example of vision and mission in a business plan

17 Seriously Inspiring Mission and Vision Statement Examples (2024)

Money is a by-product of value .

So, to thrive in the long run, businesses must remain focused on producing value.

However, it’s easy to lose sight of value creation and get sidetracked by other things like profit margins, expanding your product catalogs , or competitors.

To become a runaway success, businesses must have a purpose that unites and inspires people – “make more money” won’t do the trick. As the author Simon Sinek said , “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”

This is why organizations create mission and vision statements.

These statements unify the organization and keep everyone focused on what really matters – because if you get these things right, the profits will follow.

This post will give you an introduction to the two statements. Plus, we’ll share some great mission and vision statement examples to help inspire your own. 

Now, let’s dive in.

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Start selling online now with Shopify

example of vision and mission in a business plan

What is a Mission Statement?

A mission statement is a short summary of an organization’s core purpose, focus, and aims. This usually includes a brief description of what the organization does and its key objectives.

What is a Vision Statement?

A vision statement is a short description of an organization’s aspirations and the wider impact it aims to create. It should be a guiding beacon to everyone within the organization and something which underpins internal decision-making and determines the intended direction of the organization.

Mission Statement vs Vision Statement: What’s The Difference?

In short: The mission is the “ what ” and the “ how ,” and the vision is the “ why .”

The mission statement defines what an organization does and includes tangible goals which the organization strives to accomplish. The vision statement, meanwhile, should clarify the aspirations of the organization and define the direction it’s heading in.

Many organizations combine the two statements to form one clearly defined reason for existing that unites the efforts of everyone involved.

Does Your Business Need Mission and Vision Statements?

Mission and vision statements are signposts.

Effective mission and vision statements will unify the focus of an organization – for the organization and their target audience .

Okay, but what if you’re only just starting a business ?

Well, whether you’re a massive corporation or a solopreneur , you can use mission and vision statements to gain clarity and ensure that you consistently make decisions in line with your ultimate goals.

These statements also help you develop a stronger brand that differentiates you from the competition.

Now, let’s look at some examples.

Mission and Vision Statement Examples

For quick reference, here are 17 examples of mission and vision statements from highly successful businesses:

  • Tesla : To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
  • Nike : Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.
  • MVMT : Style shouldn’t break the bank.
  • Warby Parker : To offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price, while leading the way for socially conscious businesses.
  • Shopify : Make commerce better for everyone, so businesses can focus on what they do best: building and selling their products.
  • Patagonia : Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.
  • IKEA : To create a better everyday life for the many people.
  • TED : Spread ideas.
  • Amazon : To be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.
  • Southwest Airlines : To become the world’s most loved, most flown, and most profitable airline.
  • Google : To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.
  • Asos : Become the world’s number-one destination for fashion-loving 20-somethings.
  • Loreal : To provide the best in cosmetics innovation to women and men around the world with respect for their diversity.
  • Bulletproof : Help people perform better, think faster, and live better.
  • Honest Tea : Create and promote great-tasting, healthy, organic beverages.
  • Starbucks: To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.
  • Passionfruit: Create inclusive clothing and accessories that enable you to show your pride all year round while giving back to our community.

17 Inspiring Mission and Vision Statements Explained

Now you know what they are and how they serve organizations, let’s take a closer look at these mission and vision statement examples and draw out the key components.

Tesla Vision statement

Mission statement: To create the most compelling car company of the 21st century by driving the world’s transition to electric vehicles.

Vision statement: To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Tesla’s mission and vision statements are a class act.

Their mission statement clearly defines their core goal: “To create the most compelling car company of the 21st century.” Then it tells you how they intend to accomplish that goal: “By driving the world’s transition to electric vehicles.”

It’s simple and it works.

However, it’s Tesla’s vision statement that stands out.

The car company’s clever use of the world “accelerate” helps to enliven their lofty aspiration. This vision statement also showcases their drive (pun intended) for sustainable energy and how it steers (pun intended) the business.

It also allows them room to explore and develop their other set of energy solutions, Powerwall, Powerpack and Solar Roof.

All in all, Tesla’s vision for sustainable energy is one that resonates with countless people around the world.

Nike Vision Statement

Mission statement: Create groundbreaking sports innovations, make our products sustainably, build a creative and diverse global team, and make a positive impact in communities where we live and work.

Vision statement: Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

*If you have a body, you are an athlete.

Nike’s mission statement might sound run-of-the-mill, but it effectively sums up what they aim to do and how they aim to do it.

Take note of the words that declare Nike’s underlying company values: Innovation, sustainability, diversity, and community.

However, it’s Nike’s vision statement that has captured the hearts of millions.

“To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world” sounds a little vague at first. It’s Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman’s addition that hits you right in the feels: “If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

Bowerman’s statement staunchly stands up against body-shaming and is a powerful call for inclusion. And it’s not hard to see this shape Nike’s philosophy and marketing:

As a result, Nike’s vision statement is transformed into a moving sentiment that impacts every person who reads it. It’s also one of the best vision statement examples for business owners to use for inspiration.

MVMT Vision statement

Mission and vision statement: We were founded on the belief that style shouldn’t break the bank. Our goal is to change the way you think about fashion by delivering premium designs at radically fair prices.

MVMT have combined their company mission statement and vision statement and addressed it directly to customers.

It begins with the vision: “Style shouldn’t break the bank.”

This business vision statement cuts straight to the point and perfectly sums up MVMT’s key selling proposition of high-quality fashion watches at low prices.

The statement then goes on to explain the mission.

First, they tell you what they aim to achieve: “Change the way you think about fashion.” Then, they tell you how they intend to do it: “By delivering premium designs at radically fair prices.”

It’s short, punchy, and music to customers’ ears.

4.  Warby Parker

Warby Parker Vision statement

Mission statement: Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: To offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price, while leading the way for socially conscious businesses.

Vision statement: We believe that buying glasses should be easy and fun. It should leave you happy and good-looking, with money in your pocket. We also believe that everyone has the right to see.

Warby Parker’s mission statement reminds us of why it was founded and then reveals its aims for a better future.

Note their core business aim: “Offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price.”

In the vision statement, they address the core problems consumers face when purchasing glasses: It can be annoying, boring, costly, and still leave you anxious about whether or not they look good.

Instead, they aim to solve these problems and make buying glasses easy, fun, pleasing, and inexpensive.

Both statements also mention Warby Parker's dedication to providing glasses to people in need around the world.

Shopify Vision statement

Vision statement: Make commerce better for everyone, so businesses can focus on what they do best: building and selling their products.

Shopify’s vision statement begins with their overarching vision: to make commerce better for everyone.

Then they promote the reason why they’re driven to remove the hassle and complications of managing an ecommerce website: so businesses can focus on what’s most important to them.

Shopify’s business mission statement and vision are clear: empower businesses.

6. Patagonia

Patagonia Vision Statement

Mission and vision statement: Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.

Patagonia starts with the basis of their success in business: high-quality products .

Then they explain their environmental stance in three points which explain their aim to make their business as environmentally friendly as possible and actively combat the environmental crisis.

Patagonia goes on to say, “a love of wild and beautiful places demands participation in the fight to save them.”

And the business isn’t afraid to put their money where their mouth is. The company donates at least 1% of its sales to hundreds of grassroots environmental groups around the world.

If you’re looking for vision and statement examples that clearly articulate a company’s values and goals, this is one right here.

IKEA Vision statement

Mission statement: Offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.

Vision statement: To create a better everyday life for the many people.

IKEA’s mission statement is clear and to the point.

Note the use of the words, “wide range,” “well-designed,” “functional,” and “prices so low.” If you’ve ever been to IKEA you’ll know how well they’ve managed to embody these attributes.

IKEA’s vision statement focuses their mission statement into one singular purpose: “To create a better everyday life for the many people.”

Both statements use inclusive phrasing that solidifies IKEA’s commitment to being accessible to “as many people as possible.”

Mission statement: Spread ideas.

Vision statement: We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world.

TED , which stands for “technology, education, and design,” managed to boil down their entire mission into two simple, yet powerful words: “Spread ideas.”

With such a simple, highly focused mission, it’s easy to see how the TED brand has become a global phenomenon in recent years.

It’s a truly great mission statement that focuses all of their efforts.

“Everything we do – from our Conferences to our TED Talks to the projects sparked by The Audacious Project, from the global TEDx community to the TED-Ed lesson series – is driven by this goal: How can we best spread great ideas?”

In what could be considered their vision statement, TED goes on to explain that they “believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world.”

Mission statement: We strive to offer our customers the lowest possible prices, the best available selection, and the utmost convenience.

Vision statement: To be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.

Amazon ’s mission statement sums up the three things that have made them loved by millions: low prices, a huge selection, and incredible convenience.

Like all great mission statements, it shines a light on the values that bring success.

Amazon’s vision statement brings these elements together into one unified goal: “To be Earth’s most customer-centric company.”

10. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Vision Statement

Mission statement: The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and company spirit.

Vision statement: To become the world’s most loved, most flown, and most profitable airline.

Southwest Airlines is all about customer service .

Their mission statement summarizes this dedication to customers and highlights the importance of one-to-one interactions between staff and customers.

So it’s no surprise that Southwest’s vision statement is “to become the world’s most loved, most flown airline.”

However, although they heavily emphasize customer service , they don’t forget to mention the thing which allows the company to exist in the first place: profit.

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Google’s mission statement perfectly summarizes what they aim to do.

Take note of the last word: “useful.”

Google understands that it doesn’t matter how well organized or accessible information is if it can’t be readily applied in life.

Their mission statement is brilliant.

But unfortunately, Google doesn’t seem to have a vision statement that clarifies the reasons why they want to organize the world’s information for everyone to use.

ASOS Vision statement

Mission statement: Become the world’s number-one destination for fashion-loving 20-somethings.

Asos’ mission statement solidifies their purpose by voicing exactly what they want to achieve.

In what could be considered their vision statement, they go on to say, “We focus on fashion as a force for good, inspiring young people to express their best selves and achieve amazing things. We believe fashion thrives on individuality and should be fun for everyone.”

The addition gets a little vague in places, such as wanting young people to “achieve amazing things” – I mean, don’t we all?

However, it successfully showcases their brand image and their passion for individuality and expression .

Loreal Vision Statement

Mission statement: To provide the best in cosmetics innovation to women and men around the world with respect for their diversity.

Loreal’s mission statement comprises two key parts.

The first lays out their dedication to providing the best in cosmetics innovation. The second is all about inclusivity.

This is key.

They aim to include people from all over the world, “with respect for their diversity.”

And despite most companies marketing cosmetics solely to women, Loreal is looking to the future as gender stereotypes break down.

This type of sensitivity and awareness will position Loreal for long-term success.

14. Bulletproof

Bulletproof Vision statement

Mission and vision statement: “Help people perform better, think faster, and live better using a proven blend of ancient knowledge and brand new technologies, tempered by research, science, and measured results from our customers, top athletes, and medical professionals.”

Bulletproof has combined their vision and mission in one short paragraph.

It starts with their purpose: “Help people perform better, think faster, and live better.” Then it goes on to explain exactly how they plan to do it: Using ancient knowledge, brand new technologies, and science.

Sure, it’s a little wordy.

But it gets to the heart of why Bulletproof exists and how they plan to make an impact on the world as a business.

As a result, Bulletproof’s mission and vision statement is well-suited to unify everyone in the company and guide their decisions.

15. Honest Tea

Honest Vision Statement

Mission statement: Honest Tea seeks to create and promote great-tasting, healthy, organic beverages. We strive to grow our business with the same honesty and integrity we use to craft our recipes, with sustainability and great taste for all.

Honest Tea’s mission statement aims to live up to their brand name.

It starts by explaining what it is they do, and by doing so, they also tell you what they don’t do: chemical-laden, artificially produced beverages.

They’re talking directly to their target market and conferring their key selling proposition: beverages that are great-tasting and healthy.

They go on to showcase their values by using words like honesty, integrity, and sustainability.

And this brand doesn’t just talk the talk – they walk the walk.

Each year, the company publishes a Mission Report in an effort to be transparent about their business practices.

16. Starbucks

starbucks' vision statement

Mission statement: To inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

Another short and sweet mission statement that tells a lot about the company.

Starbucks doesn’t use big sentences or fancy words to communicate its goals. It uses clear, simple, and direct language to express what the company wants to be and for whom.  

They aspire to be known for more than just coffee by creating a culture of warmth and exclusivity.

In other words, Starbucks wants to ensure that anyone who comes through its doors feels welcomed and at home.

17. Passionfruit

passionfruit vision statement

Mission statement : We strive to create inclusive clothing and accessories that enable you to show your pride all year round while giving back to our community.

The folks at Passionfruit strive to promote the idea that pride is not just a one-day event.

Rather than making their mission statement about trendy clothes for the LBGTQ+ community, they promote the idea that pride is an everyday expression of oneself.

And by doing so, they remind people that the brand is aligned with LBGTQ+ values and supports the community by giving back.

All in all, it’s clear that Passionfruit wants everyone to recognize the truth for the queer community and spread inspiration – we’ll take it.

Done right, mission and vision statements are powerful things.

They can unify an entire organization’s efforts and be the signpost that continually focuses everyone’s efforts on the things that truly matter.

The key to great mission and vision statements is clarity.

Remember, a mission statement is the “ what ” and the “ how ,” and the vision statement is the “ why .”

Plus, it doesn’t matter how large or small your business is, every business can benefit from strong mission and vision statements.

If you’re considering writing a mission or vision statement for your business, start with your core values. Then, consider the wider impact you hope to have on the world through your customers.

What’s your business’s mission or vision statement? Let us know in the comments below!

Want to Learn More?

  • 9 Best Free Online Courses You Can Start Today
  • 7 Examples of Awesome Social Responsibility Marketing
  • How to Harness the Awesome Power of Customer Relations
  • Brand Awareness: 5 Tips for Creating a Powerful Brand Identity

how to start a business 2019

How to Start a Business in 2024: A 10-Step Guide

Learn how to find an idea, source your products, develop your brand, manage your money, and everything in between with …

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Ecommerce CRM: Definition, Function, and How to Choose

Discover how ecommerce CRM can revolutionize your operations and business. Get insights on functions and choosing the r…

color psychology

Color Psychology: How Strategic Color Choices Enhance Marketing and Brand Impact (2024)

Dicover how brands use color psychology to enahnce marketing and brand impact.

Oberlo uses cookies to provide necessary site functionality and improve your experience. By using our website, you agree to our privacy policy.

ZenBusinessPlans

Home » Business Plans

How to Write a Business Plan Mission and Vision Statement [Sample Template]

Are you currently writing a business plan? If YES, here’s an in-depth guide and sample template on how to write a workable mission & vision statement for a business. A vision and mission statement are some of the most important requisite for business success and sustainability, but unfortunately, most entrepreneurs and small business owners run their business without these two thing out of ignorance.

What is a Mission and Vision Statement?

A mission and vision statement ( more commonly called a mission statement or a vision statement ) is a brief sentence that declares the goals that a business plans to achieve in the future. Like a compass guides a ship, it guides a business to success by providing continuously inspiring its stakeholders in their daily operations and strategic moves.

A mission statement helps you plan your business effectively. It provides the destination for your journey to business success. Of course, without a destination, you can’t plan a route. Before we discuss the steps involved in developing a mission statement for your business, let’s look at the components of a mission statement and why you really need a mission statement for your business.

Today, I will be sharing with you an underground secret to building a business from scratch. This secret is one of the contributing factors to the success of any business; yet, it’s often ignored. This secret is nothing more than a “ Business Mission Statement. ”

“The thing I really care about is the mission; making the world open.” – Mark Zuckerberg

The importance of a mission statement can never be over emphasized. I have seen so many startups without a mission; even some established firms also make the mistake of operating without a mission.

“Being an entrepreneur, I have come to realize that all successful businesses are driven by three fundamentals. One is the cash flow, two is the team and three is the mission. Of these three, the mission is the most important.” – Ajaero Tony Martins

Now what has a mission statement got to do with building a business? What’s the impact of a mission statement on an entrepreneur undergoing the entrepreneurial process? Is a mission statement a source of ? While I am not going to answer these questions directly, the following points will help you further understand why you need to develop a mission statement for your business?

Why Your Business needs a Mission Statement

1. The mission is the foundation on which your business will be built. It’s the true purpose of your business and that purpose is reflected in the mission statement. Without a strong mission statement, you don’t have a true business. All you have is just a profit making venture that will soon be wiped out with time.

“To turn really interesting ideas and fledging ideas into a company that can continue to innovate for years, it requires a lot of disciplines.” – Steve Jobs

2. The entrepreneurial spirit is found in the mission statement. When I look at the mission statement of any business, I get a peep into the life of the entrepreneur that founded that business. The entrepreneurial spirit is what drives the entrepreneur forward. If the mission is strong, your spirit will be strong towards the pursuit of your goal.

“The IKEA spirit is strong and living reality. Simplicity in our behavior gives us strength. Simplicity and humbleness characterize us in our relations with each others, our suppliers and our customers.” – Ingvar Kamprad

3. Your mission statement is the bond binding you, your team, employees and your customers to the business. Take away the mission and other key elements will fall apart. Your mission also has the power to attract other like-minded individuals and entities to your cause. The reason is that people with the same mission align together; more like birds of the same feather flocking together.

4. With a strong mission, your business will weather any storm. Take a look at businesses that has been around for over 100 years and you will see businesses with a strong mission. As an example:

  • General Electric has stood the test of time because the spirit of its founder “ Thomas Edison ” continues to guide the company through its mission.
  • Henry Ford’s mission statement was: “ To democratize the automobile ” and that mission has kept the Ford Motor Company going.
  • Aliko Dangote’s mission statement goes: “ Providing your basic need ” and this mission drives the Dangote Group to dominate the commodities market of
  • The Rich Dad Company; founded by Robert Kiyosaki keeps waxing strong because of its mission, which is “ To elevate the financial well being of humanity .”

By contrast; I have come to observe that when a company forgets its mission, its starts to lose its relevance. The bond holding the business will be broken and good customers will leave, employees will resign and the business will dwindle. Just as the case of the Dot com burst, many profitable Dot com companies went under because they forgot their mission.

3 Components of a Mission and Vision Statement

1.  a vision.

This, simply put, states the impact you envision your business having on the world in years to come. You can have more than a single statement in here, but don’t go beyond three. Gloss it over to make sure anyone who reads it feels at least one of inspiration, hope, commitment, and awe.

In addition, your vision statement must be compelling, detailed, and reflective of the intended end outcome. Avoid one that is bland, generic, uninspiring, or unreasonable. An example of a good vision statement is that of Amazon:

“Our vision is to be earth’s most customer centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”

2.  A mission statement

This is a brief statement that states the important goal or purpose that your business is poised to achieve. In other words, it’s a single sentence stating why your business exists in a convincing manner. Keep your mission statement specific and concise ( the shorter it is, the better ), make it connect with both employees and stakeholders, and make it highlight your value proposition. Don’t make it too long, generic, or confusing. An example of a good mission statement is that of Nike:

“To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.”

Here’s another example of a mission statement:

“To contribute to development of value-added agricultural businesses . ”

3. Core values

These outline the principles and values that the stakeholders in a business will follow in their bid to achieve their vision. They also specify the bounds or limits that the stakeholders must watch while trying to actualize the mission. The following are examples of core values:

  • Respect and protect the environment
  • Offer high quality products that are safe for consumers
  • Meet the ever-changing needs of consumers
  • Practice highly ethical business standards

If your business is going to stand the test of time, then you will have to build it upon a strong mission. With the above in mind, let’s now look at the steps involved in developing a mission and visions statement.

How to Write a Mission and Vision Statement for a Business Plan

Please bear in mind that you are learning as much of yourself each day as you are about your customer. So, don’t feel that anything you state here is etched in stone and cannot be changed. The more you understand your customer and the market, the more necessary it would become for you to shift grounds accordingly. But you need to state here what you have to offer at the moment. This will be a starting point for any changes you may need to effect later ( as your business grows ).

1.  Sit down in a quiet spot and reflect upon your thoughts

Ask yourself what drives you forward? What keeps you motivated? When you have figured out the answer to these questions, put it down in writing.

2.  Ask yourself how best you can serve your customers

What will your business stand for in the heart of your customers? What will be the ultimate benefit your customers can derive from your business? When you figure the answer to these questions out, put it down in writing.

3. Brainstorm for your vision statement

The vision is the most important component of your mission statement. Simply put, this is a picture or idea of what you plan to achieve in future . A vision statement is always concise and easy to remember, and for this reason, every stakeholder in a business can easily focus on it; and their decisions and activities are directed towards achieving the vision. Here is a good example of a vision statement:

“ Creating a vibrant rural economy driven by value-added agriculture. “

Once you get one down, then getting other components becomes very easy. To find the best vision statement for your business, simply ask yourself the question, “Why does this business exist?” Present answers from various angles, and you will find your mission statement among them.

4.  Get down your mission statement

As stated earlier, your mission statement is that action sentence that describes how you will achieve your vision. Finding this is much easier once you have found your vision statement. If you are stuck, just do it this way: If your vision is “A diabetes-free society” , then simply add the word “ To ” and another suitable verb to convert it to an action sentence. And there you will have your mission statement.

Using the same vision, you will get “To bring about a diabetes-free society .” You can go further by tweaking it, so that you will have something like: “To manufacture products that can cure diabetes effectively and permanently.” You get it now?

5.  List your core values

First off, you need to clarify your values. This means taking into account all the various stakeholders that your business is ( or will be ) accountable to—including investors, customers, employees, and suppliers. Now, consider how you would like to ideally conduct business with each of these stakeholders. Start making a list and your core values should start to emerge.

