Your business statement should be 15 words or less, and so clear a 4th grader could understand it.

Share this Article:

originally posted: June 13, 2022

When I was in grade school two different teachers at different schools had imparted timeless wisdom to my classes:

Keep It Simple, Stupid.

This instruction underscores nearly all the business advice I give anyone. I apply it to writing, to videos, to marketing plans, to promotional offers.

When you’re starting your business “Keep It Simple, Stupid” will save you time and sanity. Especially when it comes to outlining your business plan and mission statement.

Your business mission statement is the core idea/message of WHAT YOU DO and FOR WHO. It should be 15 words or less, and clear enough that a 4th grader could understand.

This one sentence is everything. You can build off of it, and build around. And you actually will. But first you need to be able to say what your business is – IN ONE SHORT SENTENCE.

For example:

I’m in the business of helping creative and small businesses get online and earn.

That sentence was 14 words. And now you know what I do. Here’s the same exact idea in 10 words:

I help creative and small businesses get online and earn.

This is the core of my business. I help. I help businesses. I help them get online. And earn.

Whatever your business – coaching, consulting, training, wedding planning, event photography, or web designer – you need a business plan. And the starting point of your business plan is the mission statement.

Your mission statement explains what you do, and who you do it for.

You can get philosophical and romantic and throw in why you do what you do, and include your values. But when you strip everything away, the bare bones of your mission statement is: WHAT you do and WHO for.

Do NOT over complicate this. When you write your business plan just get to the point.

Here are some examples of imaginary companies and their mission statements:

  1. Diamond Love (online jewelry retailer)
    Diamond Love sells one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry for individuals who enjoy spoiling themselves – 15 words 
  2. Martha Buckets (life coach)
    Martha Buckets guides everyday people toward personal growth and achieving their dreams. – 12 words 
  3. Rainbow Productions (visual media company)
    Rainbow Productions creates futuristic media for independent artists in the fashion and entertainment landscapes. – 15 words 

I’ve underlined the main words in each statement that get to the point: WHAT for WHO. When you have your business mission statement down to 15 words or less you can memorize it. If you can memorize it, you can say it all the time. If you can say it all the time, you can tell more people. And if it’s simple they can memorize it, and they can tell more people.

The other benefit of having your mission statement down is that when it’s short it’s easier is change around. When you have short variations of the same mission statement you can use the message across social channels, in captions and bios and stories, over and over without becoming too repetitive.

Also when you know WHAT you do and WHO you do it for, it’s easier for you to stay focused. So many business owners get carried away with random ideas that create extra work, and don’t actually serve their potential customers at all. When you let yourself get pulled in too many direction you risk getting in over your head. And when small business owners get overwhelmed, they check out and stall. And eventually they give up.

Keep your mission statement simple and at the forefront of all your business activities and stay on course!

Be serious. Book Your consult Today.

 

Was this post helpful? Share it!

 

Comments go here 👇🏽

 


Take My Advice






I'm Ruth Nineke

I know websites, writing, and heavy promotion. I also know you need to stop doubting yourself and book your call with me.




Ad - SiteGround WooCommerce hosting - best home for your online store. Fast WooCommerce, Free SSL, Top support. Learn more.


MOST Read

WordPress or SquareSpace ?

WordPress is extremely customizable FREE software (with paid hosting). SquareSpace is modern, sleek, expensive, limited,...

read more

Start Smart

Want a website? Online store? Here's what to know before you begin....

read more

Be Bold. Be Brave.

Your dreams are waiting for you on the other side of your fear....

read more

7 Tips For Starting Your Blog

Having a blog is a great way to build your brand and online presence -...

read more

How To Make Money Online

To make money online you need: work ethic + product + payment method....

read more

SEND MONEY INTERNATIONALLY THE SMART WAY 👇🏽
a logo with a blue flag graphic beside the word wise


Members Get More

My Business Membership is for broads who really mean it. In-depth video guides, and tools to tighten up that messy-ass business you want to start. Everything I know, in DETAIL, right at your finger tips. Members get 30% off every project/service. Act like you mean it.



Reminders:

Customizing WooCommerce Pages with ShopEngine

For the small business DIY website, ShopEngine & ElementsKit...

Customer Service Cheat Codes

People will always remember how you made them feel....

Developing Small Business Content Strategy

Your content strategy has one job: IMPRESS PEOPLE. Make...

7 Tips For Starting Your

Having a blog is a great way to build...

K-I-S-S Your Business Plan

Your business statement should be 15 words or less,...

 






Ad - WooCommerce hosting from SiteGround - The best home for your online store. Click to learn more.

Join my mailing list to for updates and member exclusives.

Did you get everything you needed?