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The Why Is Most Important
Dymond Phillips • January 28, 2019
Every superhero has a mission. For example, back when I was younger, I used to watch this show called, Kim Possible. Kim Possible looks like an average high-school cheerleader, but in her spare time, she saves the world from supervillains. Her friend, Ron Stoppable, his pet Rufus, and a resourceful webmaster named Wade collaborate on secret missions and can do anything. When she's not fighting the bad guys, Kim still has to cope with typical pressures of school, family and social life. Each day she was given new missions that she had to accomplish. While still managing other aspects of her life. Last Sunday, I was at church and my pastor was speaking about the churches mission statement. That got me thinking, before I started Dymond's Diary, I had to create a mission statement. I had to really sit down and think. It took so much but I finally came up with the right one.
What is a mission statement exactly? A mission statement is a brief description of a company's fundamental purpose. Essentially, it answers the question,'Why does the company exist?" This is your why. This doesn't only apply to businesses, you can have a mission statement for your life. Why are you here? If you don't have a why, you will eventually crumble in business or even life. No business can exist without a strong mission statement because it's audience/customers will be confused. I don't know about you, but once I'm confused about a company, I won't make a purchase.
The why is important for many reasons. Let's be real, sometimes you will feel unmotivated. When you lack motivation, your why will keep you going. When things get tough and you don't want to do the hard work, the reason why you started should push you to do it any way. It's ok to add more to your mission statement as you grow but you need to have one that will remain true. Once again, not only for business should you have a mission statement, you should one for your life. Nobody is just here for no reason. Everybody has a purpose, so what is yours? It's ok if you don't know, pray and connect with God he will show you why you're here. Over the break my family and I, had an opportunity to give back in Detroit to those in need. I passed out scarves, hats, food and water to the homeless. It was freezing, but it helped humble me and reconnect with my why.
On top of a mission statement, you need to have brand values and personal values. Your values are a list of ways your brand promises to act for as long as you serve your chosen marketplace. That’s a promise you can’t afford to get wrong. It's a promise to your buyers. It's your non-negotiables. Without a brand values, you won't differentiate your company from your competitors. Everybody has things that they intend to do, your values are just that. Your values need to be timeless, memorable, meaningful, clear and defined, actionable, and unique. Take some time out to develop your personal and brand values. Really sit and think about it. Remember, your values don’t mean much if they’re not constantly represented by the things you do and say daily.
Do you feel like your business isn't getting the buyers you know it could? Maybe you should reevaluate your mission statement and brand values. Yes the product is very important, but the overall brand is more important. Remember you are your brand, so first start with yourself. Discover your personal mission statement. Then, discover your values that will help you achieve your mission. You have a purpose whether you've discovered it or not! Whenever you're feeling discouraged and unmotivated, remember why you started in the first place, it always gets me back on track!