These are the various steps you will follow in your quest to achieve your vision. Brainstorm for as many as possible, list them down, and the prune your list down to as few as possible without leaving out any important ones. Now, let’s look at some additional tips that you will need to keep in mind when preparing your mission and vision statement.

4 Extra Success Tips for Developing a Business Plan Mission and Vision Statement

  • Your mission statement must be brief and simple. Being succinct as demanded by a mission statement isn’t easy. And you may need to go through several hours of tweaking and editing before arriving at the perfect sentence. Though short, your mission statement must capture the very essence of what your business plans to achieve. The fewer words the better. Use just only the few words needed to pass the message without leaving out any vital details.
  • Your mission statement must be in tune with your vision, and both sentences must blend to form a single thought.
  • There’s no rule that says you must get it perfectly at once. You can keep review your mission statement later, if necessary.
  • Your mission and vision statements must give the reader an insight, a covert one, at least into what you offer. This is more important if the name of your business doesn’t suggest what products or services you’re offering.

If you follow the guidelines I shared in this post, you will prepare a perfect vision and mission statement that will drive your business to success. Now I want you to know that no one can help you develop a mission statement. You alone can develop your mission and as a final note, it’s worthwhile you know that of the entire business system, the mission is the most important.

  • Go to Chapter 8 Part C: Writing your Business Plans Goals and Objectives
  • Go Back to Chapter 7 : H ow to Write a Business Plan Executive Summary
  • Go Back to Introduction and Table of Content

More on Business Plans

Difference Between Mission and Vision Statements: 25 Examples

  • Written By Britt Skrabanek
  • Updated: February 15, 2024

Mission. Vision. Values. 

You’ve probably heard that phrase (or something similar) a thousand times. But they’re actually three distinct concepts.

The lines especially blur between mission and vision. It’s essential to know their distinction from one another when it comes to the drive and direction of your company. So what’s the real difference between mission and vision statements?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare and contrast mission and vision statements. We’ll break down each one’s definition and then discuss the best 25 brand examples that demonstrate their differences. Through that, you’ll be able to better understand and define your company’s essence and direction with confidence and clarity.

The Difference Between a Mission and Vision Statement

This is the easiest way to break it down:

  • The mission statement focuses on today and what the organization does to achieve it.
  • The vision statement focuses on tomorrow and what the organization wants to become.

While companies commonly use mission and vision statements interchangeably, it’s important to have both. Because having purpose and meaning is critical for any business, one doesn’t work without the other.

What is the mission statement for your brand?

What is a Mission Statement?

Your mission statement drives the company. It is the core of the business. From it stems your company’s objectives and what it takes to reach those objectives. Ultimately, it shapes your company’s entire culture.

Mission statement questions look like:

  • What do we do?
  • Whom do we serve?
  • How do we serve them?

This trickle-down effect of a mission statement confirms its value at any company. A solid mission sets up your content operations for success by starting your team all at the same place and motivating them to work together to reach the same end goal.

On the other hand, a weak mission — or no mission at all — can have the opposite effect. Picture this: silos, miscommunications, flailing, feeling unmotivated. And, imagine what that does to a company. Scary, right?

For content marketers

Your content strategy supports your company’s mission statement — think of it as the HOW of what you do.  It helps keep you on track. Through it, you stay true to your brand and your goals. Every piece of content you create should be rooted in your mission statement, from the tone of voice to the call to action .

What is the vision statement for your brand?

What is a Vision Statement?

Your vision statement gives the company direction. It is the future of the business, which then provides the purpose.

The vision statement is aspirational- it’s about what you want to become.

Vision statement questions look like:

  • What are our hopes and dreams?
  • What problem are we solving for the greater good?
  • Who and what are we inspiring to change?

The vision statement promotes growth, both internally and externally. A strong vision helps teams focus on what matters the most for their company. It also invites innovation. A purpose-driven company envisions success as a whole because they know what success means for their company.

On the flip side, a lack of vision is a road to nowhere for a business. Imagine this: stagnation, outdated processes, moving without purpose, feeling uninspired. Can a company even survive without a clear vision? You know the answer to that one.

The content vision supports the company’s vision statement — it’s the WHY of what you do. This helps you stay forward-thinking, true to your beliefs, and true to your purpose. Every piece of content you dream up should fly high with your vision statement, from the inception of an ebook to the lofty blog traffic milestone.

Brands That Get It: 25 Mission and Vision Statement Examples

So, what do great mission and vision statements actually look like? Here are 25 companies that get them right, with the customer loyalty to prove it.

Tesla's mission and vision statements

Mission: To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Vision: To create the most compelling car company of the 21st century by driving the world’s transition to electric vehicles.

Why it works:  What better word than “accelerate” in a mission to serve as the driving force behind what Tesla does. While boldly stating “best in the century” reflects loftier dreams in the vision.

Mission:  We strive to offer our customers the lowest possible prices, the best available selection, and the utmost convenience.

Vision:  To be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.

Why it works:  Amazon’s mission is cut-and-dry about what it offers to customers. The vision takes the offerings further, saying their company will offer “anything” customers want.

Mission:   We’re in business to save our home planet.

Vision: A love of wild and beautiful places demands participation in the fight to save them and to help reverse the steep decline in the overall environmental health of our planet.

Why it works: Patagonia’s mission and vision statements show a deep commitment to improving lives and saving the planet through its products.

Mission:  Spread ideas.

Vision: We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, and, ultimately, the world.

Why it works:  The TED mission to “spread ideas” is a simple demonstration of how they serve. The vision is all about impact, and how spreading ideas invokes change in the world.

Mission:  To connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.

Vision:  To create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.

Why it works:  LinkedIn succinctly captures what they do (connect) and who they serve (the world’s professionals) in their mission. While the vision encompasses every working person in the world.

Mission:   To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

Vision:  To provide access to the world’s information in one click.

Why it works:  Google may seem complex, but its mission clarifies that organization and accessibility are what they offer. Their vision statement is about improving accessibility in the future “in one click.”

Mission:  We reimagine the way the world moves for the better.

Vision:  Smarter transportation with fewer cars and greater access. Transportation that’s safer, cheaper, and more reliable; transportation that creates more job opportunities and higher incomes for drivers.

Why it works:  Uber “transports,” so it is the perfect actionable verb for their mission. The vision dives deeper into how their transportation services exist for the greater good of everyone.

Mission: To create a world where anyone can belong anywhere, and we are focused on creating an end-to-end travel platform that will handle every part of your trip.

Vision: Belong everywhere.

Why it works: The Airbnb mission says, “We help you feel at home,” while encapsulating the company’s goals for the future. They explore a deeper sense of belonging in the vision, tapping into the universal human desire their company aims for.

Mission: Delight our customers, employees, and shareholders by relentlessly delivering the platform and technology advancements that become essential to the way we work and live.

Vision:  If it is smart and connected, it is best with Intel.

Why it works: Intel promises to deliver the most technologically advanced products in its mission. Their vision uses more boastful language, illustrating great confidence in the future of their solutions.

Mission:  We build cars, symbols of Italian excellence the world over, and we do so to win on both road and track. Unique creations that fuel the Prancing Horse legend and generate a “World of Dreams and Emotions.”

Vision:  Ferrari, Italian Excellence that makes the world dream.

Why it works:  “We build to win” in Ferrari’s mission focuses on the strength and quality of their product. In this ambitious vision, their cars will reach the pinnacle of “Italian Excellence.”

Mission: Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs everywhere, making opportunities more inclusive for all.

Vision: Our vision is to radically shift the global economy toward independent entrepreneurial ventures.

Why it works: GoDaddy positions itself as the entrepreneur’s champion, making opportunity and success attainable for all.

Caterpillar

Mission: To provide the best value to customers, grow a profitable business, develop and reward people, and encourage social responsibility.

Vision: Be the global leader in customer value.

Why it works: Caterpillar explains both their “how” and their “why” in their mission statement: By providing affordable and high-quality products to customers, they will continue to grow their business, recognize and reward employees, and make a positive impact on the environment. Their vision reaffirms their commitment to providing value.

Mission:  To attract and attain customers with high-valued products and services and the most satisfying ownership experience in America.

Vision:  To be the most successful and respected car company in America.

Why it works:  Toyota’s mission and vision statements demonstrate what they are known for: products and services. Even in a highly competitive industry, their vision states that they will become the best car company in the country.

Mission: We will devote our human resources and technology to creating superior products and services, thereby contributing to a better global society.

Vision: To inspire the world with our innovative technologies, products, and designs that enrich people’s lives and contribute to social prosperity by creating a new future.

Why it works: Samsung wants to improve people’s lives by creating exceptional and innovative products, which they make clear in both their mission and vision statements.

Mission:  To empower and engage people around the world to collect and develop educational content under a free license or in the public domain, and to disseminate it effectively and globally.

Vision:  Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. That’s our commitment.

Why it works:  Wikimedia’s mission motivates its team to move toward a common goal of empowerment and engagement. Their vision paints a future world where their company’s commitment makes a lasting impact.

Mission:  To be the world’s favorite destination for discovering great value and unique selection.

Vision:  Our vision for commerce is one that is enabled by people, powered by technology, and open to everyone.

Why it works: When you break eBay’s mission and vision statements down, you see that eBay’s mission uses “destination” to show their virtual company as a real place people come to. An ongoing focus on people and technology gets into the “why” of their vision.

Mission:  Offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.

Vision: To create a better everyday life for many people.

Why it Works:  The mission here focuses on the functionality of IKEA’s products and the affordability of their customers. In the vision, the IKEA team has a true sense of purpose in “creating a better everyday life.”

Mission: Shape the future of the internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners.

Vision:  Changing the way we work, live, play, and learn.

Why it works:  Cisco decided to blend their mission and vision statements. Language like “shape the future” is more vision-oriented, but the mission talks about the people they serve.

Mission:  A company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity.

Vision: Using our unlimited passion for technology, content, and services to deliver groundbreaking new excitement and entertainment, as only Sony can.

Why it works:  Sony gives a customer-focused touch to its mission by using “your.” The “unlimited passion” and “groundbreaking entertainment” messaging in their vision demonstrate innovation.

Southwest Airlines

Mission: The mission of Southwest Airlines is a dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and company spirit.

Vision: To be the world’s most loved, most efficient, and most profitable airline.

Why it works:  Southwest Airlines tells us right up front that quality customer service is their mission. Their vision is highly aspirational across the board in saying they want to be “the most” of everything.

Mission: Our mission is to provide insightful solutions that drive value and success for our clients by allowing them to focus on their business.

Vision:  Be the world’s authority on helping organizations focus on what matters.

Why it works: ADP puts its clients at the forefront of its mission and vision statements. After all, their clients’ success is what makes them successful.

Kaiser Permanente

Mission: Kaiser Permanente exists to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve.

Vision:  We are trusted partners in total health, collaborating with people to help them thrive and creating communities that are among the healthiest in the nation.

Why it works:  Saying “exist” sounds more like a vision statement, but the rest of the mission says what Kaiser Permanente does. In the vision, “thrive” and “healthiest” are big words that show their impact.

Mission:  The mission of Coinbase is to create an open financial system for the world.

Vision:  Digital currency will bring about more innovation, efficiency, and equality of opportunity in the world by creating an open financial system.

Why it works:  Coinbase didn’t sugarcoat what they do in their mission statement, did they? And, in the vision, their message speaks well to the change their company will bring one day.

Mission:  To give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.

Vision:  People use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what’s going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them.

Why it works:  Facebook’s mission is focused on the community their platform promises. Their vision talks about why community matters, interweaving how they will “bring the world closer together” from the mission.

Whole Foods

Mission: Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. We’re a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for food retailers. Quality is a state of mind at Whole Foods Market.

Vision: Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet.

Why it works:  This mission uses repetition throughout to reinforce the quality that Whole Foods is known for. Making everything “whole” in their vision binds their company to a set of beliefs that they complete people’s lives.

More Mission Statements From Top Brands:

  • Adidas — To be the best sports company in the world.
  • CalArts — CalArts is a multidisciplinary community of artists. Our ongoing educational endeavor is grounded in openness, experimentation, critical engagement, and creative freedom. Through artistic practice, we transform ourselves, each other, and the world.
  • Coca-Cola — To refresh the world in mind, body, and spirit; to inspire moments of optimism and happiness through our brands and actions; to create value and make a difference.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts — Everything we do is about you. From chefs who create exciting new flavors to crew members who know exactly how you want your drink—we prioritize what you need to get you on your way. We strive to keep you at your best, and we remain loyal to you, your tastes, and your time. That’s what America runs on.
  • Goodwill — Goodwill works to enhance people’s dignity and quality of life by strengthening their communities, eliminating their barriers to opportunity, and helping them reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.
  • L’Oréal — L’Oréal has set itself the mission of offering all women and men worldwide the best of cosmetics innovation in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety. By meeting the infinite diversity of beauty needs and desires all over the world.
  • McDonald’s — Our mission is to make delicious feel-good moments easy for everyone.
  • The Met — The mission of The Metropolitan Museum of Art is to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and stimulate appreciation for and advance knowledge of works of art that collectively represent the broadest spectrum of human achievement at the highest level of quality, all in the service of the public and in accordance with the highest professional standards.
  • Microsoft — Our mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.
  • MIT — The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.
  • NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) — NASA explores the unknown in air and space, innovates for the benefit of humanity, and inspires the world through discovery.
  • Nike — Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.
  • Northwestern University  — Northwestern is committed to excellent teaching, innovative research, and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.
  • Oprah Winfrey Network — OWN’s mission is to create multiple platforms for women, men, and their families with a purpose and a passion: to celebrate life, inspire and entertain, empower viewers around the world to live their best lives, and by doing so, lift the lives of those around them in ever-widening circles.
  • Pepsi — Create more smiles with every sip and every bite.
  • Shopify — Making commerce better for everyone.
  • Starbucks — To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.
  • Target — To help all families discover the joy of everyday life.
  • Walt Disney Company — The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds, and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.

Mission vs. Vision: Know who you are and where you're going

Know Who You Are and Where You’re Going

The mission statement focuses on today and what we do, and the vision statement focuses on tomorrow and what we want to become. Both are important to a company’s survival.

Call it the essence, beating heart, or the defining characteristic — whatever you call it, make sure your mission and vision statements are clearly defined and understood for the sake of your content and your company.

Get a content mission and a content vision statement down on paper. Share it with your team members. Then you can measure your future content efforts against the two. Although they are not slogans or taglines themselves , they should definitely help inform them and all your content.

Knowing who you are and where you’re going is the foundation of an organization’s success. So, who are you? And, where are you going?

  Mission and Vision Series

Part One: Content Strategy & Vision: A Creative Chief & Strategy Chief Sound Off

Ready to take your content to the next level?

You may also like....

Integrating AI and Automation

The Future of Content Outsourcing: Integrating AI and Automation

Content Operations vs. Content Strategy

Content Operations vs. Content Strategy: Everything You Need to Know

Analytics in Content Operations

The Critical Role of Analytics in Content Operations

  • Content Production
  • Build Your SEO
  • Amplify Your Content
  • For Agencies

Why ClearVoice

  • Talent Network
  • How It Works
  • Freelance For Us
  • Statement on AI
  • Talk to a Specialist

Get Insights In Your Inbox

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Intellectual Property Claims
  • Data Collection Preferences

32 Mission and Vision Statement Examples That Will Inspire Your Buyers

Lindsay Kolowich Cox

Published: May 11, 2023

100 Mission Statement Examples & Templates

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Mission statements from 100 companies and templates to create one for your business.

Thank you for downloading the offer.

Think about the brands you purchase from over and over. Why do you choose to buy products and or services from them even when cheaper options exist?

mission and vision statement examples

Well, there's a good reason for it — because of their values which are expressed in their mission statement. As consumers, we like to patronize businesses that have values we believe in.

Still, Loyalty doesn’t happen overnight. Building brand loyalty , like creating mission and vision statements, takes time. If you’re in a bit of a time crunch, use this table of contents to find precisely what you’re looking for to inspire the development of your company’s mission:

What is a mission statement?

Mission vs Vision Statements

Best Mission Statement Examples

Best Vision Statements Examples

Fill out this form to access the guide

A mission statement is a simple statement about the goals, values, and objectives of an organization. It helps a company respond to change and make decisions that align with its vision.

This brief description helps customers, employees, and leadership understand the organization's top priorities.

As a company grows, it may reach its early goals, and they'll change. So, it's important to revise mission statements as needed to reflect the business's new culture as it achieves its goals and develops new targets.

example of vision and mission in a business plan

  • 100 real examples
  • 10 industries
  • Instructions & guidelines
  • 10 free templates

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

What makes a good mission statement?

The best brands combine physical, emotional, and logical elements into one exceptional customer (and employee) experience that you value as much as they do. A good mission statement will not only explain your brand’s purpose, but will also foster a connection with customers.

When your brand creates a genuine connection with customers and employees, they'll stay loyal to your company, thereby increasing your overall profitability.

Mission statements also help you stand out in the marketplace, differentiating your brand from the competition.

What are the 3 parts of a mission statement?

Your mission statement should clearly express what your brand does, how it does it, and why the brand does it. You can quickly sum this up in your mission statement by providing the following:

  • Brand Purpose: What does your product or service do, or aim to offer and for whom?
  • Brand Values: What does your company stand for? For example, are you environmentally conscious and provide a more sustainable solution to solve a problem? Values are what make your company unique.
  • Brand Goals: What does your company accomplish for customers? Why should they purchase from you instead of other competitors?

With these three components, you can create a mission that is unique to your brand and resonates with potential customers. Next, we’ll guide you step by step on how to write a proper mission statement to build on as your company evolves.

How to Write a Mission Statement

  • Explain your company’s product or service offering.
  • Identify the company’s core values.
  • Connect how your company's offering aligns with your values.
  • Condense these statements into one.
  • Make sure it’s clear, concise, and free of fluff.

1. Explain your company’s product or service offering.

You want prospects to understand what your company does in a literal sense. This means explaining your offering in basic, clear terms. Your explanation should answer the most basic questions like:

  • Are you selling a product or service?
  • Why would customers buy it?
  • How does your offering solve for the customer?

Record your answers and focus on how your product or service brings value to your buyer personas , otherwise known as your target audience.

2. Identify the company’s core values.

Now, this is where you can start thinking bigger. You didn’t just make a product or service at random. Instead, you’re most likely motivated by a set of core values .

Core values are deeply ingrained principles that guide a company’s actions. Take HubSpot’s culture code, HEART , for example:

  • Transparent

These are principles that not only company employees respect, but are principles that our customers appreciate as well. By identifying core values that hold meaning on personal and organizational levels, you’ll have an appealing set to add to your mission statement.

3. Connect how your company's offering aligns with your values.

So how can your company offering serve your core values? You need to draw a connection between the two in a way that makes sense to the public.

For example, if one of your core values centers on innovation, you want to frame your product or service as pushing boundaries and explaining how it helps customers innovate their lives or business practices. Essentially, you’re taking the literal benefit of the offering and expanding it to serve a higher purpose.

4. Condense these statements into one.

A mission statement can be as short as a single sentence, or as long as a paragraph, but it’s meant to be a short summary of your company’s purpose. You need to state the what, who, and why of your company:

  • What: The company offering
  • Who: Who you’re selling to
  • Why: The core values you do it for

Once you have successfully conveyed your message, it’s time to refine and perfect your statement.

5. Make sure it’s clear, concise, and free of fluff.

Above all, your mission statement is a marketing asset that is meant to be clear, concise, and free of fluff. It should clearly outline the purpose of your company offering and show the common goals the company is working to achieve. You should also have other team members or advisors read the mission statement and make adjustments if needed according to their recommendations.

Vision Statement

A vision statement is aspirational and expresses your brand’s plan or “vision” for the future and potential impact on the world. They often serve as a guide for a brand’s future goals and explain why customers and employees should stick around for the long haul.

What makes a good vision statement?

A good vision statement should be bold and ambitious. They’re meant to be inspirational, big-picture declarations of what your company strives to be in the future. They give customers a peek into your company’s trajectory and build customer loyalty by allowing them to align their support with your vision because they believe in the future of your brand as well.

What are the 3 parts of a vision statement?

Your company vision is meant to be inspirational while also aligning with the company’s mission. A vision statement should have the following characteristics:

  • Aspirational and Ambitious: Have a lofty outlook for what you want your business to accomplish? Here’s the place to put it. Your vision statement should be aspirational and showcase how your business will grow in the future.
  • Practical and Achievable: While your statement should be ambitious, it shouldn’t be impossible. Set a goal that is both challenging and practical.
  • General: Your vision should be broad enough to encompass all of your brand’s overall goals. Think of it as umbrella for your mission statement and company objectives to nest under.

Both mission and vision statements are often combined into one comprehensive "mission statement" to define the organization's reason for existing and its outlook for internal and external audiences — like employees, partners, board members, consumers, and shareholders.

The difference between mission and vision statements lies in the purpose they serve.

Mission Statement vs. Vision Statement

A mission statement clarifies what the company wants to achieve, who they want to support, and why they want to support them. On the other hand, a vision statement describes where the company wants a community, or the world, to be as a result of the company's services. Thus, a mission statement is a roadmap for the company's vision statement.

A mission statement is a literal quote stating what a brand or company is setting out to do. This lets the public know the product and service it offers, who it makes it for, and why it’s doing it. A vision statement is a brand looking toward the future and saying what it hopes to achieve through its mission statement. This is more conceptual, as it’s a glimpse into what the brand can become in the eyes of the consumer and the value it will bring in longevity.

In summary, the main differences between a mission statement and a vision statement are:

  • Mission statements describe the current purpose a company serves. The company's function, target audience, and key offerings are elements that are often mentioned in a mission statement.
  • Vision statements are a look into a company’s future or what its overarching vision is. The same elements from the mission statement can be included in a vision statement, but they'll be described in the future tense.

