Defining Mission, Vision & Values

Sometimes, we get so darn busy just existing and doing that it’s hard to slow down and record it all.  This same irony accosts authors in the form of writer’s block, parents who wish they were better at keeping journals and scrapbooks, bloggers in need of inspiration and… yes, even those in the field of marketing and communication.

At times when you lack motivation, inspiration or your general “get up and go,” there are some very basic steps you can take which transcend every field and most obstacles:

1.  Don’t just sit there, do something.

2.  Make an appointment – be it a phone call or face to face – with someone who infuses you with excitement.

3.  Dwell on the reasons you started down this path in the first place: that is, your inspiration.

As Stephanie and I visited today about the future of Porch Swing Marketing and the opportunities that lie ahead of us, we were once again reminded of why we are doing this.  Every business should have a mission/vision/values statement – it can be very to the point or rather extended.

If you’re at a standstill, tackling this small but inspiring project might help get you over the hump.  Consider your mission (what it is you want to accomplish, do, change or be in the world), your vision (your aspiration or charge) and your values (the core set of principles that guide you).

For example:

The mission of Arkansas Women Bloggers (owned by Porch Swing Marketing) is to be a place (both literally and figuratively) for women to gather, grow and connect.

Thevision, which we remind ourselves of regularly but may or may not always state out loud to others, is to help women find their voices and tell their stories.

A portion of our values include elevating women, supporting local brands and businesses, providing structure for meetups, content, brand ambassadors and heartfelt blogging and cultivating a place that is uplifting and provides a circle of support, advancing all women who cross our paths.

None of this completely defines us, but it DOES help center us.

Grab a scrap of paper, a napkin or a notebook and give some thought to these topics today… or the next time you find yourself in a funk.  We’d love to hear what inspires you, and we’d love to help you fulfill your mission!