“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
Allow me to take this verse a bit out of context for a moment as I believe it can have multiple applications. In the biblical sense it applies to a people without God’s Word will decay morally. However, the statement itself can apply on a micro level by giving us the wisdom in keeping the proper vision or you will spin out of control and lose sight of what you are called to do or where you or your business is headed. Having a vision for your business is essential from the beginning. If you have no vision or lose that vision then your business will become abstract and you will feel lost.
How does one lose vision?
Business owners tend to lose vision if their business gets off to a slow start. We are all anxious for success and when it comes by slowly we tend to get discouraged. We also tend to question our business concept before giving it a proper chance to grow and succeed.
How do I define my vision?
You define your vision by asking yourself some basic questions.
What is your business about?
What does your business do or provide?
Who are your potential clients?
What do you offer your clients?
How does one guard against losing vision?
Write it down: Get out a piece of paper and pen and write down the vision you have for your business. You can be random, abstract, and messy but write down what is in your head. You will have time to clean it up and narrow your vision later.
Mission statement: Everyone needs a guiding concept behind their business to keep them focused. A mission statement is that guiding concept much like Starfleet is guided by the Prime Directive. When you begin to lose focus or being to branch out too soon refer back to your mission statement for boundaries and focus.
Outline short term and long term goals: Clearly defined goals written down will help focus you. Yes, I want you to write them down. Write down what you expect or desire to accomplish in the next six months and again in the next year and/or five years. You do not want to get overwhelmed with ideas or items in the short term that really fall into long term goals. Conversely, you want to focus and work on the short term and not the long term immediately.