Now that we know what they are, let’s dive into some useful examples of each across different industries.

Mission and Vision Statement Template

Free Guide: 100 Mission Statement Templates & Examples

100-mission-statements examples

Need more examples to build your mission statement? Download our free overview of mission statements – complete with 100 templates and examples to help you develop a stand-out mission statement.

Create a mission statement with these useful templates , like this example below:

Create a mission statement example: HubSpot Nonprofit Mission Statement Template

  • Life Is Good: To spread the power of optimism.
  • sweetgreen: Building healthier communities by connecting people to real food.
  • Patagonia: Build the best product, Cause no unnecessary harm, Use business to protect nature, Not bound by convention.
  • American Express: Become essential to our customers by providing differentiated products and services to help them achieve their aspirations.
  • Warby Parker: To inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and style.
  • InvisionApp: Transform the way people work together by helping them collaborate better. Faster. On everything. From anywhere.
  • Honest Tea: To create and promote great-tasting, healthy, organic beverages.
  • IKEA: To offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them
  • Nordstrom: Offering customers the very best service, selection, quality, and value.
  • Cradles to Crayons: Provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school, and at play.
  • Universal Health Services, Inc.: To provide superior quality healthcare services that: PATIENTS recommend to family and friends, PHYSICIANS prefer for their patients, PURCHASERS select for their clients, EMPLOYEES are proud of, and INVESTORS seek for long-term returns.
  • JetBlue: To inspire humanity – both in the air and on the ground.
  • Workday: Our core values guide everything we do — Employees, Customer Service, Innovation, Integrity, Fun, Profitability.
  • Lowe's: Together, deliver the right home improvement products, with the best service and value, across every channel and community we serve.
  • Tesla: Accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy.
  • Invisible Children: Partners with local peacebuilders across central Africa to end violent conflict through locally-led solutions.
  • TED: Spread ideas, foster community and create impact.
  • Microsoft: To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
  • Disney: To entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling.
  • Meta: Giving people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.
  • Vista Equity Partners: By providing technology expertise, operational guidance and capital for sustainable growth, we empower organizations across all industries to stay ahead in the digital economy.
  • Dunkin': Everything we do is about you. We strive to keep you at your best, and we remain loyal to you, your tastes and your time. That’s what America runs on.

1. Life Is Good : To spread the power of optimism.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Life is Good

Image Source

The Life is Good brand is about more than spreading optimism — although, with uplifting T-shirt slogans like "Seas The Day" and "Forecast: Mostly Sunny," it's hard not to crack a smile.

There are tons of T-shirt companies in the world, but Life is Good's mission sets itself apart with a mission statement that goes beyond fun clothing: to spread the power of optimism.

This mission is perhaps a little unexpected if you're not familiar with the company's public charity: How will a T-shirt company help spread optimism? Life is Good answers that question below the fold, where the mission is explained in more detail using a video and with links to the company’s community and the Life is Good Playmaker Project page . We really like how lofty yet specific this mission statement is — it's a hard-to-balance combination.

2. sweetgreen : Building healthier communities by connecting people to real food.

Best Missions Statement Examples: sweetgreen's

Notice that sweetgreen's mission is positioned to align with your values — not just written as something the brand believes. We love the inclusive language used in its statement.

The language lets us know the company is all about connecting its growing network of farmers growing healthy, local ingredients with us — the customer — because we're the ones who want more locally grown, healthy food options.

The mission to connect people is what makes this statement so strong. And, that promise has gone beyond sweetgreen's website and walls of its food shops: The team has made strides in the communities where it's opened stores as well. Primarily, it offers education to young kids on healthy eating, fitness, sustainability, and where food comes from.

3. Patagonia : Build the best product, Cause no unnecessary harm, Use business to protect nature, Not bound by convention.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Patagonia

Patagonia's mission statement spotlights the company’s commitment to help the environment and save the earth. The people behind the brand believe that among the most direct ways to limit ecological impacts is with goods that last for generations or can be recycled so the materials in them stay in use.

In the name of this cause, the company donates time, services, and at least 1% of its sales to hundreds of environmental groups worldwide.

If your company has a similar focus on growing your business and giving back, think about talking about both the benefit you bring to customers and the value you want to bring to a greater cause in your mission statement.

4. American Express : Become essential to our customers by providing differentiated products and services to help them achieve their aspirations.

Best Missions Statement Examples: American Express

Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.

— Simon Sinek (@simonsinek)

The tweet above is from Simon Sinek , and it's one that we repeat here at HubSpot all the time. American Express sets itself apart from other credit card companies in its list of values, with an ode to excellent customer service, which is something it’s famous for.

We especially love the emphasis on teamwork and supporting employees so that the people inside the organization can be in the best position to support their customers.

5. Warby Parker : To inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and style.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Warby Parker

In one sentence, the brand takes us to the root of why it was founded while also revealing its vision for a better future.

The longer-form version of the mission reads: "We're constantly asking ourselves how we can do more and make a greater impact—and that starts by reimagining everything that a company and industry can be. We want to demonstrate that a business can scale, be profitable, and do good in the world—without charging a premium for it. And we've learned that it takes creativity, empathy, and innovation to achieve that goal." This further shows how Warby Parker doesn't hold back on letting its unique personality shine through. Here, the mission statement's success all comes down to spot-on word choice.

6. InvisionApp : Transform the way people work together by helping them collaborate better. Faster. On everything. From anywhere.

Company mission statement examples: InvisionApp

We love the way this statement is emphasized by bringing it back to InVision’s customers — top brands like Google, Zillow, and Slack — and linking to those stories. This mission statement is brief, authentic, and business babble-free — which makes the folks at InvisionApp seem trustworthy and genuine.

7. Honest Tea : To create and promote great-tasting, healthy, organic beverages.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Honest Tea's

Honest Tea's mission statement begins with a simple punch line connoting its tea is real, pure, and therefore not full of artificial chemicals. The brand is speaking to an audience that's tired of finding ingredients in its tea that can't be pronounced and has been searching for a tea that's exactly what it says it is.

Not only does Honest Tea have a punny name, but it also centers its mission around the name. For some time, the company even published a Mission Report each year in an effort to be "transparent about our business practices and live up to our mission to seek to create and promote great-tasting, healthier, organic beverages."

8. IKEA : To offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them

The folks at IKEA dream big. The vision-based mission statement could have been one of beautiful, affordable furniture, but instead, it's to make everyday life better for its customers. It's a partnership: IKEA finds deals all over the world and buys in bulk, then we choose the furniture and pick it up at a self-service warehouse.

"Our business idea supports this vision ... so [that] as many people as possible will be able to afford them," the brand states .

Using words like "as many people as possible" makes a huge company like IKEA much more accessible and appealing to customers.

9. Nordstrom : Offering customers the very best service, selection, quality, and value.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Nordstrom

When it comes to customer commitment, few companies are as hyper-focused as Nordstrom is. Although clothing selection, quality, and value all have a place in the company's mission statement, it’s clear that it’s all about the customer: "Nordstrom works relentlessly to give customers the most compelling shopping experience possible."

If you've ever shopped at a Nordstrom, you'll know the brand will uphold the high standard for customer service mentioned in its mission statement, as associates are always roaming the sales floors, asking customers whether they've been helped, and doing everything they can to make the shopping experience a memorable one.

10. Cradles to Crayons : Provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school, and at play.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons divided its mission and model into three sections that read like a game plan: The Need, The Mission, and The Model. The "rule of three" is a powerful rhetorical device called a tricolon that's usually used in speechwriting to help make an idea more memorable. A tricolon is a series of three parallel elements of roughly the same length — think "I came; I saw; I conquered."

11. Universal Health Services, Inc. : To provide superior quality healthcare services that: PATIENTS recommend to family and friends, PHYSICIANS prefer for their patients, PURCHASERS select for their clients, EMPLOYEES are proud of, and INVESTORS seek for long-term returns.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Universal Health Services

A company thrives when it pleases its customers, its employees, its partners, and its investors — and Universal Health Services endeavors to do just that, according to its mission statement. As a healthcare service, it specifically strives to please its patients, physicians, purchasers, employees, and investors. We love the emphasis on each facet of the organization by capitalizing the font and making it red for easy skimming.

12. JetBlue : To inspire humanity – both in the air and on the ground.

Best Missions Statement Examples: JetBlue

JetBlue's committed to its founding mission through lovable marketing, charitable partnerships, and influential programs — and we love the approachable language used to describe these endeavors. For example, the brand writes how it "set out in 2000 to bring humanity back to the skies."

For those of us who want to learn more about any of its specific efforts, JetBlue offers details on the Soar With Reading program, its partnership with KaBOOM!, the JetBlue Foundation, environmental and social reporting, and so on. It breaks down all these initiatives really well with big headers, bullet points, pictures, and links to other web pages visitors can click to learn more. JetBlue also encourages visitors to volunteer or donate their TrueBlue points.

13. Workday : Our core values guide everything we do — Employees, Customer Service, Innovation, Integrity, Fun, Profitability.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Workday

Workday, a human resources (HR) task automation service, doesn't use its mission statement to highlight the features of its product or how it intends to help HR professionals improve in such-and-such a way.

Instead, the business takes a stance on values. There's a lot of great tech out there. But at Workday, it revolves around the people. We love how confident yet kind this mission statement is. It observes the state of its industry — which Workday believes lacks a human touch — and builds company values around it.

14. Lowe's : Together, deliver the right home improvement products, with the best service and value, across every channel and community we serve.

Sometimes the best way to communicate is direct. Lowe's mission statement hones in on the who, how, what, and why behind this powerful home improvement brand.

It's also a great lesson in how the words and phrases you choose show your audience the force behind your mission. This mission statement begins with the word "together." So, no matter what location, products, or channel, the top priority of its mission is that it happens as a team.

That focus on togetherness also creates a foundation for the volunteer, scholarship, and charitable work that this organization does.

15. Tesla : Accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Tesla

A car company's punny use of the word "accelerating" is just one reason this mission statement sticks out. But Tesla makes this list because of how its mission statement describes the industry.

It may be a car company, but Tesla's primary interest isn't just automobiles — it's promoting sustainable energy. And, sustainable energy still has a "long road" ahead of it (pun intended) — hence the world's "transition" into this market.

Ultimately, a mission statement that can admit to the industry's immaturity is exactly what gets customers to root for it — and Tesla does that nicely.

16. Invisible Children : Partners with local peacebuilders across central Africa to end violent conflict through locally-led solutions.

Best Missions Statement Examples: Invisible Children

Invisible Children is a non-profit that raises awareness around the violence affecting communities across Central Africa, and the company takes quite a confident tone in its mission.

The most valuable quality of this mission statement is that it has an end goal. Many companies' visions and missions are intentionally left open-ended so that the business might always be needed by the community. But Invisible Children wants to "end" violent conflict facing African families with local solutions. It's an admirable mission that all businesses — not just nonprofits — can learn from when motivating customers.

17. TED : Spread ideas, foster community and create impact.

Best Missions Statement Examples: TED

We've all seen TED Talks online before. Well, the company happens to have one of the most concise mission statements out there.

TED, which stands for "Technology Education and Design," has a succinct mission statement that shines through in every Talk you've seen the company publish on the internet. That mission statement starts with "Spread ideas." Sometimes, the best way to get an audience to remember you is to zoom out as far as your business's vision can go. What do you really care about? TED has recorded some of the most famous presentations globally. Then, it hones in on what great ideas can do — foster community and create impact.

18. Microsoft : To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

company-mission-statements_32

Microsoft is one of the most well-known technology companies in the world. It makes gadgets for work, play, and creative purposes on a worldwide scale, and its mission statement reflects that. Through its product offering and pricing, it can empower every person and organization.

19. Disney : To entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling.

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Disney’s mission statement goes beyond providing ordinary entertainment. It intends to tell stories and drive creativity that inspires future generations through its work. This is an exceptional mission statement because it goes beyond giving consumers programs to watch, but ones that excite and change the way people see them and the world around them.

20. Meta : Giving people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.

Company mission statement examples: Metaa

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is a major social media platform with a concise vision statement. It provides a platform to stay in touch with loved ones and potentially connect to people around the world.

21. Vista Equity Partners : By providing technology expertise, operational guidance and capital for sustainable growth, we empower organizations across all industries to stay ahead in the digital economy.

Company mission statement examples: Vista Equity Partners

Some businesses sell a clear and easy-to-understand product or service. But many companies need to combine branding with product education. This means that some mission statements need to not only communicate how a brand does business but also make it easy to see what it's selling.

Vista Equity Partners is a leading technology brand that supports a wide range of people, technologies, and products. In its mission statement, it clarifies what its company offers and why. It does this using the terms its audience uses most often to describe how it can help.

22. Dunkin' : Everything we do is about you. We strive to keep you at your best, and we remain loyal to you, your tastes and your time. That’s what America runs on.

Best Vision Statement Examples: Dunkin'

Dunkin’s mission goes beyond remaining a large coffee chain. Rather, the brand wants to be the consummate leader in the coffee and donut industry. It wants to become a place known for fun, food, and recreation.

Now that we’ve gone over successful mission statements, what does a good vision statement look like? Check out some of the following company vision statements — and get inspired to write one for your brand.

Vision Statement Example

“Our vision is to improve sustainable farming practices across the globe.” This vision statement is ambitious and broad enough to be an umbrella statement in line with a brand's mission.

1. Alzheimer's Association : A world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

Best Vision Statement Examples: Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association conducts global research and gives quality care and support to people with dementia. This vision statement looks into the future where people won’t have to battle this now incurable disease. With the work that it's doing in the present, both employees and consumers can see how the organization achieves its vision by helping those in need.

2. Teach for America : One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.

Best Vision Statement Examples: Teach for America

Teach for America creates a network of leaders to provide equal education opportunities to children in need. This organization’s day-to-day work includes helping marginalized students receive the proper education they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. Its vision statement is what it hopes to see through its efforts — a nation where no child is left behind.

3. Creative Commons : Help others realize the full potential of the internet.

Best Vision Statement Examples: Creative Commons

This nonprofit’s vision statement is broad. It helps overcome legal obstacles to share knowledge and creativity around the world. By working closely with major institutions, its vision is an innovative internet that isn’t barred by paywalls.

4. Chipotle : We believe that food has the power to change the world.

Delicious tacos, burritos, and bowls aren't the only things that Chipotle is passionate about. Many fast food brands differentiate with products. But Chipotle offers a belief instead. This idea fuels practices like using local and organic produce, using responsibly raised meat, and cutting greenhouse emissions. Chipotle’s vision statement makes it clear what inspires and drives the actions of this international brand.

5. Australia Department of Health : Better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.

Best Vision Statement Examples: Australia Department of Health

This government department has a clear vision for its country. Through health policies, programs, and regulations, it has the means to improve the healthcare of Australian citizens.

6. LinkedIn : Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.

company-mission-statements_8

LinkedIn is a professional networking service that gives people the opportunity to seek employment. Its vision statement intends to give employees of every level a chance to get the job they need.

7. Purely Elizabeth : We believe that food can heal.

Purely Elizabeth is a food brand selling granola, oatmeal, and cereal products. Its extended vision statement reads: "When you eat better, you feel better. It’s that simple. That's why we use superfoods with vibrant flavors and rich textures to create delicious foods to help you thrive on your wellness journey."

Food brands have a lot of competition, and this brand's broad and inspiring vision offers a chance to connect more deeply with customers. Its podcast, blog, and recipe resources offer useful tools and tips for anyone looking to heal their bodies with their food choices.

8. AllHere : Connecting All Families with the Right Support at the Right Time

Attendance is a big challenge for schools and families, especially with students in middle and high school. AllHere offers AI services like mobile messaging to overcome administrative and communication challenges. This helps students, parents, and teachers get the support they need for student success.

This vision statement emphasizes that this challenge is bigger than individual habits. It's an empowering vision of an educational system that works for everyone.

9. Southwest : To be the world's most loved, most efficient, and most profitable airline.

Best Vision Statement Examples: Southwest

Southwest Airlines is an international airline that strives to serve its flyers with a smile. Its vision statement is unique because it sees itself not just excelling in profit but outstanding customer service, too. Its vision is possible through its strategy and can lead its employees to be at the level they work toward.

10. Supergoop! : Change the way the world thinks about sunscreen.

For a vision statement to excite, but not overwhelm, it should be both broad and specific. Company mission statement examples like the one above from Supergoop! show that it may be tricky, but it's also possible to balance those two extremes.

This vision says that sunscreen is important AND that sunscreen is more than sunscreen. This simple statement helps the audience think more about what its products are and what they should expect from those products. It's about education, awareness, and quality. And this vision statement keeps the tone positive, bright, and direct.

Inspire Through Brand Values

Brand values play a much more significant role in customer loyalty than you think. Showing that your business understands its audience — and can appeal to them on an emotional level — could be the decision point for a customer’s next purchase. We hope you found some insight in this post that can help you brainstorm your inspiring vision and mission statements for your business.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in August 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

New Call-to-action

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

How to Write a Great Value Proposition [7 Top Examples + Template]

How to Write a Great Value Proposition [7 Top Examples + Template]

32 Mission and Vision Statement Examples That Will Inspire Your Buyers

31 Companies With Really Catchy Slogans & Brand Taglines

22 Famous Brand Slogans (And the Little-Known Stories Behind Them) [Infographic]

22 Famous Brand Slogans (And the Little-Known Stories Behind Them) [Infographic]

What Makes a Slogan Successful? [Infographic]

What Makes a Slogan Successful? [Infographic]

10 SaaS Value Propositions You Wish You Had

10 SaaS Value Propositions You Wish You Had

Quiz: Can You Guess the Brands Behind These 16 Slogans?

Quiz: Can You Guess the Brands Behind These 16 Slogans?

Before & After: 11 Brands That Gave Their Slogans a Makeover

Before & After: 11 Brands That Gave Their Slogans a Makeover

10 Cliché Marketing Taglines We Should All Stop Using

10 Cliché Marketing Taglines We Should All Stop Using

10 Marketing Jingles That Make Your Ears Bleed

10 Marketing Jingles That Make Your Ears Bleed

100 examples and templates of mission statements to help you build your own.

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

How to Write a Mission Statement + 10 Great Examples

Gym owner assisting a client with exercising and reminded of what his mission is.

16 min. read

Updated November 30, 2023

Why is an effective mission statement so valuable? It’s worth taking a minute to ask what it is about certain brands that keep us coming back. What is it about them that makes us spend more time, money, or effort over other options? Is it the price? Maybe the convenience? Or is it something more?

The brands and businesses that we really connect with do more than just supply a product or service . They showcase a purpose, a mission that we can get behind. This can be displayed in how they interact with customers, the organizations and communities they support, and even the way they develop their products.

And there’s no better way for a business owner to showcase this purpose, than through a well-written mission statement.

On this page

  • What is a mission statement?

Mission statement or vision statement?

  • Why write a mission statement?
  • How to write a great mission statement
  • 10 Examples of Great Mission Statements

A mission statement is a simple action-oriented statement that explains your company’s purpose. It summarizes what your company does for customers, employees, and owners, and typically includes general descriptions of your organization, its core function, and its goals. In short, you’re explaining what you do and why you do it within a mission statement.

Depending on the focus of your business, your mission statement may be even broader. Explaining not just how you serve your customers and employees, but your community and the world at large. Some businesses even opt to separate this larger aspiration into what’s known as a vision statement.

A vision statement is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a vision for the direction of your company and what it aspires to be. 

These two statements aren’t really interchangeable. They both reflect the purpose and goals of your business, but serve completely different purposes. Your mission statement is the roadmap to achieve your vision. Your vision statement is a much broader picture of the aspirations for your business. 

These can be completely separate written statements for your business, or they can be combined into a more comprehensive mission statement. Having all three does allow you to utilize them for different business purposes, so it may be worth developing variations over time.

Speaking of variations, it’s important to note that your mission statement will likely evolve over time as your business grows and changes. So, don’t be afraid to make adjustments when it seems necessary, and avoid looking for the perfect version of your mission statement. 

What’s your biggest business challenge right now?

I’ve had a 30-year love-hate relationship with mission statements. I’ve read thousands. I love it when a mission statement defines a business so well that it feels like strategy—which does happen—and I hate it when a mission statement is generic, stale, and completely useless. 

Just because a traditional business plan often includes a mission statement isn’t a reason to do one. If it’s not going to be useful for you and help guide your business, don’t bother. The vast majority of the mission statements are just meaningless hype that could be used to describe any business.

Don’t fall into the trap of writing a mission statement just because some checklist or expert said you had to. There are actually sites that poke fun at how most mission statements use vague, high-sounding phrases to say nothing. You should write a mission statement if you want to add clarity to your business goals and you want to get your employees, investors, and customers to understand what your organization is all about. 

Developing your company’s first mission statement, or writing a new or revised one, is your opportunity to define the company’s goals, ethics, culture, and norms for decision-making. The daily routine of business gets in the way sometimes, and a quick refresh with the mission statement helps you take a step back and remember what’s most important: the organization has a purpose. 

So how do you make a useful mission statement? Over the decades I’ve spent reading, writing, and evaluating business plans , I’ve come up with a process for developing a useful mission statement, and it boils down to these five steps.

1. Start with a market-defining story

A really good market-defining story explains the need, or the want, or—if you like jargon—the so-called “why to buy.” It defines the target customer or “buyer persona .” And it defines how your business is different from most others, or even unique. It simplifies thinking about what a business isn’t, what it doesn’t do.

Imagine a real person making the actual decision to buy what you sell. Why do they want it? How did they find your business? What does it do for them? The more concrete the story, the better. And keep that in mind for the actual mission statement wording: “The more concrete, the better.”

