I've posted several times about the book The Boss of You: Everything A Woman Needs to Know to Start, Run, and Maintain Her Own Business
. It really is an inspiring book with a wealth of information, and you can read my previous posts about it here and here.One of the exercises the book suggests is drafting a mission statement to help you articulate and define what your business is about. While I actually drafted this back in May (with the emphasis on draft), I've hesistated to share it publicly. Then I woke up this morning, reread it, and said, heck, why not?
Here it goes:
We at Paper Menagerie believe that buying handmade is a beautiful and revolutionary act. We believe that humor and prettiness can coexist. We believe that the objects you treasure, the gifts you love to give and receive, should be as unique as you are. We believe in pots of Earl Grey tea, warm brownies, and homemade soup, in that order. We believe in dogs on the couch, in finding the perfect in the imperfect, in making the old new, and in using what you've got. We believe that eyes and minds and hands make the world a more interesting place to be.
A bit nervewracking to put a draft out there, as I'm not entirely happy with it, but I think sharing your vision is good business practice. If anyone else has a draft, I'd love to read it!
5 comments:
A very good idea. I should have a look at this book.
I love it!!!!!!
And thanks for the pointer about the book, its the first I heard of it.
Be well,
Jaye
hey there!
i love your mission statement! i, in fact, have finally purchased the book and just read the part about writing a mission statement, which is something i've always struggled with. i will write one soon and share it with you.....
xox,
amy
angela, this is beautiful. i haven't read this book yet, but does it talk at all about the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement? just from working at an organization with both, and learning about what the differences are, this seems like it might be more of a vision statement, whereas a mission is a bit more specific about what you actually do. anyways, just a thought. i do seriously love what you've written here.
What a great question, Julia, and I like your differentiation--- it makes a lot of sense.
I don't recall the book discussing the difference between the two, but I think you are right--- this is more an overall vision of my line and aesthetic rather than and set business goals.
And Amy, I really look forward to hearing what you think about the book! We need to set up our monthly "coffee" via email now.
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