What’s the deeper purpose to wanting to carry out your mission and get to the bigger vision that gets you out of bed every morning?
Is it to help someone solve a massive problem in their life for good of humanity, or maybe it’s to leave a lasting legacy for your kids?
Example:
My deeper purpose is to empower small businesses and startups through effective, engaging web design, enabling them to compete with larger corporations.
I am driven by the belief that good design can transform a business's online presence, leading to greater success.
I also aspire to leave a legacy of knowledge and inspiration for the next generation of web designers.
Write your Purpose Here
Step #5 - Required Personal Attributes Required to Achieve Your Mission
Make these really specific, don’t just say “integrity”, “hard-working” etc. Make these characteristics something you need to be in order to sell your services, even when things are tough. “We always put our clients first”, “I love networking with lots of new people and listening to their problems”, “I’m obsessed with solving my client’s problems”, “I stay calm under pressure”
Example:
👉 Attribute #1: A relentless commitment to learning and mastering the latest web design trends and technologies.
👉 Attribute #2: An empathetic approach to client relationships, ensuring their business goals are at the forefront of my designs.
👉 Attribute #3: A proactive mindset in seeking out and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Write your 3 Personal Attributes Here
👉 Attribute #1:
👉 Attribute #2:
👉 Attribute #3:
Step #6 - Your Key Mission Actions
To achieve your mission you need to take action. What specific actions do you need to take on a daily, or near-daily basis, to achieve your mission? What actions do you need to take in order to move forward in your mission?
Example:
👉 Mission Action #1: Dedicate 10 hours per week to professional development and learning new web design skills.
👉 Mission Action #2: Develop and market my online course, dedicating at least 5 hours per week to content creation and promotion.
👉 Mission Action #3: Network with at least two new potential clients or collaborators each week.
Write your 3 Key Mission Actions Here
👉 Mission Action #1:
👉 Mission Action #2:
👉 Mission Action #3:
Step #7 - Putting it All Together: Your Mission Statement
Crafting your final mission statement is a simple as filling in the blanks using the template below.
I will do [objective #1], [objective #2], [objective #3], by [your deadline], because [your purpose]
Example:
I will increase my project rates by 50%, develop and launch online web design courses generating £100,000, and build a recurring revenue stream through maintenance packages, by this time next year, because I am committed to empowering small businesses with transformative web design and leaving a lasting educational legacy in my field.
Write your Actionable Mission Statement Here
Mission Statement FAQs
What should I do with my Mission Statement?
Your mission statement should be a living part of your business. Here are a few ways to use it:
Internal Alignment: Regularly review your mission statement to ensure your business activities and decisions align with it.
Marketing Material: Feature parts of it on your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials to communicate your business's purpose and goals to clients.
Team Building: If you work with others, use it to inspire and guide your team, ensuring everyone is working towards the same objectives.
Self-Motivation: Refer to it during challenging times as a reminder of your bigger 'why' and to keep your focus on long-term goals.
How often should I update my Mission Statement?
Your mission statement should evolve as your business does. Review and potentially update it:
Annually: As part of your yearly planning process, to ensure it still aligns with your business goals and market realities.
After Major Milestones: If your business undergoes significant changes, like entering a new market or launching a new product line.
When Your Vision Changes: If there's a shift in your personal vision or industry trends that impacts your business direction.
After Successfully Completing the Mission: If you've achieved the objectives outlined in your current mission statement, it's time to update it to reflect your new goals and aspirations. This ensures that your mission statement always represents your current focus and direction.
What should I do if I’m not on course to achieve my Mission, or if I fail to achieve it?
Not being on course to achieve your mission, or even failing to achieve it, is a natural part of the Solopreneur journey. Here’s how to handle such situations:
Conduct a Thorough Review: Assess what factors led to the deviation or failure. Was it due to external market changes, internal resource issues, or unrealistic goal setting? Understanding the root cause is crucial for future planning.
Adapt and Pivot: Based on your review, determine if your mission needs to be adjusted. This could mean setting more realistic timeframes, altering your goals to better suit market conditions, or changing strategies that aren't working.
Learn from the Experience: Every setback is an opportunity to learn. Identify key lessons and integrate them into your business practices. This continuous learning approach is vital for long-term success.
Stay Resilient and Motivated: It's important to maintain a positive mindset. Entrepreneurship is often a trial-and-error process. Resilience in the face of challenges is a key attribute of successful solopreneurs.
Seek Feedback and Support: Sometimes, an external perspective can provide invaluable insights. Don't hesitate to seek advice from mentors, peers, or even your clients. They can offer different viewpoints and solutions you might not have considered.
Revisit and Refine Your Strategy: Use your findings to refine your business strategy. This might involve focusing on different aspects of your business, honing in on a specific target market, or even pursuing new opportunities that align better with your skills and resources.
Set New Goals: If necessary, set new, more achievable goals that still align with your overarching vision. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. Adjusting your goals isn't a sign of failure; it's a sign of adaptability and business acumen.
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