This isn’t literally part of the mission statement. Rather, it’s an important thing to have in your head while you write the mission statement. It’s in the background, between the words. If you’re having trouble getting started, make a quick list of what your company does and doesn’t do.

2. Define what your business does for its customers

Start your mission statement with the good you do. Use your market-defining story to suss out whatever it is that makes your business special for your target customer .

Don’t undervalue your business: You don’t have to cure cancer or stop global climate change to be doing good. Offering trustworthy auto repair, for example, narrowed down to your specialty in your neighborhood with your unique policies, is doing something good. So is offering excellent slow food in your neighborhood, with emphasis on organic and local, at a price premium.

This is a part of your mission statement, and a pretty crucial part at that—write it down.

If your business is good for the world, incorporate that here too. But claims about being good for the world need to be meaningful, and distinguishable from all the other businesses. Add the words “clean” or “green” if that’s really true and you keep to it rigorously. Don’t just say it, especially if it isn’t important or always true.

For example, Apple Computer’s 2020 mission statement is:

“Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms—iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS—provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it..”

That one obviously passes the test of defining the company with flying colors. Nobody could mistake that mission for generic hype. And it’s an interesting change from the early mission as defined by founder Steve Jobs:

“To make a contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind.”

Ikea, on the other hand, starts its mission statement with something that could be any company anywhere. “Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the [sic] many people.” To its credit, it goes on to define a “rest of the mission” that could only be IKEA:

“We make this possible by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.”

And note, in this mission statement, how Sweetgreen incorporates a world vision into a product-oriented mission statement:

“Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen is a destination for delicious food that’s both healthy for you and aligned with your values. We source local and organic ingredients from farmers we know and partners we trust, supporting our communities, and creating meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to create experiences where passion and purpose come together.”

3. Define what your business does for its employees

Good businesses are good for their employees too or they don’t last. Keeping employees is better for the bottom line than turnover. Company culture matters. Rewarding and motivating people matters. A mission statement can define what your business offers its employees.

My recommendation is that you don’t simply assert how the business is good for employees—you define it here and then forever after make it true.

Qualities like fairness, diversity, respect for ideas and creativity, training, tools, empowerment, and the like, actually really matter. However, since every business in existence at least says that it prioritizes those things, strive for a differentiator and a way to make the general goals feel more concrete and specific.

Don’t worry about being fully unique

With this part of the mission statement, there’s a built-in dilemma. On the one hand, it’s good for everybody involved to use the mission statement to establish what you want for employees in your business. On the other hand, it’s hard to do that without falling into the trap of saying what every other business says.

Stating that you value fair compensation, room to grow, training, a healthy, creative work environment, and respect for diversity is probably a good idea, even if that part of your mission statement isn’t unique. That’s because the mission statement can serve as a reminder—for owners, supervisors, and workers—and as a lever for self-enforcement.

If you have a special view on your relationship with employees, write it into the mission statement. If your business is friendly to families, or to remote virtual workplaces, put that into your mission.

You may not need to focus on employees

And this is rare in mission statements. The vast majority are focused on messaging for customers. My recommendation here is not the norm. I include it because it’s good practice, even though not common.

While I consulted for Apple Computer, for example, that business differentiated its goals of training and empowering employees by making a point of bringing in very high-quality educators and presenters to help employees’ business expertise grow. That was part of the culture and, to my mind, part of the mission; but it wasn’t part of the mission statement. It could have been.

American Express, however, includes the team in its mission:

“We have a mission to be the world’s most respected service brand. To do this, we have established a culture that supports our team members, so they can provide exceptional service to our customers.”

Start your plan

4. Add what the business does for its owners

In business school, they taught us that the mission of management is to enhance the value of the stock. And shares of stock are ownership. Some would say that it goes without saying that a business exists to enhance the financial position of its owners, and maybe it does. However, only a small subset of all businesses are about the business buzzwords of “share value” and “return on investment.”

In the early years of my business, I wanted peace of mind about cash flow more than I wanted growth, and I wanted growth more than I wanted profits. So I wrote that into my mission statement. And at one point I realized I was also building a business that was a place where I was happy to be working, with people I wanted to work with; so I wrote that into my mission statement, too.

However, this element too, as with the suggestion about including employees, is unusual. Few mission statements do it. That’s understandable, since most mission statements are outward-facing only, aimed at customers and nobody else.

Still, some of the best mission statements incorporate a much broader sense of mission that includes, or at least implies, the mission of ownership.

Warby Parker, an eyewear company, does a great job at voicing a higher mission that includes customers, employees, and owners.

“Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price while leading the way for socially-conscious business.”

5. Discuss, digest, cut, polish, review, and revise

Good mission statements serve multiple functions, define objectives, and live for a long time. So, edit. This step is worth it.

Start by considering developing a full mission statement for internal use and using a customer-facing subset for general publication. That’s common. Many companies have segmented mission statements, with sections set aside and categorized by type or goal. Use bullet points or sections if that works for you. Part of the reason people confuse mission with mantra and vision is that many businesses use them together, and many others also redefine them to fit their context. So what a company does for customers is often called vision, despite the formal definition.

Remember, form follows function, in mission statements, as in all business writing. Make it work for your business. Or don’t do it at all. If you want to call it a vision, and that works for employees and customers, then do that.

Cut out general terms

As you edit, keep a sharp eye out for the buzzwords and hype that everybody claims. Cut as much as you can that doesn’t apply specifically to your business, except for the occasional special elements that—unique or not—can serve as long-term rules and reminders. Unique itself, the word, means literally, the only one in the world. Use it sparingly. Phrases such as “being the best possible,” “world-class,” and “great customer service” mean little because everybody uses them. Having great customer service is way harder than writing that into a mission statement.

Read other companies’ mission statements, but write a statement that is about you and not some other company. Make sure you actually believe in what you’re writing—your customers and your employees will soon spot a lie.

Then, listen. Show drafts to others, ask their opinions and really listen. Don’t argue, don’t convince them, just listen. And then edit again.

And, for the rest of your business’s life, review and revise it as needed. As with everything in a business plan, your mission statement should never get written in stone, and, much less, stashed in a drawer. Use it or lose it. Review and revise as necessary, because change is constant.

  • Great Mission Statements: 10 Examples

If you’re looking for some inspiration to get you started on your own mission statement, here are a few of my favorites.

1. Southwest Airlines

“The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and company spirit.”

What’s most interesting about Southwest’s mission statement is that they don’t mention anything about getting from point A to point B. Their mission is all about how they differentiate what, these days, can be seen as a commodity experience. They also focus on their own employees and the “spirit of the company”, not just the customer experience.

2. Urban Outfitters

“A lifestyle retailer dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity and cultural understanding. Founded in 1970 in a small space across the street from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores in the United States, Canada, and Europe, offering experiential retail environments and a well-curated mix of women’s, men’s, accessories and home product assortments.”

Urban Outfitters focuses on the experience that they deliver and the focus on what they do. Their mission drives what their stores look like and what their goal is: to inspire. They also nod to their heritage of starting small and growing.

“At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) we believe a life outdoors is a life well-lived. We believe that it’s in the wild, untamed and natural places that we find our best selves, so our purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors, for all.”

REI’s mission focuses mostly on what it wants to do for its customers, but hidden in the mission statement is a mission to preserve the environment as well. Their focus on “getting outside” is what creates a connection between them and their customers.

4. Starbucks

“To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.”

Starbucks expands on its mission statement by stating its core values. This is really an extension of the mission statement and explains how they focus on their customers, how they grow their company, and how they work with employees. You can read their values here .

5. Walgreens

“Walgreens’ mission is to be America’s most-loved pharmacy-led health, well-being, and beauty retailer. Its purpose is to champion everyone’s right to be happy and healthy.”

Walgreen’s mission really defines their goals: what they want to achieve and in what product categories they want to achieve it in. They also bring in their broader purpose when they talk about “everyone’s right to be happy and healthy.”

“Make work-life simpler, more pleasant, and more productive.”

While Slack’s mission statement is short, it implies a lot. “Work” doesn’t just mean their customer’s work, it means their own work at their company. Their mission statement serves them both internally and externally.

7. The Coca Cola Company

“Refresh the world. Make a difference.”

Coca Cola takes a slightly different approach with a statement of purpose and then a vision statement. Their purpose is essentially their mission statement and says a lot for being so short. They want to refresh people in both body and spirit while making a positive impact on the world. Their vision also implies their goal of serving the entire world’s population which hits on their corporate and shareholder goals.

8. Patagonia

“We’re in business to save our home planet.”

Another short mission statement that says so much more than you would think at first glance. First and foremost, Patagonia doesn’t say that they are a non-profit – they state that they’re a business. And, this implies that they need to be a strong, healthy business to meet their goal of saving the planet. Their mission applies to their employees, their customers, their products, and their activism.

9. charity: water

“charity: water is a nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.”

charity: water’s mission statement is clear and to the point – it simply describes what it does and who it does it for. For most non-profit mission statements, this is enough.

 10. Asana

“Asana’s mission is to help humanity thrive by enabling the world’s teams to work together effortlessly.”

Similar to other mission statements, Asana blends a message about what they do with a higher goal of enhancing the world outside of their company. Yet, they still hint at their target market and goals of being a world-wide company, thus improving the lives of their employees and shareholders.

LivePlan Logo

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Content Author: Tim Berry

Tim Berry is the founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software , a co-founder of Borland International, and a recognized expert in business planning. He has an MBA from Stanford and degrees with honors from the University of Oregon and the University of Notre Dame. Today, Tim dedicates most of his time to blogging, teaching and evangelizing for business planning.

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Table of Contents

Related Articles

example of vision and mission in a business plan

10 Min. Read

Show that you know the competition

example of vision and mission in a business plan

3 Min. Read

Add supporting information to an appendix

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Describe your company and team

example of vision and mission in a business plan

16 Min. Read

How to develop a mission statement

The LivePlan Newsletter

Become a smarter, more strategic entrepreneur.

Your first monthly newsetter will be delivered soon..

Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy .

Garrett's Bike Shop

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

LivePlan pitch example

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

example of vision and mission in a business plan

What Is a Vision Statement?

Table of contents.

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Writing a vision statement for your business can be challenging because it must define your company, values and future goals. While many established companies focus on their mission statement , a vision statement is a valuable tool for inspiring your team and forging a corporate identity. 

We’ll explore vision statements and their importance, as well as offer tools and best practices for crafting an inspiring vision statement that powers your growth strategy. 

What is a vision statement?

A vision statement is a written declaration clarifying your business’s meaning and purpose for stakeholders, especially employees. It describes the desired long-term results of your company’s efforts. For example, an early Microsoft vision statement was “a computer on every desk and in every home.” 

“A company vision statement reveals, at the highest levels, what an organization most hopes to be and achieve in the long term,” said Katie Trauth Taylor, owner and CEO of Untold Content, a writing consultancy. “It serves a somewhat lofty purpose – to harness all the company’s foresight into one impactful statement.” 

A vision statement matters because it outlines the common goal of everyone in the company. Businesses that are working toward a higher aspiration are more appealing to current and future employees. 

A vision statement can affect a company’s long-term success, so take the time to craft one that synthesizes your ambition and mobilizes your staff.

A vision statement can increase employee engagement while making it easier to hire new employees for a cultural fit .

What’s the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement?

Mission statements are based in the present and convey to stakeholders and community members why a business exists and where it currently stands. Vision statements are future-based, and they are meant to inspire and give direction to employees. 

“The vision is about your goals for the future and how you will get there, whereas the mission is about where you are now and why you exist,” said Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a global strategic marketing consulting firm. “The vision should motivate the team to make a difference and be part of something bigger than themselves.” 

Mission statements and vision statements are both crucial for building a brand . “While a mission statement focuses on the purpose of the brand, the vision statement looks to the fulfillment of that purpose,” said Jessica Honard, co-CEO of North Star Messaging + Strategy, a copywriting and messaging firm that serves entrepreneurs. 

Although mission and vision statements should be core elements of your organization, a vision statement should serve as your company’s guiding light. 

“A vision is aspiration; a mission is actionable,” said Jamie Falkowski, chief creative officer at marketing and communications company Day One Agency.

Creating the perfect vision statement may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these suggestions and best practices when crafting your vision statement. 

Determine who will shape your vision. 

The first step in writing a vision statement is determining who will craft it. In a small business, you may be able to ask everyone for their insight. In a larger operation, you may need to be more selective while still capturing a range of employee voices.

Evaluate your company’s published materials. 

Your company likely already has published goals and established values in its employee handbook , marketing materials and other publications. Use this information to guide your work, suggested Alison Brehme, an author and content, marketing and media strategist.

“A company’s mission, purpose, goals and values are all involved in the creation of a company vision,” Brehme said. “Weave these concepts and beliefs into your vision statement.”

Hold workshops to brainstorm your vision. 

Brandon Shockley, former vice president of market research at branding and marketing firm 160over90 and now head of investor research and insights at Vanguard, recommended hosting workshops with key stakeholders representing a cross-section of your organization. Then, he said, assemble teams and use collaboration tools to create alternate versions of the statement, and gather employee feedback about how each version resonates. 

Get individual input. 

Falkowski also suggested conducting interviews with individual stakeholders to encourage honest feedback. Employees can identify common themes, describe the organization’s future in words or use visual branding tools as a basis for the vision statement. 

Check out competitors’ vision statements. 

Look at your competitors’ vision statements to determine how you can differentiate your business from theirs. [Related article: How to Do a Competitive Analysis ]

Keep it short but meaningful. 

A vision statement should be concise – no longer than a sentence or two. You want your entire organization to be able to repeat it quickly and, more importantly, understand it. However, a vision statement must be more than a catchy tagline.

“[It] can be smart and memorable, but this is for your team and culture, not for selling a specific product,” Falkowski said. 

Create a longer version for leadership’s eyes only. 

Don’t fret if you feel that a short vision statement doesn’t fully express the intricacies of your vision. You can create a longer version, but it should not be the one you broadcast to the world.

“Let’s be honest – most business leaders, not to mention boards of directors, won’t be able to sum up their vision in a pithy sentence or two. That’s OK,” said Shannon DeJong, owner of brand agency House of Who. “Have a full-length version of your vision for the leadership’s eyes only. Think of the long version as your reference guide to why you’re in business in the first place.” 

Map out your business’s biggest goals. 

When you’re crafting your vision statement, start by mapping out your business’s most audacious goals, Taylor suggested. “Reviewing your long-term goals in a collaborative setting will help you then zoom out on what your organization and the world will look like if you achieve them. That zoomed-out view of your success is really the heart of your vision statement.”

Consider your company’s potential global impact. 

Ask questions that reflect your business’s eventual scale and impact, Honard advised. “Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ve created a roadmap between your present and your future.”

These are a few of the questions Honard uses in guiding clients to identify their vision statement:

  • What ultimate impact do I want my brand to have on my community, my industry or the world?
  • In what way will my brand ultimately interact with customers and clients?
  • What will the culture of my business look like, and how will that play out in employees’ lives? 

Dream big. 

Don’t be afraid to dream big once you gather all the information and get down to writing. Don’t worry about practicality for now; what initially looks impossible may be achieved down the road with the right team and technologies. Work on shaping a vision statement that reflects the specific nature of your business and its aspirations. 

Be daring, not generic. 

Shockley said there’s nothing wrong with a vision statement that is daring, distinct or even disagreeable. “If a vision statement sets out a generic goal that anyone can agree with, it is likely to produce mediocre results. A goal like ‘delivering an exceptional experience’ applies equally to a hospital, bank or fitness club.” 

Consider creating a brand vision board. 

If you’re interested in taking your vision one step further, create a brand vision board, Taylor suggested. A vision board includes your company’s tagline, a “who we are” statement, a “what we do” section, a business vision statement, an overview of your ideal clients, client pain points, your content mission statement, advertising, products and SEO keywords.

“A vision board serves as a one-page business plan that anyone in a company can reference quickly to remember the key concepts that drive the work,” Taylor said.

Quick tips for your vision statement

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to do when formalizing your vision statement:

  • Project five to 10 years into the future.
  • Dream big, and focus on success.
  • Use the present tense.
  • Use clear, concise, jargon-free language.
  • Infuse it with passion, and make it inspiring.
  • Align it with your business values and goals.
  • Create a plan to communicate your vision statement to your employees.
  • Prepare to commit time and resources to the vision you establish. 

Your completed vision statement should offer a clear idea of your company’s path forward. Honard said many of her clients have used their vision statements to direct their overall plans for the future. For example, they’ve adopted new marketing initiatives to move them closer to their vision, pivoted their focus to clearly reflect their desired outcome, or doubled down on one particular aspect of their brand that is working to serve their vision.

When you’re setting business goals and taking actionable steps to achieve them, take time to visualize what your goal achievement will look like.

What to avoid when writing a vision statement

  • Don’t mix up your mission statement and vision statement. Mission statements are generally easier to write because they reflect what you’re doing now. Remember, a mission statement is what you are working to accomplish today, while a vision statement is what you want to accomplish in the future.
  • Don’t overthink your wording. One of the hardest parts of creating a vision statement is coming up with the right wording. You may find yourself endlessly rewriting and fretting about getting it right. Does this sentence or two define your values and shine a light on your corporate identity without sounding too vague? Don’t get lost in the pressure of perfect wording; a specific and unique vision statement is a good place to begin distinguishing your business from the rest of the industry. 

How to use your vision statement

Determine where your vision statement will appear and what role it will serve in your organization. This will make the process more than an intellectual exercise, Shockley said. It’s pointless to hang a vision statement in the lobby or promote it via your business’s social media channels if you never genuinely integrate it into your company culture . 

“The vision business statement should be thought of as part of your strategic plan,” Shockley said. “It is an internal communications tool that helps align and inspire your team to reach the company’s goals.” 

As such, you should view a vision statement as a living document that will be revisited and revised. Most importantly, it must speak directly to your employees. 

“If your employees don’t buy into the vision, you’ll never be able to carry it out,” said Keri Lindenmuth, director of marketing with the Kyle David Group, a web and tech solutions provider. “The vision statement should be something your employees believe in. Only then will they make decisions and take actions that reflect your business’s vision.”

Help employees take ownership of the vision by asking them to identify ways they could incorporate the vision statement into their daily jobs. Reward employees with cool job perks when you catch them exemplifying the vision.

20 examples of inspiring vision statements

Some memorable and distinct vision statements may be all the inspiration you need to write your own. Here are some of the best examples of inspiring vision statements: 

  • Amazon: “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
  • Ben & Jerry’s: “Making the best ice cream in the nicest possible way.”
  • Caterpillar: “Our vision is a world in which all people’s basic needs – such as shelter, clean water, sanitation, food, and reliable power – are fulfilled in an environmentally sustainable way, and a company that improves the quality of the environment and the communities where we live and work.”
  • Cradles to Crayons: “Provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school, and at play.”
  • Google: “To provide access to the world’s information in one click.”
  • Habitat for Humanity: “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
  • Hilton Hotels & Resorts: “To fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality by delivering exceptional experiences – every hotel, every guest, every time.”
  • IKEA: “To create a better everyday life for the many people.”
  • Intel: “If it’s smart and connected, it’s best with Intel.”
  • LinkedIn: “Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.”
  • Oxfam: “To be a self-organized people actively creating a just democratic and sustainable world where power and resources are shared, everyone lives in dignity, and poverty and inequality are no more.”
  • Patagonia: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
  • Prezi: “To reinvent how people share knowledge, tell stories, and inspire their audiences to act.”
  • Samsung: “Shape the future with innovation and intelligence.”
  • Southwest Airlines: “To become the world’s most loved, most flown and most profitable airline.”
  • Sweetgreen: “To inspire healthier communities by connecting people to real food.”
  • TED: “We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, and, ultimately, the world.”
  • Walgreens: “To be America’s most-loved pharmacy-led health, well-being and beauty company.”
  • Warby Parker: “We believe that buying glasses should be easy and fun.”
  • Wyeth: “Our vision is to lead the way to a healthier world.”

Often, the hardest part of creating a vision statement is coming up with wording that truly defines your values and shines a light on your corporate identity without sounding too vague.

Can vision statements change?

Many companies benefit from having a vision statement from their inception, but it’s perfectly acceptable not to commit to one specific vision immediately. 

“Getting too tied into one master statement can really mess with the learning and creation process in the early stages,” said Sonia Elyss, president of marketing and communications collective Round Twelve. She encourages her clients to write a vision statement monthly, save the previous drafts, and see what sticks and what doesn’t over time. 

“After the first year, you can look back and see how much you have evolved,” Elyss said. “What parts or words within the statement stuck around, and what was dropped? Those key words tend to end up being major brand pillars you can always come back to and eventually become part of the brand ethos.” 

Tying yourself to a particular vision statement in the early days of your business may limit your opportunities for growth or blind you to the need for change. 

“At the end of the day, trust your gut; test and check; look at the analytics; invest in the feedback your customer is giving you,” Elyss said. “If you aren’t willing to step outside of your initial vision for your business, you might miss a huge opportunity!” 

Regardless of how many years you have been in business or how long you have had your vision statement, you’re not stuck with it. Don’t be afraid to change it – even if you spent time and money developing it – if it stops feeling right. 

The vision for your vision statement

A vision statement is a tool that can help your business grow and achieve brand success. Along the journey of growing your business, you’ll face good months, rough months, and every detour and roadblock imaginable. 

Above all, your vision statement should constantly remind you and your team of the end goal. This message is important to hold on to, especially on the most challenging days. 

Bassam Kaado and Paula Fernandes contributed to the writing and reporting in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

thumbnail

Building Better Businesses

Insights on business strategy and culture, right to your inbox. Part of the business.com network.

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Mission & Vision Statement: Simple Steps, Examples & Templates

Use this template to create a truly inspiring mission and vision statement.

