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The mission statement is a hybrid between a slogan and an executive summary. Just as slogans and executive summaries can be used in many ways so too can a good mission statement. An effective mission statement can compliment all the other good things you do.

If you don't have a mission statement you are not alone...many companies don't. Many that do have statements that are ineffective or unused.

This brings us to the logical conclusion that almost no businesses have effective mission statements, which should give your business good reason to do one.

A mission statement can say who you are, what you do, what you stand for and why you do it. Though not a slogan or motto it can be combined with one. The best mission statements are short, maybe one or two sentences long.

This makes writing the mission statement a sometimes difficult chore; many companies find it easier to write a brochure than a mission statement. But although perhaps difficult the generation of a good, quality mission statement is well worth the effort.

An effective mission statement is best developed with input by all the members of an organization. It is important to remember that the mission statement is not just for customers and clients; employees will constantly be exposed to it as well.

Even if certain employees think it is silly or have no ideas (both are common) they will buy into the concept more if their opinion is solicited.

Effective mission statements take time...sometimes up to several months allowing for input and final editing. During that period keep asking for input.
It is a good idea to examine other mission statements to get approaches to yours; most companies put their mission statement on their website.

Humor, sarcasm, cynicism and eloquence are usually not good components of an effective mission statement. Simplicity, honesty and brevity are. Avoid saying how great you are, what great quality and what great service you provide. Using these concepts makes you indistinguishable from your competitors who say the same thing.

Effective mission statements need not set the world on fire and overly lofty statements have little credibility. The best ones are direct and powerful.

Try to state something that elicits an emotion or feeling; perhaps powerful or perhaps more subtle. There are no formulas other than try to make your statement you and make it do something that will cause notice.

Most importantly since it is yours make certain your statement is you and not some other company.

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