Are you willing to take a deep dive today? As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to grasp the purpose, vision, mission, and values that drive your business. By defining these foundational elements, you’ll build a solid base for your business that keeps you focused, motivated, and on the path to success.
Our culture often prioritizes work above all else. Raise your hand if you’ve experienced this firsthand—I’ve been there too, but I’ve moved past it and am never looking back. With such a strong emphasis on being career-driven, it’s easy to conflate our life purpose with our career. It’s common to hear stories about people who, upon retiring, feel lost and purposeless. Some might return to work, while others may struggle with health issues or even succumb to despair. When people lack purpose, they often seek to fill that void with fleeting worldly pleasures.
As Christians, we understand that these worldly pleasures are temporary. We can chase happiness around the globe, amass wealth, gain fame, or rack up millions of social media followers, but true purpose is found only through a relationship with the Lord. God has a unique purpose for each of us, and if we haven’t discovered it yet, it’s likely because we haven’t asked. God is eager for us to fulfill His purpose for us—it’s the reason He created us and bestowed us with unique gifts.
Some people successfully turn their purpose into a thriving career, and that’s why you’re here. You’re ready to answer your calling, ready to listen to God and let Him lead. You’re tired of working just to pay the bills and dream of a retirement filled with joy, loved ones, and using your gifts. When your business purpose and life purpose align, retirement becomes a continuation of the fulfilling, purposeful life God designed for you.
Now, let’s get to the exciting part: putting your purpose, vision, mission, and core values down on paper. As you review the examples provided, you’ll notice some overlap—and that’s perfectly fine. What matters most is that you’re clear on your direction. These four concepts will form the heart and soul of your business, so it’s essential to establish them first. Let’s dive in.
Purpose: Your Why
Why does your business exist? Your purpose goes beyond making money. What is the core reason for your business’s existence? There’s no method involved in your purpose.
Examples:
- Assurant Insurance: We protect what matters most.
- BlackRock Investing: To help more people experience financial well-being.
- Brené Brown: To study human behavior, emotion, and thinking, and to communicate our findings in ways that help us better understand and care for ourselves, each other, and the world.
- Daystar Counseling Ministries: To offer the hope of Christ to children, adolescents, and families in need.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: To create confidence and excitement by equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams.
- Environmental Working Group: To protect your health and our shared environment by addressing dangers in the air, food, and products we use.
- Studio Four10: To help women transform their gifts from God into healthy, thriving, purpose-driven businesses.
Vision: Your What
What do you hope to achieve? What goals do you want to reach? What change will happen for your customers? Your vision can be as ambitious as you like. Dream big!
Examples:
- Assurant Insurance: We aim to protect and secure the places people live and the things they buy.
- BlackRock Investing: To help millions of people invest and build savings throughout their lives.
- Brené Brown: To expand our impact through research, writing, books, podcasts, teaching, and media.
- Daystar Counseling Ministries: To soften hardened hearts, shape perspectives, and strengthen individuals to see beyond their own needs.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: To be the top choice for athletes and sports enthusiasts.
- Environmental Working Group: To empower you with research and information to make informed, healthy choices.
- Studio Four10: To teach passionate women across the U.S. how to create thriving Christ-centered businesses that use their unique gifts to serve others.
Mission: Your How
How will you achieve your vision? What’s the strategy or method?
Examples:
- Assurant Insurance: We tackle challenges by introducing innovative ideas and solutions, grounded in our core values.
- BlackRock Investing: We simplify investing with accessible market opportunities through iShares ETFs.
- Brené Brown: We use research, storytelling, and media to connect and teach.
- Daystar Counseling Ministries: We offer affordable counseling and support through various programs, serving the greater Nashville area and beyond.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: We foster an inclusive environment, build leading brands, and give back to communities through sport.
- Environmental Working Group: We work to reform laws, push for industry standards, and educate consumers.
- Studio Four10: I provide faith-based branding and website design services and online courses that make starting a home-based business accessible to all women in the U.S.
Values: Who You Are
Your core beliefs and principles that guide every decision. Your ethos and how you behave.
Examples:
- Assurant Insurance: Our values include common sense, decency, and innovative thinking, guiding our actions and corporate responsibility.
- BlackRock Investing: We prioritize transparency, client interests, inclusivity, and sustainable practices.
- Brené Brown: We embrace bravery, service, care, and excellence in all things.
- Daystar Counseling Ministries: Our foundation is built on the truth of God’s Word.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: We believe in the positive impact of sports and the importance of giving back and doing what’s right.
- Environmental Working Group: We are dedicated to reforming laws, advocating for safety, and educating consumers.
- Studio Four10: I believe in the power of prayer, trust in God, treating people with love and respect, and making decisions in service to the Lord and others.
Find what resonates with you and your business, and don’t hesitate to pause and pray if you get stuck.
I’m cheering you on!