People are drawn to personalities, not faceless brands. When you think of great companies, you probably imagine Apple and Nike. However, behind the brand is a mission you connect with on an emotional level. A mission statement humanizes a brand and makes it attractive to investors, potential employees, and customers.

Your mission and vision statement is the driving force of your organization. It’s the foundation that shapes and influences everything you do, from internal communications to marketing. It’s why your employees show up in the morning.

A vision statement acts as a north star for your organization. It’s a lofty, audacious statement that defines what you stand for and the reason you exist. 

In the famous words of Simon Sinek, “Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.” Likewise, a mission statement instills a passion for your company’s purpose in employees, leading to increased performance and profitability.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to write the perfect mission statement and share some of the best examples we’ve seen.

What is a business mission statement?

A business mission statement is a concise and memorable way to communicate your business goals to clients, employees, and stakeholders. Mission statements are usually within a paragraph or sentence length. 

Yours answers:

  • What your company does for employees
  • What your company does for customers
  • What your company does for the owners and stakeholders

The Best Mission Statements Have These in Common

Include your mission statement as part of a business plan under the executive summary . You could also post your mission statement on your company website for external and internal stakeholders to read.

What is a non-profit mission statement?

A non-profit mission statement communicates your nonprofit’s fundamental purposes. It’s a brief explanation of:

  • Why you exist
  • Who you serve
  • How you serve them

It’s important to note that a mission and vision statement are not the same. The vision statement describes the goals you want to achieve in the future, while the mission statement explains how you plan to achieve the vision.

What are the benefits of mission and vision statements? 

Provides direction.

A mission statement gives your organization a focus target. It provides a strong sense of direction that influences decisions, strategies, and future plans. Everything you do aligns with your overarching goals. As a result, you’re focused on the bigger picture instead of getting caught up in short-term business performance.

Measures success  

A mission statement is the main criterion you use to measure business progress. You know you’re succeeding when your product, services, and actions align with your mission.

Aids recruitment  

When a potential employee is trying to learn about your company, they navigate to the about us section of your organization’s website. The mission statement tells them about your culture, values, and beliefs. Candidates are more likely to gravitate towards your organization when they see your team living your company mission. 

A Gallup research of nearly 50,000 businesses showed that mission-driven leadership encourages employees to:

  • View their organizational contributions more broadly
  • Have higher productivity
  • Stay with their current employer
  • Be proactive in creating a safe workplace
  • Build connections with customers

Unifies teams

Your organization’s purpose Is essential to employees. A Deloitte survey revealed much higher levels of employee engagement (73%) in a purpose-driven company. A mission statement keeps your employees united, committed, and driven towards a common goal.

Ensures accountability

A public mission statement keeps you accountable for the goals you’ve set out to achieve. Your customers know the claims you’ve made, and they hold you to that standard. The same applies to your in-house teams and partners who feel encouraged to strive for the company goals in all they do. 

Improves internal branding

Internal branding is the process of communicating your mission and vision to your employees. It helps employees understand how they fit into your company’s long-term goals. In addition, employees develop an emotional connection to your company when you have a strong internal brand.

A few ways to improve internal branding include:

  • Defining your company mission
  • Explaining your core values
  • Featuring your core values and mission statement on your company website
  • Include internal branding as part of the employee onboarding process to personalize the employee experience from day one
  • Using your company’s knowledgebase software   to share updates to your branding
  • Publicly recognizing employees who live the company mission
  • Making internal branding a priority

8 tips for writing a company mission statement

1. ask questions.

For this step, gather the founders and stakeholders in a room. You may include your business coach or top managers in this session. Your goal is to establish a clear purpose of your mission statement by answering the following questions:

  • What do we do?
  • Why does it matter?
  • Who is our target audience?
  • What are our main strengths?
  • How does our product or service make a difference?
  • What are the most ambitious goals we want to achieve?
  • What impact do we want to have on our community and the world at large?

Schedule a meeting or two to answer these questions in detail; review mission statements from other organizations to draw inspiration. 

2. Identify themes from your interviews   

Next, you’ll want to answer these questions:

  • What is our key differentiator?
  • From what we’ve reviewed, which mission statements resonate with us?
  • Which descriptions feel right?
  • What common themes emerged?

From the answers, you’ll notice several words, sentences, or phrases that keep coming up. As you develop ideas from these themes, remember the following:

  • While your mission statement is lofty and audacious, it should also be attainable. 
  • Your mission statement should be clear enough for anyone to understand.
  • It should inspire management and employees to live the core values.
  • It should encourage buy-in from stakeholders.

3. Create the first draft

Invite employees from public relations, marketing, and the content department to participate in the writing process. 

Use the recurring words or themes from the answers to form the base of the mission statement. Then, ask everyone involved to say what comes to mind based on the theme. Some will sound great; others not so much—but that’s okay!

Write down as many ideas as possible without editing or rewording the ideas. Then, use the ideas you’ve gathered to write a few drafts. 

Remember those mission statements from other companies you liked? Take a second look at the structure of their mission statement to see how you can replicate it in yours.

Pro tip: Looking for a way to save time? Use the mission statement templates we’ve provided in this article to speed up the process.

4. Keep it short

A long mission statement is hard to remember. If nobody remembers the mission statement, then it has no impact. Limit sentences to 10-20 words. Avoid words longer than four syllables or 12 letters. Don’t use more than a one-word string (A, B, and C).

5. Ask for feedback

A mission statement that inspires you isn’t necessarily going to inspire others. Hence, asking for feedback ensures that everyone understands your message. 

Get feedback from employees, customers, and even board members. Questions you want to answer in the feedback include:

  • How does the mission statement make you feel?
  • What part of the mission statement doesn’t work for you?
  • What would you change?
  • Is it missing something?

6. Finalize and share

Use the feedback to improve the mission statement. Once you’ve arrived at the final version, update all company materials to reflect the new mission statement. When sharing your mission statement, remember you have two audiences:

  • Your customers and partners
  • Your employees

7. Employee-facing documents

Living your mission starts with the onboarding process. First, include your mission in the employee handbook and onboarding documents. Next, add the mission statement to your careers page, workplace posters, paycheck stubs, offer letters, and internal communications platform.

Asana’s CEO, Justin Rosenstein , has an interesting process for reinforcing the company’s mission to employees. First, he walks up to an employee and asks what they’re working on. The answer is usually related to a current project. Again, he asks why they’re working on the project, and when they respond, he asks why again. He follows this chain until the answer leads to the company’s mission statement.

At Guru, we use a reward-based system to encourage employees to live the company’s values . We ask employees to nominate colleagues who exemplify the company’s values. CEO Rick Nucci reads out these names during company calls and shares stories of employees who are great examples of value in action.

If you’re using Guru as your internal communication tool , you can share updates to your company mission using announcements. These ensure that everyone in the organization sees it and you can see who read critical information.

8. Customer-facing documents

A few ways to share your mission statement on external-facing documents include:

  • Product brochures
  • Business cards
  • Extranet software with partners and vendors
  • Company website
  • Company vehicle
  • Press releases

Mistakes to avoid when writing a mission statement

✅jargon and buzzwords.

When it comes to writing a mission statement, the best way to have an impact is to make it unique and powerful. Every organization wants to be a leader, but using the term in your mission statement is simply too common and tends to fall flat. 

Here are the most common buzzwords and jargon to avoid:

  • The best possible
  • World-class
  • Maximize investor returns
  • Superior customer service
  • Outcome focused
  • Professionally competent
  • Quality assured
  • Efficient and effective
  • Leader/leading
  • Highly valued

‍ ✅Replacing a mission statement with a tagline

Some readers may confuse a tagline with a mission statement. A tagline is usually a few words that describe your organization, but it doesn’t replace your mission statement.

Examples include:

Nike - Just do it

Wendy’s – Where’s the beef?

Coca-Cola – Open Happiness

L’Oréal – Because you’re worth it

You can’t tell much about an organization by reading the tagline, but your mission statement clarifies what makes your company unique.

✅Lacking personality and reading like a fact sheet

Factsheets are great for information. But nobody ever read a factsheet and came away feeling inspired to do more. So, avoid being passive or descriptive with your mission statement. Instead, think of the bigger picture of what guides your company strategy and motivates your employees.

Don’t take yourself too seriously or give in to the trap to sound serious and professional. The best mission statement is infused with humanity and reflects your company’s personality.

The 7 most inspiring mission and vision statement examples for business

Vision statement example - Guru

When Rick Nucci and Mitch Stewart built Guru, they had one goal in mind: To create a product that gives people the knowledge they needed to do their jobs right inside the tools they already work with. The mission statement perfectly encapsulates the overarching goal of Guru which is to make knowledge easily accessible. We are also guided by these core values listed on our about us page .

2. American Express

Mission and vision statement example - AMEX

There are several core values that American Express promotes in its mission and vision statement: 

  • American Express is building a respected service brand that prioritizes customer services and offers unique products and services
  • There’s an emphasis on teamwork, so employees are in the best position to help customers

Mission and vision statement example - Spotify

Spotify is giving all musicians a platform to release their music and get paid simultaneously. In addition, they’re removing the constraints of traditional record labels and providing artists with direct access to their fans through Spotify’s global presence.

Mission and vision statement example - Tesla

If you love green energy and care about the environment, then Tesla’s mission and vision statement will resonate with you. Tesla’s goal is perhaps one of the most ambitious you’ll see in this list. They wanted to revolutionize the automobile industry through electric vehicles that are safe to drive without sacrificing performance.

And they’ve done it! Tesla attained its first full year of profit in 2020 and delivered nearly 500,000 electric cars to customers. They’re currently worth over $500 billion, which is more than the nine largest automobile companies combined. 

But it’s not just about money. Tesla identified a real problem and built an entire company to reduce air pollution. 

Where competitors were adamant that fuel-based cars were the only way to guarantee performance, Tesla transitioned the transport sector from polluted engines to eco-friendly energy sources. Everything they’ve achieved goes back to their corporate vision to drive the world’s transition to electric vehicles.

Mission and vision statement example - Nike

If you’ve watched a Nike commercial, then you’ve seen them living their mission. For Nike, an athlete isn’t just a professional with a sports career. It’s the teenager in the Middle East playing soccer while wearing her hijab. It’s the young, Black kid who loves basketball and dreams of going pro one day. 

Nike believes everyone is an athlete. They promote individualism and inclusion through sports. You don’t need a six-pack or a young body to be an athlete. With the right motivation, anyone can do it.

Interestingly, there’s no mention of apparel or sneakers in their mission statement. It’s clever because it doesn’t limit Nike. Instead, it allows them to expand and evolve with consumer needs.

A few ways that Nike achieves their mission include:

  • Designing the Vaporfly Next% shoes helped Kenya runner Eliud Kipchoge become the first human to run 26.2 miles under 2 hours. It remains one of the greatest achievements in sports.
  • Fostering an environment where inclusion, respect, and empowerment are practiced daily. For example, Nike recruited several LGBT and Black sports icons to lead the 2020 equality campaign. Famous names include Megan Rapinoe, Serena Williams, and LeBron James.
  • Giving back to communities by investing over $81 million in the Made to Play program. As a result, over 100,000 coaches and 15 million kids have benefited from the program.

6. Microsoft

Mission and vision statement example - Microsoft

The mission and vision statements show that Microsoft focuses on empowering people and organizations to reach their full potential.

The first component is empowering customers. We see this in the affordable products Microsoft makes to help students unlock their learning potentials with software like OneDrive and Microsoft Office.

The second component is empowering customers. Again, we see this in Microsoft products such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Microsoft Azure.

The third component, “on the planet,” shows that Microsoft is a global brand, and everyone who comes in contact with a product can benefit. They live their company mission by fostering an innovative culture that encourages employees and customers to reach their full potential.

Mission and vision statement example - Asana

According to Asana , the first half of the statement “help humanity thrive” is the mission statement, and the second half, “enabling the world’s teams,” is the vision statement.

The goal of enabling the world’s teams is what drives company goals and product development at Asana. They’ve cracked the code on helping teams of any size manage projects and workflows through user-friendly applications.

Asana is one of the best examples of living a company’s mission. They treat culture as a product, and they’re committed to empowering their employees to thrive. Asana values teamwork, co-creation, and doing things fast. 

Through a distributed workflow where each employee focuses on their core expertise, everyone has the right structure to reach their personal and professional goals.

Mission statement examples for nonprofits

Alzheimer’s association.

Mission and vision statement example - Alzheimer's Association

There are several elements here to unpack:

  • Accelerate global research
  • Drive risk reduction and early detection
  • Maximize quality care and support
  • Find a cure for Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association achieves its mission in the following ways:

  • All care and support services are focused on providing timely and accurate diagnoses as well as increasing the quality of care for people living with Alzheimer’s
  • Collaborate with community-based providers, volunteers, and health systems to increase access to diagnosis and quality care

The Women’s Center

Mission and vision statement example - The Women's Center

The Women’s Center’s mission statement is comprehensive and direct. They clearly state their desired impact on improving the mental health and well-being of all members. They also show the how through education, counseling, and support.

The Women’s Center achieves its mission and vision in the following ways:

  • Therapy and support groups
  • Legal and financial advising
  • Domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy
  • Family, individual, couple, and adolescent counseling
  • Awareness, advocacy, and community programs
  • Teaching institution for mental health professionals

American Red Cross

Mission and vision statement example - Red Cross

The mission statement of the American Red Cross is easy to understand. They aim to alleviate human suffering during emergencies through the support of donors and volunteers.

A few ways the Red Cross achieves its mission include:

  • Community of volunteers are ready and prepared to act in an emergency
  • People affected by disasters access lifesaving blood products, shelter, and care
  • Prioritizes the most urgent cases of distress without regard for race, nationality, or religious beliefs

The Trevor Project

Mission and vision statement example - Trevor Project

A few ways the Trevor Project achieves its mission include:

  • Free and confidential suicide prevention support via chat, phone lifeline, and text
  • TrevorSpace, a safe social networking site for LGBTQ youth
  • Trevor Research, a program that brings new knowledge and clinical implications to the field of suicidology
  • Trevor Advocacy to support policy change at state and federal levels. The goal is to improve the mental health and well-being of young LGTBQ young people through interventions that address the risk factors for suicide.

Streamline your mission and vision statement templates with Guru 

A mission drives the most successful organizations. It’s how your employees and customers know what you believe in or stand for. 

Whether you’re writing your first draft or updating your mission statement, our mission and vision templates give you an easy format to simplify the process.

Make your templates accessible for everyone by storing and managing them on Guru. In addition, you can download a range of mission, vision, and business templates and customize them to fit your organization’s needs.

Frequently asked questions about mission and vision statement

What if my mission statement changes? 

As your organization grows, your objectives and mission can (and should) change. Think of all the places you shared your old statement, from internal resources to external-facing documents. If you’ve documented the placement, it’s easy to make changes at once. Start with a press release to promote your updated mission. Next, send an email to your customer base and stakeholders informing them of the updated mission. Finally, use Guru to share new changes with your employees and partners.

What is the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement?

A mission statement defines the goals of your organization and how you plan to reach those objectives. The vision statement is where you hope to be in the future.

What are the three parts of a mission statement?

The three parts of a mission statement are:

  • Your target audience
  • Your product or service
  • The distinctive quality that sets you apart from competitors

  • Business strategy |
  • How to write an effective mission state ...

How to write an effective mission statement (with free template)

Team Asana contributor image

A mission statement explains your company’s purpose. You should write a mission statement when starting a business so you have a clear idea of what you stand for. Read on to learn how to write an effective mission statement that can help you tackle company goals.

It’s natural to face challenges when leading teams and managing projects, and one way to push forward despite the hard times is to remember your “why.” Your company mission defines why you do what you do, who you do it for, and the impact you’ll create by doing it. When you know your mission, you’ll feel good about where your company is going, even through ups and downs. 

What is a mission statement?

A mission statement is a brief declaration of your company’s what, who, and why. You should share this statement with everyone in your organization so team members understand your collective goals. While a mission statement isn’t specifically for marketing, you’ll likely share it externally as well. This is why it’s important to write it eloquently.

Your mission statement is a foundational piece of content you can use as a jumping-off point for various other materials, including:

Value propositions

Business plans

Company vision statement

Once you’ve solidified your core values and initiatives, you’ll have an easier time expanding on those ideas and getting the message out to your audience.

5 steps to write a mission statement

Your mission statement isn’t something you can craft by yourself. Before you sit down to draft it, recruit other senior and executive leaders at your company who have a sense of what you’re aiming for. Together, use the steps below to get to the root of what your company stands for and the message you want to spread.

[Inline illustration] how to write a mission statement (Infographic)

1. Answer fundamental questions

To figure out what your mission statement should say, you’ll need to answer fundamental questions about your business. 

What do we do?

What do we create?

Who is our audience?

How do we make a difference?

Once you’ve answered the basics, consider questions that can help you craft a strong mission statement.

How do we differ from others in the industry?

How can we make our mission statement stand out from our competitors?

Can we use other mission statements for inspiration?

Consider having each member of your mission statement tiger team answer these questions separately, then pool your answers together. Your mission statement should be evergreen, so think about it in a way that incorporates business growth. It’s important to consider what your company’s purpose is in the context of what your future might be. 

2. Use your answers to brainstorm copy

Now that you have the ideas for your mission statement, you need the right words. Use brainstorming techniques to help you and the other leaders at your company come with creative ways to express yourselves. The goal is to inspire your team without sounding cliché or overly complex.

Some helpful brainstorming techniques include:

Mind-mapping: Mind mapping is a visual brainstorming technique you can use on your own or with your team. Start with one word or idea and use it to inspire other ideas. You’ll need a large piece of paper or whiteboard to write down a topic. Then, draw lines connecting tangential words or ideas to it.

Brain-netting: Brain-netting is great for remote collaboration , and it involves brain dumping ideas virtually, whether on a Slack channel, Google Doc, or through your project management tool . Team members can add ideas whenever inspiration strikes, and the list will be ever-evolving. 

3. Write your first draft

Now that you have solid ideas about what to put in your mission statement and creative ways to express those ideas, you can start experimenting with what sounds best. The following formulas can help you get started:

To [contribution/goal] so [impact] .

Our mission is to [contribution/goal] by [what you offer/how you do it] for [target audience] so [impact] .

To build/offer [what you offer/how you do it] for [target audience] to [contribution/goal] and [impact] .

For example, if you work for a content marketing company, here’s how your first draft might look:

To increase the value and visibility of content so companies can build strong relationships with their audiences . 

Our mission is to increase the value and visibility of content by offering content marketing services for companies so they can build strong relationships with their audiences . 

To offer content marketing services for companies to increase the value and visibility of their content and help them build strong relationships with their audiences. 

4. Ask for feedback

Draft a few versions of your mission statement so you can ask for feedback from current team members. Because the mission statement applies to everyone, it’s nice to include everyone in the feedback process—even if executive feedback gets slightly more weight. Don’t rush through the writing process. Take your time and get your mission statement to a place everyone is comfortable with.

Collaborate with your team by holding a Q&A session or by sending out surveys to ask which version of the mission statement resonates with them most. That way, once you complete your statement, you’ll feel confident that the result was a team effort. 

5. Revise and share

After collecting feedback, revise your mission statement as needed. Then, finalize it and share it with the rest of the organization. You can also include it in your business plan and share it on your website. 

Your mission statement explains your company’s purpose to those working for the company, stakeholders who may get involved with the company, and customers or clients who may spend money at the company. While you shouldn’t craft your mission statement for selling, it’s something you should be proud of and will likely want to display.

Examples of mission statements

Most companies share their mission statements with the public, either front and center on their websites, or in an easily searchable location. By making your mission statement visible to the clients and customers, companies show what they stand for and what they strive to achieve—both as an internal workforce and with the products or services they sell.

[Inline illustration] Mission statement examples: Asana, Paypal, Patagonia (Example)

“To help humanity thrive by enabling the world’s teams to work together effortlessly.” 

At Asana , our mission statement explains who we serve and what we want our impact to be on the world. While we have various goals we work toward as a company, our mission statement is our guiding principle among all others. 

Let's do great things together. Join our team.

“To build the web’s most convenient, secure, cost-effective payment solution.” 

PayPal’s statement is more product-focused, but it’s still effective. Businesses may imply the impact they hope to make by explaining the unique features of their product offering. PayPal’s mission is to create the best product possible for customers because doing so will improve lives.

3. Patagonia

“Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” 

Patagonia’s mission statement is complex, but it shows that their company has many layers beyond the clothing they sell. While on the surface, Patagonia offers outdoor gear, they set themselves apart from other companies by keeping the environment front of mind in all they do. 

Free mission statement template

Using a mission statement template can help you centralize your company’s most important information. Below, you’ll see how a content marketing company would’ve answered fundamental questions about their business and used those answers to design their mission statement with the provided formula.

[Inline illustration] Mission statement example: Content marketing company (Example)

Use the free mission statement template below to answer relevant questions about your company’s values and goals.

Why is a mission statement important?

Your mission statement is a building block for everything your team does. When you get it right, it leads to a stronger team dynamic in the workplace , more successful projects, and happier customers. Your mission statement should:

Define your brand to team members: Give your team clarity on what product you’re creating, why you’re creating it, and who you’re creating it for.

Present your brand to others: Tell others outside of your company what your team strives for everyday. 

Uphold values and objectives: Refer to your mission statement when you need to hold yourself and your team accountable to your ultimate goals.

Mission statement vs. vision statement

Many people use a mission statement and vision statement interchangeably, and while some companies combine the two, they have different meanings. A mission statement is your company’s “why” statement—in other words, your company’s purpose. Consider your mission statement as what you’re currently trying to achieve.

