Can you describe why your business exists, your business goals and philosophies, in a sentence or two? It’s not an easy task to define a mission statement, but the resulting string of words can have a powerful impact on your success. Creating a mission statement involves melding your core business values, your professional intentions and your products and services, then distilling all of this down to a sentence or two. The process involves deep thought and should not be rushed. Although you need to be the author of your mission statement, it makes sense to get feedback and input from close business and personal contacts.  The result is a statement that forms the foundation of your business culture and should be proudly shared with your staff and your patients. 

A guide toward success

A good mission statement becomes a guide when answering important questions in your practice. For instance, critical decisions can be measured against a good mission statement. “Am I making a choice that is in keeping with my mission statement?”

Your mission statement will help you stay focused and prioritized, because you have a guiding principle to refer to. “Which things are most important to our mission right now?”

Discuss your mission statement with staff frequently, as it can stand as a guide for their actions as well. “When in doubt, exemplify the mission of the practice.”

Mission Questions

If you don’t know where to start shaping your mission statement, begin by asking yourself these “core value” statements. It will help you articulate your basic values, which should become the foundation of your mission statement.

• Why did I become an ECP?
• Why did I become a business owner?
• What are my core business values?
• What do I want to be known for?
• What do I want to achieve?
• What sets my business apart from other similar businesses?
• Who and where are my target patients?
• Why should someone want to patronize my business?

If you don’t already have a mission statement, it’s never too late to create one. If you do have one already, ask yourself if it needs to be updated. Mission statements should evolve as your business grows and changes.