Why do you need a mission statement for your Teacherspayteachers Store?
(Go to the bottom of this post if you want to know the origin of the blog post cover…)
In the past, I was part of creative teams which developed several not for profit theatre companies.
It’s such an exciting time to develop the company as the group envisions it. Of the many steps to not for profit status, one is to develop a mission statement for the business. I knew it was important to have a mission statement, but I didn’t know the reasons it was important when I began.
Now, it’s just second nature to me.
If you think about it, it’s sort of like having the horse before the cart. Instead of the other way around which happens often and that can make for problems as you grow your business.
While researching this topic, I found this great post on http://www.glennsmithcoaching.com. He states:
1. It determines the company’s direction
Smart business owners use this statement to remind their teams why their company exists because this is what makes the company successful. The mission statement serves as a “North Star” that keeps everyone clear on the direction of the organization. And as Andy Stanley says, “It’s your direction, not your intention, that determines your destination.” This leads to the second reason.
2. It focuses the company’s future
Many people refer to this as the “vision” which is different than the mission. The vision is about a preferred future. Where will you be in 1 year? 3 years? 5 years? The mission tells us what we’re doing today that will then take us where we want to go in the future.
3. It provides a template for decision-making
A clear mission sets important boundaries which enable business owners to delegate both responsibility and authority. Mission is to the company what a compass is to an explorer, a map to a tourist, a rudder to a ship, a template to a machinist. It provides a framework for thinking throughout the organization. It provides the boundaries and guardrails you need in order to stay on the path to your preferred future.
4. It forms the basis for alignment
When a new employee is hired, it’s critical that the new hire know what the company does and where the company is going. The mission statement forms the basis for alignment not only with the owner, but the entire team and organization. Your team will all be on the same page when it comes to what you do and why you do it, which leads to better effectiveness and efficiency.
Why do you need a mission statement for your Teacherspayteachers Store?
5. It welcomes helpful change
Many people are resistant to change because it causes us to feel insecure and sometimes out of control. However, if the mission is clear, then team members are more likely to see the value of the change and how it helps the organization accomplish the mission. This will create a culture that welcomes change when warranted.
6. It shapes strategy
Every business and business owner needs a strategy. But strategies must not be created in a vacuum. Instead of looking at what’s new or what competitors are doing and trying to copy them, wise business owners create the most effective strategies possible to accomplish the mission their company is set out to accomplish.
7. It facilitates evaluation and improvement
It has been said that “What you measure will be your mission.” If you have a clear, written statement of mission you will know exactly what to measure and how to measure it.
Wow, these are helpful, huh?
When I began my Teacherspayteacher store, I thought I knew where I was going with it and I was correct. However, whenever I was stumped as to what to create next, I realized I needed a mission statement. I knew the statement would clear up any questions I had.
Why do you need a mission statement for your Teacherspayteachers Store?
Here is mine:
To make theatre user-friendly in every classroom while maintaining the integrity of the art form.
Many years ago, I discovered teachers want to use drama in their classrooms, but are sometimes at a loss as to how to do so. Too many times, they resort to games and exercises that are fun, but not necessarily sound instruction. Generally, this is because the teacher wants the students to enjoy the art form.
That’s great, but there is far more to theatre than fun, although we want our students to enjoy it.
Theatre encompasses just about every “ology” there is: archeology, anthropology, psychology and history and a host of other subjects. A teacher can integrate theatre into their social studies lesson, music class, language arts lesson, reading class, even mathematics (I got you covered there with my set design lesson. Check it out here: Bundle Set Design and Templates )
This is where my mission statement accomplishes its goal. I created ninety products in my store–set design, costume design, stage properties, radio theater, plays, stage makeup, lessons on Tony awards and various musicals such as Wicked and Hadestown. Check them out here: Dramamommaspeaks Store
A Teacherspayteachers store owner can do the same thing for their store and really, they should do so. Mine is listed in the quote area of my store so a buyer can quickly understand what Dramamommaspeaks is all about.
If you are working on your products and wonder if you are on the right track for your store, write a mission statement and check it against the product you are making.
It should help clear up the question for you. Each time you run into a road block with a product, check it against your mission statement. It will save you time and frustration, I promise you.
Do you have a mission statement for your store? What is it? I’ve love to hear from you . Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net
P.S. You are probably wondering why I have a photo of a cat draped across a keyboard for this cover. This is my dear Spats who would sprawl on the keyboard when he wanted attention. He’s just too cute not to share. You are welcome. 🙂