A vision statement can be a “how” statement or a future-focused statement. It should paint a broad picture of how you want to achieve your mission. Sometimes, companies incorporate the vision statement within their mission statement so they can state and explain their mission simultaneously. 

For example, Google's combined mission and vision statement is:

“To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” 

Mission statement: To organize the world’s information…

Vision statement: ...and make it universally accessible and useful.

While LinkedIn has separate mission and vision statements:

Mission statement: Connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.

Vision statement: Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.

Use a mission statement to drive company success

Your mission statement is the launchpad for your company’s success. It states what you want to achieve and serves as a constant reminder of your purpose. But the only way to accomplish your mission is with small, everyday actions. A goal is just a dream until you put a process in place.

With work management software , you can set up workflows , schedules, and tasks that align with your mission statement and make your purpose a reality. Asana helps you create a purposeful and productive work experience for all your team members by giving them the clarity they need to achieve their goals.

22 vision statem ...

Journal Home

22 vision statement examples to help you write your own.

When launching a startup, founders typically have an idea of what they want to achieve — a vision of what success will look like. During the strategic planning process, it’s important to put this vision into concrete terms. Not only does a vision statement clarify your thoughts, but it helps employees and stakeholders understand what the business has set out to accomplish. No matter what the business, a good mission and vision statement can inspire and motivate employees to make that vision a reality.

Whether it’s your first or fifth business, writing a compelling vision statement can be challenging. Below, we'll share how to write a vision statement — one that inspires your employees and positively impacts your business — and we'll look at a few vision statement examples to help you get started. 

What is a vision statement? 

A personal mission statement and personal vision statement can be used to guide our decision-making and help us stay focused to meet our long-term goals. Company statements are no different. A company vision statement is one of your most important business documents, along with your mission statement and core values. Although it’s easy to confuse the three, each one is unique and serves its own purpose. 

Core values are the organization’s long-term beliefs and principles that guide employee behavior. A mission statement deals with “why” an organization exists, while a vision statement outlines “what” that existence will eventually look like. A mission statement has to do with what the organization is doing in the present, while a vision statement focuses on the future. Mission statement examples include L’Oreal’s “Offering all women and men worldwide the best of cosmetics innovation in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety.” Conversely, Disney’s vision for itself is “to be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.”

Primarily intended for internal employees and shareholders, a vision statement describes what an organization aspires to be. It helps to think of a vision statement as part roadmap, part inspiration. By outlining a long-term vision, rather than just short-term goals, a vision statement helps give the organization shape and purpose. 

Why it’s important to have a vision statement.

Despite the importance of a vision statement, many companies choose to operate without one. Some simply combine their mission and vision into one general document. Others do away with the idea altogether, thinking that corporate visions are vague statements that serve no actual purpose. 

Furthermore, studies show that highly aligned organizations grow revenue 58% faster, and are 72% more profitable than ones that are unaligned. If an organization doesn’t have a vision or a clear idea of what it wants, it will greatly limit its opportunities and have a difficult time inspiring employees to stay committed.  

How to write a vision statement.

Writing a vision statement may seem like a daunting task. It’s read by every employee and shareholder, and greatly impacts the success of the organization. And a vision statement takes time and thought. When done well, a vision statement can provide the encouragement your company needs to achieve its goals. To streamline the process, keep the following steps in mind while crafting your vision statement:

1. Determine who will help write your vision statement.

When starting out, it’s likely you and your partners will be responsible for writing your company’s vision statement. Once you start hiring, you can ask managers and employees to contribute additional insights. Interviewing a range of individuals will help create a vision statement that integrates and speaks directly to the entire organization. 

2. Project your goals for the future.

Imagine your company five or ten years down the line. The outcome you envision — your dream for the future, your success as a company — should be captured in the vision statement. Keep in mind that the statement should only include the vision, not an actual step-by-step plan for implementing solutions. 

The following questions can help you clarify your vision: 

  • Where do we want the organization to go? 
  • What can we realistically achieve?
  • What problem does the organization intend to solve?
  • What are the changes we believe the organization can make for individuals? For the industry? 
  • How will things be different if the vision is realized?
  • What phrases or keywords describe the type of organization and outcome we want?

3. Stick to the specifics.

A generic vision statement — one that sounds like it could apply to any company — will not be enough to motivate your team. Vision works best when it’s specific and describes an end goal only your organization can provide. Don’t be afraid to dream big. A lukewarm vision will only yield lukewarm results. So it’s important to be bold, and even risky, when writing your vision statement. 

4. Keep it short and simple.

While it should be specific, a vision statement shouldn’t be overly detailed. It should be concise. Start by jotting down all of your ideas, and then pare those down to the essentials. Keeping just one or two key points helps create a clear vision that’s easy for everyone to focus on and fulfill. Stay away from technical terms and jargon, and use the present tense. Rather than trying to write something catchy, aim for clarity. A great vision statement works best when it’s simple, memorable, and inspirational. 

Revisit your vision often as your company evolves.

A vision statement sets an organization’s sights on the future. However, once that future is reached, the vision needs to continue moving forward. Your vision statement is a living document, not a set of static sentences. It plays an important part in your overall strategic plan for a certain time frame. It should therefore be regularly updated to reflect your organization’s current purpose. 

Constantly communicate your vision.

Once you have a vision statement that articulates your end goal, make sure it’s clearly communicated. A vision is more effective when your entire organization takes it to heart. Commit the proper resources and time toward realizing the vision you’ve set. This can mean investing in seminars and training or launching a new product. It can also include offering the lowest possible prices, entering new markets, or exploring other areas of opportunity. A good way to help everyone align with a company's vision statement is by inviting them into the process. Ask for employees’ input, and suggest ways to incorporate the vision into their work. Then, make sure to recognize or reward individuals for their standout contributions.

Vision statement examples.

Sometimes, seeing what works for notable companies is just the inspiration you need to create your own vision statement. Below are some inspiring vision statements from today’s top companies:

Concept-based vision statements.

Some vision statements are based on concepts of what the company hopes to be or achieve in the future. This can be a general statement focused on customers, or a position the company wants to hold within the industry. Below are a few examples of concept-based vision statements:

  • BBC: “To be the most creative organization in the world”
  • Disney: “To make people happy.”
  • Google: “To provide access to the world’s information in one click”
  • IKEA: “To create a better everyday life for the many people”
  • Instagram: “Capture and share the world’s moments”
  • LinkedIn: "Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce”
  • Microsoft: “To help people throughout the world realize their full potential”
  • Nike: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world”
  • Oxfam: “A just world without poverty”
  • Shopify: “To make commerce better for everyone”
  • Sony: "To be a company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity.”
  • TED: “Spread ideas”
  • Tesla: “To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy”
  • Uber: “We ignite opportunity by setting the world in motion”
  • Whole Foods : “To nourish people and the planet.”

Quality-based vision statements.

Other common vision statements are focused on internal goals. These include the type of products and services the company hopes to provide as they grow. Quality-based vision statements can also relate to company culture and operations. The following are some examples from actual United States companies in different industries:

  • Amazon: “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
  • Avon: “ To be the company that best understands and satisfies the product, service, and self-fulfillment needs of women—globally.”
  • Ben & Jerry’s: “Making the best ice cream in the nicest possible way”
  • Ford: “People working together as a lean, global enterprise to make people’s lives better through automotive and mobility leadership.” 
  • IBM: “To be the world’s most successful and important information technology company. Successful in helping our customers apply technology to solve their problems. Successful in introducing this extraordinary technology to new customers. Important because we will continue to be the basic resource of much of what is invested in this industry.”
  • McDonald’s: “To move with velocity to drive profitable growth and become an even better McDonald’s serving more customers delicious food each day around the world.”
  • Nordstrom: “To serve our customers better, to always be relevant in their lives, and to form lifelong relationships”
  • Starbucks: “To establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow.” 
  • Warby Parker: “We believe that buying glasses should be easy and fun. It should leave you happy and good-looking, with money in your pocket. We also believe that everyone has the right to see.”
  • Zappos: “To provide the best customer service possible. Deliver 'WOW' through service”

Keep a clear vision.

Even if it’s just a few sentences, a vision statement provides a lot of value. Not only does it outline the company’s desired outcome, but it can communicate intentions and hopes for the future. The best part is that a vision statement changes with your organization. When a vision is reached or updated, it’s time to create a new vision statement. This encourages everyone toward greater goals, and opens your company to more possibilities.

Background #f4f4f4

Brex for startups.

Get global corporate cards, ACH and wires, and bill pay in one account that scales with you from launch to IPO.

bottom-cta-image

Logo

30 Noteworthy Vision Statement Examples (+ Free Template)

Download our free Vision Statement Toolkit Download this toolkit

The vision statement is the North Star of your overall company strategy, it is where you want to be as a business in the future. A good vision statement acts as motivation for employees and provides guidance on long-term goal setting.

Wondering why it matters? According to a January 2022 survey by Gartner, 52% of surveyed employees said the pandemic made them question the purpose of their day-to-day job. What can you get from unmotivated employees? Well, probably wasted money and slower business growth. But that’s a story for another day.

Let’s dive into this article, where you’ll discover:

Why Do You Need A Good Vision Statement?

What is a vision statement, vision vs. mission statement: what's the difference, how to write a company vision statement example, tips for creating your vision statement, 30 vision statement examples from top companies.

  • Vision Statement Template And Resources

Turn Your Vision Into Reality With Cascade 🚀

Free Download Download the best Vision Statement Toolkit available Download this toolkit

Do you think a vision statement is just fluff with its only purpose to look good in the “About Us” section on the website?

Well, we beg to differ and so does Ryan Saundry, a General Manager in charge of Strategy & Value Creation at Asahi Beverages. Here’s why he believes a vision statement is crucial for business:

"If you look at many of the great examples of super successful companies over the last 10,15 or 20 years, there's one thing they have in common. And that’s a really simple, clear vision their business and people can understand and coalesce behind."

The reason why a good vision statement matters is that the people you are leading want to know the “why” behind your decision-making before they follow you.

If you are a disruptive business, your vision will have to be bigger and more badass than any other. And you need to figure it out to create engagement and followership from your stakeholders and team members.

On top of that, a vision statement plays an important role in the strategic planning process.

Vision statements have a directional role , meaning they guide the organization’s plans and strategies. In other words, a clear vision acts as your North Star that helps you set strategic initiatives and objectives while keeping the focus on the big picture. That’s why a vision statement should be a part of the company’s every strategic plan.

When you think about an organization's vision statement, it's not just about the business goals and how to achieve them (that's more like a mission statement). It's about looking at the bigger picture. Take Kellogg's vision statement, for example: " A good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled. " They're not only talking about sales here or about being the #1 company in their industry. It's about how they want to make a positive impact on society and improve people's lives.

The bottom line is that people follow leaders with vision and customers are loyal to companies with good vision statements that deeply resonate with them . That’s why your company’s vision shouldn’t be just an afterthought. After all, a memorable and engaging vision statement engages your people emotionally, causing them to work around and through obstacles, and inspires change.

📽️ Must watch : We’re sure you’ve seen it already, BUT if you haven’t, Simon Sinek’s TED talk “ How great leaders inspire action ” is a great resource to understand the importance of your vision statement, and the “why” behind your organization.

In short, a vision statement describes the desired future state of a business within a 5-10 year timeframe and guides the direction of the business's efforts. It is essentially the future objectives of a business. The vision statement is also the first step in building a highly-effective business strategic plan, since it sets the foundation to understand the direction of your business in the long-term.

While this is more of a general definition, let’s dig a bit deeper into it by looking at the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement.

If you hear 10 different people talking about mission and vision, you will most likely hear 10 different definitions. Taking a look at some of the websites and social media accounts, it's clear that many people confuse one for another. 

But here’s how Anita Stubenrauch, ex-Apple creative veteran, explains why you shouldn’t ignore the difference : 

Here’s what’s at stake: if we mistake mission for vision, we just might accomplish what we set out to do — and then stop there.

In other words, mistaking the vision for a mission statement might just stop your organization from achieving its true growth potential.

mission vs vision statement infographic

Let’s settle this battle once and for all: 

  • A vision statement is a long-term, idealistic state of the FUTURE that doesn’t exist yet. It’s an inspiring, rallying cry that invites everyone who believes in it to contribute and become a part of it. 
  • A company's mission statement is how the company chooses to pursue its vision - like a roadmap . It is more specific and relates directly to the company’s products and services.

Let’s take a look at a few examples to illustrate the difference: 

Vision statement example: 

  • HYBE’s vision: “To be the world’s top music-based entertainment lifestyle platform company.”  

Mission statement example: 

  • Google’s mission statement: “Our mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” 
  • Walt Disney’s mission: “The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.”

So, let’s repeat the key difference. A vision statement is a definition of a company’s future, while a good mission statement represents a roadmap that tells what the company will do to achieve its vision.

Here at Cascade, we've come across a LOT of vision statements while working with thousands of teams of all shapes and sizes, helping them execute strategies . Some of these vision statements are good, some are bad, and most come somewhere in between.

And that’s why we outlined a step-by-step process that will help you craft an effective vision statement.

You can check a complete guide here , but here’s a short recap of each step:

Step 1 - The outcome

Start by being exceptionally clear about what it is your organization actually does. Be careful to remain outcome-focused rather than output-focused.

Step 2 - The twist

What’s your unique selling point? Make sure to include it in your vision statement.

Step 3 - The quantification

One of the common problems with a vision statement is too specific. If we return to the basic definition, your vision statement should be a long-term, idealistic state of the FUTURE that doesn’t exist yet. That said - don't be too specific or apply specific metrics at this stage. 

You might want to refine your target audience or target market, but avoid adding financial projections or any numbers.

Step 4 - The human connection

One final trick you can apply to help make your vision even more memorable is to add a real-life aspect. This will allow people to conjure up a solid mental image to associate with your vision statement.

Below is a vision statement example we've created for a fictional bakery place using our vision statement formula !

Vision Statement Example

Our vision is to "produce and sell locally sourced cakes and pies that are so delicious and satisfying , that every customer who leaves our store does so with a smile ."

Can you imagine yourself standing in the middle of the bakery surrounded by the smell of fresh pastry, and with a smile on your face? We certainly can! And that’s the whole point. Your vision should be imaginable and desirable, like the one above.

Free Download Download our Vision Statement Examples Ebook Download this ebook

Here are a few things you should consider when you start writing down your company’s vision statement: 

  • Keep it short - max 2 sentences.
  • It must be specific to your business and describe a unique outcome that only you can provide. 
  • Use the present tense . 
  • Keep it simple enough for people both inside and outside your organization to understand. No technical jargon, buzzwords, or metaphors.
  • It should be ambitious enough to be exciting but not too ambitious that it seems unachievable. Here at Cascade, we recommend thinking 5 years into the future.
  • Vision needs to align with the company’s core values that you want your people to exhibit as they perform their work. 

Following these tips and best practices should give you a solid starting point for creating a vision statement. 

👉🏻 Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a vision statement.

💡Pro Tip: Writing your vision statement is an iterative process, so don't worry if you don't get it right on the first try. A helpful practice is to brainstorm with a diverse group, welcoming various perspectives and refining ideas until you capture the essence of your organization's aspirations.

There are many good vision statement examples that have become widely recognized because they have some pretty amazing companies behind them. You should keep in mind that these are just a starting point. There is much more to the creation process of these vision statements than meets the eye. 

Let’s look at some popular company vision examples: 

Microsoft is one of the most well-known technology companies in the world. Their vision is to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential. 

This e-commerce giant’s vision is to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online. 

Tesla ’s vision is to create the most compelling car company of the 21st century by driving the world's transition to electric vehicles. Their mission is to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

This world’s largest furniture retailer’s vision is to create a better everyday life for many people. 

Lego 's vision emphasizes the importance of play in fostering creativity, imagination, and educational development among children and adults alike: “A global force for Learning-through-Play”. 

Patagonia stands out among companies for consistently aligning its actions with its mission, values, and company culture around sustainability. Their mission statement is “We're in business to save our home planet.” However, they don’t have any official release on their vision statement. 

If we asked you what TED’s vision is, you’d probably know or at least imagine it. That’s because TED has a vision statement that’s short and sweet: “Spread ideas”. Though it doesn’t follow the secret formula we’ve shared, we can say it’s definitely memorable.

LinkedIn’s vision statement is “Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce,” and their mission statement is “connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.”

There is no official release of Starbucks ' vision statement, but here's one example of what it could look like: “To establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow." 

For inspiration, we are also adding their official mission statement: “To inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.”

Disney 's vision statement is “to be one of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.”

Nike ’s vision is “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world” - and here’s the brilliance when they add the commentary below “*if you have a body, you’re an athlete.”

McDonald's

This multinational fast food chain’s vision statement is “to be the world's best quick service restaurant experience,” and its mission statement is “to make delicious feel-good moments easy for everyone.” 

Coca-Cola ’s vision is to craft the brands and choice of drinks that people love, to refresh them in body & spirit. It makes sense right? Just think about Coca-Cola’s famous ads like “Open happiness” and you’ll instantly see how they’re aligned with their vision.

Netflix’s vision is “To entertain the world.” On their website they complement this vision with what we could say would be their “manifesto”:

Whatever your taste, and no matter where you live, we give you access to best-in-class TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games. Our members control what they want to watch, when they want it, in one simple subscription. We’re streaming in more than 30 languages and 190 countries, because great stories can come from anywhere and be loved everywhere. We are the world’s biggest fans of entertainment, and we’re always looking to help you find your next favorite story.

🤔What’s a brand manifesto? A concise statement that captures the essence and values of a brand, aiming to create an emotional connection with the target audience and inspire loyalty. It communicates the brand's mission, personality, and desired impact on the world. Brand manifestos can take various forms, including written statements, videos, or visual representations.

American Express

American Express’ vision is to “Provide the world’s best customer experience every day.”

Zoom’s vision is “Video communications empowering people to accomplish more.” Yikes . It could definitely be more memorable and inspiring, right?

Warby Parker 

Warby Parker’s vision is to be one of the most impactful brands in the world by inspiring the next generations of entrepreneurs and consumers to transform the eyewear and eyecare industry through design and innovation. 

Oxfam is a global organization with a vision of a world that is just and sustainable. 

Southwest Airlines 

Their vision is “To be the world's most loved, most efficient, and most profitable airline.”

The Nature Conservancy

This nonprofit’s vision is “A world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.”

Astellas’s vision is to be at the forefront of healthcare change to run innovative science into VALUE for patients.

This giant beauty company’s vision is  “to be the most inclusive beauty leader and contribute to a society in which everyone can live safely, peacefully, and equally.”

NASA , the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, embarks on a bold and awe-inspiring vision of “Exploring the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all.”

The legendary New Zealand national rugby team embodies the indomitable spirit of unity, excellence, and Maori culture. Their vision is: “Inspiring and Unifying through rugby”.

As a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, Novartis ’ vision is to be a trusted leader in changing the practice of medicine.

The British Broadcasting Corporation’s vision is to enrich people's lives with programs and services that inform, educate and entertain by being the most creative organization in the world.

Leading global food company, Danone , is driven by a powerful vision ignited by words from their founder, Antoine Riboud: "There is only one earth, we only live once." Guided by this ethos, Danone is committed to bringing health to our planet and generations of people. 

This company is committed to creating a better world through health and wellness, and this is shown in their vision statement: “To be the leading partner in reimagining local healthcare and wellbeing for all.”

Toyota ’s vision is written slightly differently from the others we’ve seen. It’s a little longer than we’d recommend, but it serves the purpose:

“Toyota will lead the future mobility society, enriching lives around the world with the safest and most responsible ways of moving people. Through our commitment to quality, ceaseless innovation, and respect for the planet, we strive to exceed expectations and be rewarded with a smile. We will meet challenging goals by engaging the talent and passion of people who believe there is always a better way.”

This global automotive supplier’s vision is to accelerate profitable growth and enhance our technology offer to become a leader in sustainable mobility and smart life on board. Its mission is to create and deliver high-quality and innovative products which comply with legal constraints and customer quality requirements.

In this example above, the difference between vision and mission is obvious.

Vision Statement Template And Resources 

Feeling inspired to create a good vision statement for your business? We have a collection of amazing resources that will help you create your own!

Need a bit more inspiration? Download our carefully curated collection of 100 world’s best vision statements sorted by various industries, including:

  • Retail vision statement examples
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals vision statement examples 
  • Food & Beverages vision statement examples
  • Automotive vision statement examples
  • Vision statement examples for Financial Services
  • Manufacturing vision statement examples
  • Airlines, Aerospace & Defense vision statement examples

Want to start working on your own vision statement? Look no further and download our vision statement toolkit that includes all resources you need to create an inspiring vision statement. Inside you’ll also find a vision statement template and a special workbook we’re using with our customers to align their vision with company values and company strategic goals.

Need a step- by-step guide? Read our thorough article on how to write a vision statement with extra tips, best practices, and formulas.

As Jack Welch, former Chairman and CEO of General Electric, said :

“Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision and relentlessly drive it to completion.”

Every business needs an inspiring vision to spread ideas and make a difference in the world. However, even the greatest vision means nothing without execution.

Cascade is a global software company, consistently ranking as the world’s #1 strategy execution platform. At Cascade, we make visions happen by acting as the strategic brain of your organization, remediating the chaos of running your business so that you can move forward. 

Do you want to learn how to bridge the gap between vision and execution? Sign up today for a free forever plan or book a guided 1:1 tour with one of our Cascade in-house strategy execution experts and get your team moving toward your vision.

What’s the difference between vision statement and purpose?

A vision statement and a purpose serve distinct but complementary roles in an organization:

  • The vision statement outlines the desired future state or long-term aspirations of an organization, providing a clear and inspiring picture of what the organization aims to achieve.
  • Purpose refers to the fundamental reason for an organization's existence beyond financial gain, representing its deeper meaning, societal impact, and core mission. It goes beyond profitability and focuses on making a positive difference in the world.

