Business Basics

Craft your mission statement to empower your business. Your verbal mission statement can be short and memorable. Then detail your written mission statement. Here are a few tips to help you with your mission statement.

What Is a Mission Statement—and Why Do You Need One?

A mission statement is like an elevator pitch for your business. It’s a short, clear summary of who you are, what you do, and why you do it. Just like you’d introduce yourself to someone in an elevator with a quick personal pitch, your mission statement introduces your business in a memorable and meaningful way.

Imagine This:

You step into an elevator with someone who could offer you your dream job. What would you say to make a lasting impression?

Imagine you’re in that same elevator—but it’s with a potential investor or customer this time. What would you say to spark their interest in your business?

A Real-Life Example:

Here’s what I (Josey) might say:

“Hello, my name is Josey Pearce Keener. I work with UF/IFAS Extension in St. Lucie County. My focus is Personal Financial Education and Food Entrepreneurship. When I’m not working, I run my family business by working with cattle on my family’s land.”

This short intro helps me connect with people on multiple levels—whether they recognize UF/IFAS, share my interests, or simply enjoy the personal touch of my fun fact.

Let’s Build Yours!

Let’s create one together if you don’t already have a mission statement. Start with these three parts:

1. Who Are You and What’s Your Business?

Ensure to describe who you are and what you represent.

Example 1: “Hi, I’m Josey, and I own Jo’s Jams.”

Example 2: “Hello, my name is Josey, and I run Jo’s Treats, my cottage food business.”

2. What Do You Do?

Are you focused on a niche product, or do you offer a variety of items?

Example 1: “I make a variety of jams, but I focus on sugar-free options.”

Example 2: “I make a smorgasbord of cottage food items.”

3. What Makes It Special?

Add a personal touch or something that sets your business apart.

Example 1: “I specialize in sugar-free options for diabetics like my grandfather.”

Example 2: “A cool item I am adding to my cottage food collection is baklava.”

Why It Matters

Not everyone will connect with your mission statement—and that’s okay. The goal is to have a clear, concise way to share your passion and purpose. Whether you’re networking, pitching, or just introducing yourself, your mission statement helps others quickly understand who you are and what you’re about.

A strong mission statement also serves as a compass for you as a business owner. It keeps you focused and aligned with your goals, and it helps others see the heart behind your work.

Resources

SBA – Write Your Business Plan
Includes guidance on writing a mission statement as part of your business plan, with examples and structure tips.
Explore the SBA guide https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan.

SBDCNet – National SBDC Information Clearinghouse
While not a direct how-to, this site offers research support and resources for small business planning, including mission development.
Visit SBDCNet https://www.sbdcnet.org/

America’s SBDC
Offers access to local SBDCs that provide one-on-one business advising, including help with mission and vision development.
Find your local SBDC https://floridasbdc.org/find/

To read more Business Basics tips please visit Business Basics or https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/tag/Business-Basics/

Featured Image: UF/IFAS Photo by Lyon Duong – 2015 UF/IFAS Communications