Popular articles

example of vision and mission in a business plan

How To Implement The Balanced Scorecard Framework (With Examples)

example of vision and mission in a business plan

The Best Management Reporting Software For Strategy Officers (2024 Guide)

example of vision and mission in a business plan

How To Set And Execute Strategic Priorities

example of vision and mission in a business plan

How To Implement Effective Strategic Planning In Healthcare

Your toolkit for strategy success.

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Build Your 2024 AI Transformation Roadmap 🚀

facebook

More Like this

52 mission statement examples that rock + free mission guide.

In this article, we will define ‘what is a mission statement’, briefly highlight the essentials of creating a strong mission statement and show you some of the best mission statement examples from top organizations around the world.

What is a mission statement and its purpose?

Remember that a mission statement explains why your organization exists . It is a foundational element of your plan that establishes your core purpose and who you serve! A great mission statement stands the test of time, guiding more temporary and time-specific goals and plans. This, paired with a bold vision statement will serve as a strong foundation to your strategic plan.

For a mission statement to provide clarity, we recommend writing it with concrete language. We recommend avoiding abstract fluff that might sound good on the surface but does not help your team understand the “why” behind their work. We also recommend writing it in the present tense. This differentiates it from a vision statement, which is focused on the future. A mission statement should be timeless (or as close to it as possible). Writing it in the present tense helps capture that.

What are the benefits of a mission statement?

When it comes to strategic planning for your organization, you can’t underestimate the importance of having a clear and concise mission statement. Not only does it help provide direction and focus for your team and tells your customer base and community who you are and what you stand for. A well-crafted mission statement is the foundation for your overall strategy and decision-making.

By outlining your mission statement, you’re laying the groundwork for everything that follows. You’re setting the tone for your vision for your organization and the values you want to uphold. That can be a powerful tool for making decisions and setting priorities for the company’s future.

So, if you haven’t already drafted a mission statement, now is the time to start! It may take some time and thought, but the benefits will be well worth it in the long run.

What makes a great mission statement?

OnStrategy strongly believes in creating a mission statement that speaks to who you are and why you exist as an organization. We believe great mission statements should be audacious, motivating, and memorable.

This is because, as we’ve stated before, your mission statement reflects the best of you and serves as the foundation of your business or organization. Mission statements boldly state why you exist and do what you do – not only for your team and those doing the work but for your community and customers whose support you’re striving to capture.

We’ve crafted a mission statement cheat sheet that outlines the four criteria that every mission statement should meet:

  • Your mission statement should be foundational
  • Your mission statement should be original
  • All mission statements should be memorable
  • And bonus points if your mission statement is something you’d want represented on a t-shirt!

Pulling Together Your Mission Statement with the Help of OnStrategy’s Cheat Sheet [With Examples]

Check out our mission statement cheat sheet below for a downloadable guide to build your mission statement.

Mission Statement Examples

Video Transcript – How to Write a Mission Statement- The Virtual Strategist

Hi, my name’s Erica Olsen. Today’s whiteboard session is on how to write a mission statement. Mission statements are foundational to any strategic plan. You normally build one after you develop your SWAT and before you go into the rest of your planning process. It’s foundational because it answers the question, why do we exist?

It (a mission statement) clearly explains the space that we play and what’s in and what’s out of what we do, and it’s not where we’re going, which is vision. So let’s break it down. We use this example to explain the components of a mission statement. We use this checklist to talk about what makes a good mission statement, and we’ll walk through a simple process to create yours.

So let’s jump in. The example we have up here is Google’s, and we love using Google’s, Google’s examples because they’re, they’re great and why not [00:01:00] borrow from the best? So starting with our mission, I’d like to start it with our mission cuz it gives us a place to, to go and keeps us thinking about mission.

You might get rid of it later, but start it there. Uh, it has a verb with present tense to organize. We explain what we do, organize the world’s information for whom, in this case, the world, and what’s the benefit to us existing? What’s the benefit to the world to make? Information universally accessible and useful, really straightforward.

We know mission statements are not that easy to write, so here’s a checklist to make sure that yours is great. Starting with it needs to be original. This is really clearly original to Google. They didn’t rip it off from somebody else. It doesn’t sound like anybody else’s mission statement or company vision statement. If it sounds like Google’s mission statement, so make sure yours is original.

It’s foundational. I already mentioned that, but you don’t wanna change it. All the time. Maybe a few word tweaks, but ideally [00:02:00] not. You want a mission statement that sustains over time, so it needs to be foundational. Connect with staff a great mission statement, and you know, yours is great. When every single staff member wakes up in the morning and knows that their purpose and the reason they come to work every day is expressed in your mission statement, and to do that, it needs to be memorable.

Memorable means short and concise, and of course, that’s the balance to strike with a great mission statement. So here’s your litmus test. It needs to fit on a T-shirt, and your staff would wear it if it achieves those two goals. You know, you’ve got a great mission statement, so how do you write one?

Sometimes it can be hard, so it’s great to get input or ideas from your organization. So gather staff input if you’d like, via survey or maybe focus groups. Take all that information, synthesize it down, and create a couple of versions. You can do it yourself. Or use one of those folks in your organization who loves to copyright and have them write a [00:03:00] couple of different versions.

Take those versions and either have your planning team pick one or put them out to your organization and have people vote on them. So that simple process will help you not, uh, go in all kinds of different directions and spend forever doing mission statement development. With that, I hope this helps you write yours. [00:03:21] Thanks for tuning in.

If you want to learn more on determining what is a mission statement that’s effective and how to write a mission statement that inspires, check out our guide!

Anatomy of an Effective Mission Statement

A mission statement is a powerful way to tell your board members, team and your customers who you are and why you exist – ideally in two sentences or less! Your company’s mission statement describes, essentially, your company’s core values and company’s purpose for existing today.

Maybe your organization believes that your business exists to provide outstanding customer service to all who walk through your door. Your employees will now know that your company’s identity revolves around providing the best customer service possible.

This process of creating a compelling mission statement may feel daunting, but don’t worry! By following our simple anatomy of a mission statement, you can easily put one together that truly defines your mission and purpose.

Every mission statement must have these five basic elements:

  • A label such as, “Our mission…”
  • A verb in the present tense.
  • For whom you’re doing this for.
  • A result or benefit of the work you do.
  • What you do and how you do it.

For example, yours may end up looking like this: “Our mission is to make our clients successful by merging remarkable digital design and goal-focused usability.

Read our free canvas and guide for a deeper dive into the topic!

Anatomy of a Mission Statement

Mission Statement Versus Vision Statement Versus Values Statement: What’s the difference?

Vision statement.

A vision statement describes your clear vision of the future; your ambitions. Vision statements clearly state what your organization looks like in the future. Vision statement focuses on the big picture outcome, usually 5+ years in the future. [Check out our vision statement examples here. ]

Mission Statements

A good mission statement clearly explains why you exist and what your organization’s purpose for existing is. A company mission statement also expressly states who you serve and how potential customers benefit from your work.

Values Statements

Values statements are an expression about how you expect your team to behave. They explain the values, beliefs, and experiences you expect to create within your organization.

Using Your Mission Statements, Vision Statements, and Values Statements Together

These three important plan elements aren’t meant to live as standalone items. They are designed to be used together! Mission and vision statements help your organization clearly articulate why you exist, who you serve, and where you’re going in the future. Your values statements help support your own mission and vision statment by expressing how you expect your organization to behave along the journey! When in doubt, remember these three tips:

  • Mission statement = why you exist.
  • Vision statement = where you’re going in the future.
  • Values statements = set of behaviors you expect from your team. you expect your team to behave.

When to know it’s time to update your mission statement?

As you move forward on your strategic planning process, maybe you’ve decided to revisit your mission statement. If you read it and thought, “Wait, that doesn’t really align with what we’re doing anymore, ” it may be time for an update. And that’s okay! It happens more often than you might think.

Your company constantly evolves and grows, so your mission statement must reflect those changes. Some signs that it’s time to hit refresh on your mission statement include:

  • Huge shifts in your customer or target audience
  • Major changes in your organization’s goals and approach
  • A total rebrand

Remember, your mission statement should guide and inspire your business, so it’s essential to keep it relevant and meaningful! They have a shelf life of about 10-15 years.

A clear and concise mission statement can give your employees and customers a sense of direction and purpose. So, if you feel like your current mission statement is a little outdated or doesn’t reflect who you are as an organization, it might be time for a refresh.

Check out our 52 mission statement examples from some of the world’s best companies and organizations for inspiration!

52 Mission Statement Examples

Learning general principles for how to write a mission statement is helpful. However, these principles can become clearer by looking at some examples of mission statements. As you check out some of these mission statement examples from various types of organizations, notice how there are various ways to make your mission statement unique while sharing the tried-and-true principles of good mission statements:

Example Mission Statements for For-Profit Companies

Starbucks Mission Statement Example

Tesla: “Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to renewable energy.”

Starbucks “To inspire and nurture the human spirit- one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.”

Coca-Cola: “The Coca-Cola Company exists to benefit and refresh everyone who is touched by our business.”

The Home Depot: “The Home Depot is in the home improvement business, and our goal is to provide the highest level of service, the broadest selection of products, and the most competitive prices.”

The Boeing Company, Africa Division: “Our mission is to establish a powerful presence and positive image of The Boeing Company with governments, businesses, and community leaders.”

Nike: “Our mission is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

John Deere: “Double and Double Again the John Deere Experience of Genuine Value for Employees, Customers and Shareholders.”

Publix: “Our Mission at Publix is to be the premier quality food retailer in the world.”

Aveda: “Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty but around the world.”

General Motors: “General Motors’ corporate mission is to earn customers for life by building brands that inspire passion and loyalty through not only breakthrough technologies but also by serving and improving the communities in which we live and work around the world.”

New Leaf Paper: “The mission of New Leaf Paper is to be the leading national source for environmentally responsible, economically sound paper.”

Nordstrom: “Our mission is to continue our dedication to providing a unique range of products, exceptional customer service, and great experiences.”

Seventh Generation: “Seventh Generation is the nation’s leading brand of non-toxic and environmentally safe household products.”

Get the Free Guide and Canvas to Build a Mission that Sticks

Example mission statements for non-profits.

Girl Scouts Mission Statement Example

UNICEF: “UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child, in everything we do.”

ACLU of San Diego: “To protect and expand fairness, equity, and freedom through community engagement, building power, policy advocacy, and impact litigation.”

Red Cross: “To provide compassionate care to victims of disasters.”

TED Talk: “Spread ideas. Make great ideas accessible and spark conversation.”

Girl Scouts of America: “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.”

Operation Underground Railroad: “We exist to rescue children from sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.”

Goodwill: “To enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.”

Alzheimer’s Association: “Through our many initiatives and worldwide reach, the Alzheimer’s Association leads the charge in Alzheimer’s care, support, research and advocacy.”

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts: “To cultivate exceptional performing arts experiences in our historic venue and throughout the region.”

ASPCA, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: “To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”

Mission Statement Examples for Software Companies

OnStrategy Mission Statement Example

OnStrategy: “Our mission is to create strategy that matters and drive the culture to execute it.”

LinkedIn: “To connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.”

Equifax Business Services: “To serve our customers by utilizing information and technology that provide real-time answers to increasingly complex questions.”

Google: “To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

Amazon: “We strive to offer our customers the lowest possible prices, the best available selection, and the utmost convenience.”

Duolingo: “We’re here to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. Our global team works together to make language learning fun, free, and effective for anyone who wants to learn, wherever they are.”

Hulu: “To help people find and enjoy the world’s premium video content when, where and how they want it.”

Microsoft: “Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

TikTok “ Our mission is to capture and present the world’s creativity, knowledge, and moments that matter in everyday life.”

Vivint: “Vivint helps families live intelligently in safer, smarter homes.”

Example Mission Statements for Healthcare Organizations

St Marys Mission Statement Example

CVS: “Helping people on their path to better health.”

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center of Northern Nevada: “To deliver compassionate, quality care to patients and better healthcare to communities.”

Northern Nevada Hopes: “Our mission is to build a healthier community by providing affordable, high-quality medical, behavioral health, and support services for all.”

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals: “We will become the world’s most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business partners, and the communities where we work and live.”

The WellPoint Companies: “The WellPoint Companies provide health security by offering a choice of quality branded health and related financial services designed to meet the changing expectations of individuals, families, and their sponsors throughout a lifelong relationship.”

New York-Presbyterian Hospital: “It is the mission of New York-Presbyterian Hospital to be a leader in the provision of world-class patient care, teaching, research, and service to local, state, national, and international communities.”

The Center for Disease Control: “CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.”

Valley OB/GYN: “At Valley OBGYN, we strive to provide quality comprehensive patient-centered women’s care here in Spokane Valley.”

The American Psychological Association: “Our mission is to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.”

Dentistry for Children: “Dentistry for Children believes that good dental health starts in infancy. Our dedicated pediatric dentists and teen dental specialists promote cavity prevention and good dental habits to help create a positive experience at an early age and into their adolescent years.”

Mission Statement Examples for Governments and/or Government Entities

City of Reno Mission Statement Example

The City of Windsor, Canada: “The City of Windsor, with the involvement of its citizens, will deliver effective and responsive municipal services, and will mobilize innovative community partnerships.”

Cliffside Park, New Jersey Police Department: “The Cliffside Park Police Department is committed to providing a safe and peaceful environment in the Borough of Cliffside Park through effective and impartial law enforcement.”

Fire Department New York: “As first responders to fires, public safety and medical emergencies, disasters, and terrorist acts, FDNY protects the lives and property of New York City residents and visitors. The Department advances public safety through its fire prevention, investigation, and education programs. The timely delivery of these services enables the FDNY to make significant contributions to the safety of New York City and homeland security efforts.”

Municipal Court of Lakeview, Texas: “Our mission is to provide an impartial, unbiased, fair, and respectful forum for the trials of all Class C misdemeanor Penal Code offenses, Health and Safety Code offenses, Alcoholic Beverage Code offenses, City Ordinance offenses, as well as to preside over administrative and civil proceedings, as authorized by state law.”

Albany, Georgia: “The City of Albany delivers fiscally responsible, highly dependable services to the citizens in the community and the region with integrity and professionalism.”

Chicago Public Library: “We welcome and support all people in their enjoyment of reading and pursuit of lifelong learning. Working together, we strive to provide equal access to information, ideas, and knowledge through books, programs, and other resources.”

Seattle, Washington City Clerk: “Provide consistent high-level services which promote and strengthen a world-class government prepared to meet the emerging needs of the 21st century. Ultimately, improving the quality of life for individuals (and the community at large) by being one of the top-tier local government agencies in our nation and by building on our interdisciplinary strengths.”

Michigan Civil Service Commission: “To provide innovative, effective, and timely HR consultation and services to attract, develop, and retain a workforce that is diverse, flexible, creative, and competent to meet the ever-changing needs of state government.”

City of Reno: “Creating a community that people are proud to call home.”

For a deep dive on Mission Statements, check out our post on all things mission.

What are the 5 components of a mission statement?

What is the purpose of a mission statement?

Remember that a mission statement explains why your organization exists. It is a foundational element of your plan that establishes your core purpose and who you serve!

' src=

Thanks a lot.

Thanks a lot

Comments Cancel

Join 60,000 other leaders engaged in transforming their organizations., subscribe to get the latest agile strategy best practices, free guides, case studies, and videos in your inbox every week..

Keystone

Leading strategy? Join our FREE community.

Become a member of the chief strategy officer collaborative..

OnStrategy Collaborative

Free monthly sessions and exclusive content.

Do you want to 2x your impact.

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Grow Your Business

Vision and mission examples: inspiring statements for success, share this article.

If someone asks, “Why do people start businesses?”, the first answer that comes to mind might be, “To make money”. 

On the surface, that’s true. But making money isn’t all there is to a successful business.  

In business, there’s no guarantee you’ll make money just because you have a product or service to sell. Instead, you make money when people actually buy your product(s) or hire you to perform a service for them.  However, no one will buy a product or service unless they stand to gain something valuable from it — be it a smoother workflow, lighter workload, or a better way of living.  

And that right there is the bedrock of a successful business — value. Without offering value to your customers and employees, you can’t have a successful business. But then, how can you show people the value that your brand offers? 

Short answer: Vision and mission statements. 

Organizations use vision and mission statements to communicate their goals and aspirations to internal and external stakeholders. Well-crafted mission and vision statements provide internal teams with clarity, direction, and focus on their goals. On the other hand, external stakeholders, use these statements to gauge if a brand aligns with their personal values and is worth supporting.

In this article, we’ll explore what vision and mission statements are, the differences between them, the key components of both statements, and great statement examples that can inspire your own. 

Skip ahead:

Understanding Vision and Mission Statements

Key components of vision statements, examples of inspiring vision statements, key components of mission statements, examples of impactful mission statements, crafting your vision and mission statements, inspire your stakeholders with impactful vision and mission statements, vision statement .

A vision statement is one that expresses your brand’s meaning and plans for the future to stakeholders, especially employees and customers. It serves as a reminder — and a roadmap of sorts — of how you want your business to impact the world, which prevents you from losing sight of the big picture even as you’re inundated with your day-to-day activities. A great example is Microsoft’s early vision of putting “a computer on every desk and in every home.”  

A good vision statement gives customers and employees a glimpse into the direction your business is taking, and shows them why your end goal is worth their time and investment. This is especially important as 82% of consumers now prefer to buy from brands that align with their values. 

A vision statement is important because it outlines the shared goal of everyone in the company — from the C-suite to the receptionists. This plays a huge role in figuring out which new hires are a culture fit because anyone who applies to work at your company will know exactly what goal their efforts will be contributing to. And when employees know what their collective efforts are leading up to, they’re more inclined to stay and see it through.

The same goes for people who share similar values as your company — they’ll be more interested in buying from you and helping you achieve your goals. 

Mission statement

A mission statement is a concise declaration of the present goals and core values of an organization. It helps your employees and customers immediately understand what your company is about, your top priorities, and how you differ from your competitors. 

The best mission statements are a combination of physical, logical, and emotional elements that not only explains their companies’ purpose , but also fosters a connection with customers and employees. This connection helps build customer loyalty, which will eventually increase your overall profitability. 

Since a mission statement is primarily about a company’s present goals, it should be revised as the company’s goals change. This way, the mission statement will always reflect the business’ current culture as it achieves its objectives and sets bigger goals.

Differences between vision and mission statements 

Sometimes, the terms “vision statement” and “mission statement” are used interchangeably, but they’re actually different. The difference between them lies in the purpose they serve.

Simply put, a vision statement describes how a company plans to improve its immediate community, or the world at large, while a mission statement clarifies what your company wants to achieve, the product (or service) it offers, the audience it caters to , and why it’s doing it. Thus, a mission statement is a roadmap for a company’s vision. 

It’s a case of “where you are right now” versus “where you’re going.” 

For example, if someone asks you, “What do you do?” , you might answer, “I’m a content writer at a new software startup” or “I’m a barista at a nearby Starbucks shop.” 

But if they ask you, “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” , you won’t give the same answer, will you? You’d probably say, “My goal in five years is to occupy a management position where create the company’s marketing strategy and oversee its execution” or “I want to own my own coffee company, selling locally-sourced coffee beans.” 

The first scenario symbolizes a mission statement — the current purpose a company serves. And the latter scenario represents a vision statement — a glimpse into a company’s future.

To craft a great vision statement, here are some key components you should keep in mind: 

  • Ambitious: The purpose of a vision statement is to inspire stakeholders — customers, employees, and investors — to believe in your company. Having a lofty vision statement showcases how much impact you want your business to have in the world as it grows. It also conveys to people your passion for making a positive difference in others, far and wide. 
  • Practical: While your company’s vision should be aspirational, it shouldn’t feel impossible. You want to craft something that your company can work towards, so be careful not to make it so far out of reach that it feels unattainable. It’s a vision, after all — not a fantasy. 
  • Broad: A vision statement shows the correlation between your mission and your goals — but it isn’t a goal itself, so it shouldn’t feel too finite. Instead, it should be broad enough to cover all your brand’s overall goals and objectives.

Here are some examples of vision statements to inspire yours: 

Vision statement: “Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce” 

LinkedIn is the world’s largest online professional network with over 900 million members across 200 countries worldwide . With LinkedIn, these individuals and businesses are connected with one another, which enables them to find jobs, hire qualified candidates, find investors, expand their investment portfolio, get speaking gigs, increase the creator economy, and more. 

LinkedIn’s vision statement clearly shows why the company is doing what it’s doing: to create economic opportunity for every working person, regardless of their background or level. And one look at the community on LinkedIn and you’ll see that the company takes its vision statement seriously. 

The statement itself is concise. It’s one sentence that encompasses what LinkedIn is doing (creating opportunities), why it’s doing it, and who it’s catering to (members of the global workforce).

Vision statement: “To make our oceans as rich, healthy, and abundant as they once were”

Right off the bat, Oceana’s vision statement makes anyone who reads it envision bodies of water filled with plastic, which makes up 80% of all marine debris found in oceans. This appeals to their emotions — sadness and shame for all the ways they might have contributed to polluting the world’s oceans and encouraging environmental crises. 

However, Oceana’s vision also gives people hope that there’s an organization that’s working hard to fix the situation and renew the health of these oceans.

Vision statement: “ To be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices”

Customers are at the center of what Amazon does — and their customers know it. There’s nary a thing you can’t find on Amazon — from books to kitchen appliances to clothing to skincare. And these items are affordable, too. 

Amazon’s vision statement encapsulates everything it wants to offer: a huge selection of everything, low prices, and convenience. All of that merges into one ultimate goal: to become Earth’s most customer-centric company. 

This vision statement is succinct and memorable, and clearly shows the values that Amazon upholds.

When formulating your mission statement, here are some important things to remember:

  • Purpose : Ask yourself: “Why does this business exist?” What does your product or service do, how does it do it, and who is it created to help? A mission that summarizes your purpose gives everyone who reads it a high-level overview of the essence of your brand. 
  • Values: A mission statement is a way to communicate your values and core beliefs to stakeholders. What does your company stand for? What do you believe in that sets you apart from competitors? Perhaps your products are environment-friendly or you donate part of your annual revenue to a charity your customers choose. Whatever your values are, include them in your mission statement. 
  • Clarity: Always write your mission statement in simple language that people can easily understand, interpret, and remember. You also need to keep the statement to a sensible length — not too short that it excludes important information, and not too long that it becomes forgettable and unwieldy.
  • Emotional appeal: A mission statement isn’t just a quick rundown of what your company does; it’s a reflection of who you are. So as you write it, focus on appealing to people’s emotions and inspiring them to think (and act) differently. Doing this will increase the chances of your mission resonating with people and building customer loyalty. 

Below are some real-life examples of mission statements that positively impact the stakeholders of the companies: 

Mission statement: “To offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them” 

IKEA is known as a company where people can get very cheap, but functional, furniture. So IKEA’s mission statement clearly states what it already does. But you may notice that the statement isn’t about offering beautiful furniture; instead, it’s about making life better for their customers . 

Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, states, “I KEA is not the work of one person alone, it is the result of many minds and many souls working together through many years of joy and hard work. ” The phrase “many minds and many souls” conveys a sense of teamwork, togetherness, and inclusion that helps IKEA meet the needs of its customers. 

Mission statement: “To entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling”

With classics like The Lion King, The Adventures of Aladdin, and Frozen, Disney’s storytelling is immaculate. Thankfully, Disney’s mission statement accurately portrays how central storytelling is to the work Disney does. 

Disney’s mission goes beyond simply entertaining kids and tweens; it intends to put out high-qualities stories that inspire other people’s creativity, increase personal growth, and enact positive change in the world. This mission statement is impeccable because it portrays Disney’s desire to inspire others to channel their own creativity to make their communities better. 

Cradles to Crayons 

Mission statement: “To provide children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school, and at play” 

Cradles to Crayons is a non-profit organization that is trying to eradicate a popular economic issue in the United States (and the world): child poverty. This organization’s mission statement appeals to the humanity in people by showing how dedicated it is to give young children who live in poverty the basic things they need to survive and thrive. 

This inspires people to donate items and money to support Cradles to Crayons’ mission to equal the playing field for children all over the country, regardless of background. The more people who donate, the more children the non-profit will be able to help.

Here are some tips for creating compelling vision and mission statements: 

Think about your “why” 

Your “why” is the heartbeat of your mission and vision statements. Why are you here? What problems do you solve? What ultimate impact do you want your business to have in your industry, your community, and the world at large? 

For Thinkific, it’s to “revolutionize the way people learn and earn online by giving them the tools they need to turn their expertise into a sustainable business that impacts both them and their audience.”

Before writing your mission and vision statements, think about what drove you to start your business. It doesn’t have to be some lofty goal to save the world from imminent destruction, but there has to be a reason for every action you take and product (or service) you offer that goes beyond simply making money. 

Involve your stakeholders 

Great mission statements are almost always a result of the collaboration of a company’s stakeholders. So, work with your stakeholders — including leadership, employees, customers, and investors — to bounce off ideas and get their perspectives on your company’s purpose. 

Speaking to customers is especially important because, without them, you have no business. Your mission statement should encompass the views of your internal team, as well as external stakeholders to explain what you have to offer, the problems you’re solving, and why your business is the right consumer choice.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a team just yet, you can get your friends and family to help you out.

Don’t fixate on what you do

Your mission and vision statements are quite different from your unique selling proposition (USP). So, with your mission and vision statements, don’t fixate on the products (or services) you offer and why they’re so awesome. Instead, look at your offers from your customers’ point of view and communicate how your offers will improve their way of life. 

For example, you mightn’t be excited about shoes in general, but if a shoe company says that they’ll donate a pair of shoes per purchase to people who have no shoes in certain parts of the world, that’ll pique your interest, right? 

Connect your statements with your brand goals and objectives 

Your mission and vision statements should be more than a catchy tagline. Instead, they should be reflective of the goals, objectives, and values your brand is working toward. These three elements play a significant role in building brand loyalty, because they show that you’re not just running a brand to get rich. You actually want to make a positive difference in the world, and seeing this can appeal to people on an emotional level and influence their decision to support you, be it through their hard work or their money. 

Use plain language

If your mission and vision statements were only used for internal purposes, then there’d be nothing wrong with using buzzwords and complicated industry terms to describe your company. 

However, individuals who probably have no idea what “agile manifesto” and “decentralized blockchain applications” mean still need those statements to gauge whether your company aligns with their personal values or not. So your best bet to converting these people is to use plain, simple language for your mission and vision statements. 

Get rid of any corporate speak or industry jargon, replace complex words with plain language, and be specific. Not only does this help people interpret your words correctly and easily, but it also makes your statements feel authentic and genuine.  

Keep them at optimal lengths

While most agree that mission and vision statements should be concise and succinct, things aren’t that cut and dry. You want your statements to be short enough that people can remember them and repeat them quickly, but long enough to contain the main thing(s) you want people to know about your brand. 

So, the lengths of your statements are completely up to you. If it’s too long, only the writers may use it. But if it’s short enough to be recited, employees can use it as a decision-making and culture-shaping guide . And if it’s memorable, customers will connect with your brand and purchase your products (or services). 

Pro tip: As a rule of thumb, they should be between 1-2 sentences long. Anything longer is probably too long and hard to recall. 

When written well, vision and mission statements can be powerful at attracting customers and driving business growth. They can be a beacon of light that keeps the team focused on the things that actually matter. 

The key to creating the best vision and statement statements is clarity. For your mission statement, clearly define what you do and how you hope to help others with your brand. And for your vision statement, define why your brand exists and the kind of difference you want your business to make in the world. 

When you stay true to your values and show people what matters most to your business, the right audience will resonate with your statements and support you in achieving your goals. 

If you’re currently in the process of crafting a vision and mission statement, the examples outlined above can inspire the direction you take. Try, however, to be as honest and original as possible.

What is the difference between a vision and a mission statement?

Simply put, a mission statement is a concise phrase that outlines what your business is doing right now, while a vision statement is an aspirational sentence that describes what your business hopes to achieve in the future. 

How do I create a compelling vision statement for my organization?

To create a compelling vision statement for your business, work closely with your internal team and customers to define your organization’s purpose, values, and long-term aspirations. Then write a short, aspirational paragraph of no more than two sentences that encapsulates all of these elements in a way that’s memorable and appeals to the emotions of all who read it.

What are some examples of personal mission statements?

A personal mission statement is a statement that describes a person’s values, their goals, and how they define success. Here are some examples of personal mission statements from famous people: 

  • Amanda Steinberg: “To use my gifts of intelligence, charisma, and serial optimism to cultivate the self-worth and net worth of women around the world.”  
  • Oprah Winfrey: “To be a teacher and to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.”
  • Richard Branson: “To have fun in my journey through life and learn from my mistakes.” 
  • Maya Angelou:  “ My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”

Can I use a vision and mission statement interchangeably?

While some people use the terms “vision statement” and “mission statement” interchangeably, they serve slightly different purposes. Mission statements focus on the “how” and “what” of a company — letting people know everything there is to know about your brand at present. Vision statements, on the other hand, focus on the “why” of a company — letting people know what your brand hopes to achieve in the far future.

Want to learn more about creating your brand? Download our free business brand workbook below!

Althea Storm is a B2B SaaS writer who specializes in creating data-driven content that drives traffic and increases conversions for businesses. She has worked with top companies like AdEspresso, HubSpot, Aura, and Thinkific. When she's not writing web content, she's curled up in a chair reading a crime thriller or solving a Rubik's cube.

  • 10 Black Thinkific Entrepreneurs Share Their Secrets To Success
  • 20 Brand Extension Examples That Will Inspire You
  • 7 Keys To Creating A Personal Brand
  • 8 Steps to Building an Online Course Business (+ Business Plan Template)
  • How To Use Webinars To Promote Your Courses (Complete Guide)

Related Articles

How to build your email marketing strategy (steps & examples).

A full guide to email marketing strategy so you can start nurturing and converting your customers to take your business to the next level.

How to Create a Brand for Your Online Community

As you consider the community and audience you want to build - how do you want your community to look and feel? Here's how to approach community branding.

How to Sell On Facebook (A Strategy for Facebook Group Owners)

Want to learn how to sell on Facebook? In this article, learn how an online course creator used his Facebook Group to sell his online course.

Try Thinkific for yourself!

Accomplish your course creation and student success goals faster with thinkific..

Download this guide and start building your online program!

It is on its way to your inbox

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

21 powerful mission statement examples that stand out

  • Cecilia Lazzaro Blasbalg
  • Jul 20, 2023
  • 12 min read

Mission statement examples

Mission statements have come a long way since they were popularized in the 1980s as a way for companies to articulate who they are. Today, these declarations of intent are also likened to a mantra toward professional success, appearing throughout an organization’s most valuable assets, from marketing campaigns and promotional material to its business website .

When starting a business , you'll want to craft your own, unique mission statement. But before you do, we recommend you first review what a mission statement is and some helpful guidelines to writing one. Then, check out our selection of the best mission statement examples, created by some of the most influential companies and corporations many of us swear we could not live without.

What is a mission statement?

A mission statement is a brief description of an organization’s purpose and how it serves audiences through the types of products or services it provides them with. It may also include your core values, philosophies, business ethics or goals, all of which can help to reflect your uniqueness and what sets your business apart from others.

By writing your company mission statement, you're able to define the cause behind your brand. Then, you’ll be able to use it in your business proposal as well as in your elevator pitch. Think of a mission statement as a form of corporate communication, that allows you to establish your transparency and leadership as a brand to both stakeholders and your users or customers.

Furthermore, a good mission statement is effective in acting as a guiding light for the way in which a company conducts itself. This means that the statement should become a key part of your company and corporate culture to make sure everyone is aiming for the same goals. It will help employees understand the value of what they do.

Mission statements and vision statements are often confused because many organizations will use the two terms interchangeably. However, a company statement focuses on the day-to-day activities of the business thus declaring what you’re doing to pursue your cause, while a vision statement describes what your company wants to be in the future. A mission statement is a chance to establish your leadership as a company and as a brand.

A mission statement is also not to be confused with a company slogan, which is often a tagline used in marketing and advertising campaigns. It may end up being more commonly associated with a company or brand than its mission statement however.

mission statement versus vision statement

Tips for creating a great mission statement

As you start writing a mission statement , you’ll want to first answer some vital questions that will help you define the purpose of your business or brand. These include “What does your business do,” “Who are your customers,” “Why does your company do what it does,” or “What sparks the passion behind it?”

Afterwards, you will be better equipped to sit down - whether with your team or alone - and draft up a mission statement that will motivate your brand and drive your business’s success. Here are some key points you’ll want to consider:

1. Make it plausible and attainable. Your mission statement should be achievable by giving you something tangible to work on, such as having a business plan . It should fall between what you’re already doing and what you can work toward. Something like this one from American Express, "Our mission is to become essential to our customers by providing differentiated products and services to help them achieve their aspirations"

2. Be inspirational. Let your company’s personality shine through your mission statement. It should reflect the ideas that make your company different from others. That said, you’ll want to write yours in a way that not only makes it unique, but identifiable so that it strengthens your brand identity and perception. At this stage you can also ask yourself if you plan to use your mission statement to be not only inspirational, but also to establish your social responsibilities as a company? For some brands this is a priority, for others less so but this is the time to decide for your brand. For non-profits this is often easier, than for profit corporations. Take the Make a Wish foundation's statement as an example, " Together, we create joy, happiness and magical memories through life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses ." Or UNICEF'S , " UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential." Caterpillar also gets it right with this one , "to provide the best value to customers, grow a profitable business, develop and reward people, and encourage social responsibility"

3. Use clear and simple language. Keeping it short and simple will help you convey all the important elements of the mission statement, like core values, to employees and customers alike. In order to make sure there won’t be room for any misinterpretation or misunderstanding, avoid using buzzwords or flowery language. Additionally, aim for 20 words or less to get to the point. Don't neglect the grammatical aspect of your statement, make sure it contains no mistakes and reads properly. Take this example from Pinterest, " Our mission is to give everyone the inspiration to create a life that they love. " It's short, just 15 words long but it creates an inspirational punch that it's hard not to connect with. Another short but impactful one is from Uber, “ We ignite opportunity by setting the world in motion."

Mission statement vs. vision statement

A mission statement and a vision statement are both important for businesses, but they serve different objectives. A mission statement is a brief description of the company's purpose and what it does, whereas a vision statement is a more aspirational document that describes its long-term goals.

A good way to put it is that a mission statement describes the business in the present, whereas a vision statement describes the business in the future, giving employees and customers a sense of what the company is working towards. A good vision statement answers questions like "What do we want to achieve in the future?" "What kind of impact do we want to have on the world?" and "What are our long-term goals?"

Best mission statement examples

So, we’ve gone over the basics of a mission statement, as well as guidelines for crafting a solid one for your business. Now we’re ready to unveil some of the best mission statement examples to use as inspiration for your own.

American Red Cross

Peace Corps

The Walt Disney Company

01. WIX : “Create your own professional web presence—exactly the way you want.”

wix mission statement

At first glance, Wix’s mission statement encapsulates what website builders do: help people create an online space for themselves. While this declaration seems simple and to the point, it’s also effective as it places an emphasis on its users who are truly succeeding in building the website of their dreams.

Wix mission statement example

02. Google: “To organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

It sounds like an impossible goal to meet, but Google has managed to collect all the information in the world and put it into a free space. As part of its ongoing mission, the company is always working to find new ways that will improve getting the answers you’re looking for in seconds. That also means making the platform accessible to all who come to search their queries.

google mission statement

03. TED : “Spread ideas.”

TED mission statement

This concise declaration by TED, which stands for Technology, Education and Design, not only happens to be the shortest mission statement on the list but also one of the most memorable ones to date. For a media organization built on boundless content, TED is able to convey, in two words, the essence of what it does - spreading ideas in the form of discourse.

TED mission statement example

04. Tesla : “To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.”

Being completely self-aware in its mission statement, Tesla does not shy away from its core value: to enhance the use of clean energy across the globe. This statement mirrors the hard work Tesla puts in on a daily basis to “accelerate” its mission to bring a culture of sustainability to the automobile industry.

tesla mission statement

05. LinkedIn : “Connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.”

LinkedIn wants to help professionals become more successful and efficient by facilitating ways for them to build meaningful connections. This is what the social media platform sets out to pursue since it officially launched in 2003. These days, almost every professional across most fields uses LinkedIn to grow their career, some of whom have flourished to become thought leaders.

linkedin mission statement

06. Asana : “To help humanity thrive by enabling the world's teams to work together effortlessly.”

asana mission statement

This personalized mission statement example lets us grasp Asana’s unique approach as a business. It wants to express warm sentiment to its audience, which is kind of unexpected coming from a tech company. It also lays out an inclusive goal to expand its reach to the “world’s team,” leaving no one out.

Asana mission statement example

07. Forbes : “To convene, curate and cover the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world.”

Forbes isn’t just a publication, it’s a brand. Its mission statement shines the spotlight on those selected individuals it caters to - influential leaders and entrepreneurs - and what that should mean to the rest of us. If we aren’t paying attention to Forbes, then we should really start doing so, as to not fall behind in this ever changing world.

forbes mission statement

08. Microsoft : “To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

This sounds more like a motivational poster on high school walls rather than a mission statement brought to you by the multi-billion dollar corporation Microsoft. It conjures up the image of a utopian society promoting unity and transparency. Essentially, Microsoft believes in us so that we can elevate our world to a better position.

microsoft mission statement

09. Starbucks : “To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”

starbucks mission statement

Personally, this mission statement example hits home. For many, it's impossible to think of a morning without a cup of coffee. Starbucks is not only dedicated to its customers but has the intention to also reach customers’ communities, taking a vow in the people and places it serves.

Starbucks mission statement example

10. American Red Cross : “To prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”

American Red Cross has been around for over a century. It’s an established organization that is synonymous with helping people in times of crises. Nonetheless, its mission statement is solid as a rock and resonates with a brighter message of hope, unity and humanity.

red cross mission statement

11. MoMA : “To share great modern and contemporary art with the public.”

The Museum of Modern Art is an international gem. Artists and art lovers alike flock to its pristine structure in Midtown, New York, but this institution wants its audience to know through its mission statement example that MoMA’s doors are open to all. Art is for everyone.

MoMA mission statement

12. Peace Corps : “To promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals: To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.”

Some organizations don’t just dream big, they act on it. The Peace Corps enjoys an outstanding reputation as being an entity of volunteers who are making a difference through their service and commitment to “world peace.” Its mission statement clearly defines the group’s goals and inspires others to embrace those same values.

peace corps mission statement

13. The Walt Disney Company : “To entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.”

walt disney mission statement

All of Disney’s core values are on display in this lengthy mission statement. In it, you can also find elements that are typically seen in a business plan, including the different products and services (storytelling and iconic brands) and management and organization (world’s premier entertainment company). This is why The Walt Disney Company is a global powerhouse.

The Walt Disney Company mission statement example

14. Twitter : “To give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly without barriers.”

Presidents can’t seem to go a day without Twitter and neither can we. The social media giant has forever changed our way of communicating with the rest of the world as it has elegantly stated in its mission statement, “share ideas and information… without barriers.”

twitter mission statement

15. Airbnb : “To create a world where anyone can belong anywhere and we are focused on creating an end-to-end travel platform that will handle every part of your trip.”

Belonging is a big part of Airbnb’s story. The company wants to regain the feeling of a community and rebuild trust in one another that existed hundreds of years ago when “cities used to be villages.” That’s why, when you do business with Airbnb, you’re also being welcomed into an extensive network of other like-minded people with whom you’ll connect.

airbinb mission statement

16. Casper : “To awaken the potential of a well-rested world.”

casper mission statement

The use of “awaken” in Casper’s mission statement is a great play on words that reflects what they do: create high-quality mattresses and pillows. Casper is indeed an award-winning sleep company solely focused on a single goal, as highlighted in its mission statement, that supports a “well-rested world.”

Capser mission statement example

17. Ikea: “To offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low, that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.”

Like its products, Ikea tries to be as straightforward with its approach. In its mission statement, we understand that this is a business that wants to be accessible and flexible to just about any budget.

IKEA mission statement

18. Prezi : “To reinvent how people share knowledge, tell stories, and inspire their audiences to act.”

Think about your last presentation and whether it captivated your viewers or not. Prezi wants to push the envelope on the act of presenting. It boldly sets out to change the way we share information in the hope that we can engage our audiences on a whole new level.

prezi mission statement

19. Patagonia : “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”

When you shop at Patagonia, you’re also making an investment in the greater case of environmental protection. This is part of a popular shift where more individuals are concerned with ecological sustainability when it comes to production and consumption. During their shopping experience, Patagonia customers want to know that they are not only receiving but also giving back.

patagonia mission statement

20. Sony : “To fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity.”

At its core, Sony is a company based on innovation. It has banked on its ability to see things differently than the rest. Yet, Sony also wants to reach and fill our hearts, as it eloquently insinuates in its mission statement.

sony mission statement

21. Nike : “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.”

nike mission statement

Nike knows that we can’t all be athletes, but this sports company thrives on its ability to inspire us to find the inner athlete in ourselves. Then, Nike adds in its follow-up message, “If you have a body, you are an athlete,” making a definitive call for inclusion in the sports and fitness arena.

Nike mission statement examples

Common mission statement mistakes to avoid

When you are coming up with your mission statement, it is important to be aware of potential pitfalls. Make sure to avoid these 3 common mistakes:

Making it too long. Your mission statement should be concise and to the point, no more than a few sentences long. Many people think that the more they write, the clearer their message will be, but the opposite is true. Sometimes less truly is more. Coca Cola , one of the largest brands in the world gets it right with their short but telling statement " refresh the world, make a difference ." Amazon also opted for a very short one, " to be Earth's most consumer-centric company." This sums up their commitment to customer service.

Making it too vague. Your mission statement should be specific and actionable. It should not be so vague that it is impossible to measure your progress. A mission statement like "to make the world a better place", for example, gives you almost no clue what the company is for or what they want to do. A more effective mission statement might be "to provide clean water to people in developing countries."

Not being unique. Your mission statement should be unique, written only with your company in mind. It should never be a copy of someone else's mission statement. This helps you stand out from the competition and make a positive impression on your customers and employees.

What to do with your mission statement

Once you have your mission statement ready, it’s time to debut it to your team. This will ensure that everyone understands your company's purpose and how their work contributes to achieving that purpose.

Your mission statement should also be a guiding force for your decisions. When you are faced with a decision, ask yourself how it aligns what you have already written. For example, if your mission statement is to "provide quality education to all children," you wouldn't make a decision to cut funding for after-school programs. If the decision doesn't align with your mission statement, then it may not be the best use of your time and resources.

As your company grows and changes, it's important to review your mission statement to make sure it's still relevant. If it isn't, then it may not be as effective in guiding your decision-making or motivating your team.

You can review your mission statement on a regular basis, such as once a year or every two years. When you review your mission statement, ask yourself the following questions:

Does the mission statement still accurately reflect our purpose?

Is the mission statement still inspiring and motivating to our team?

Is the mission statement still relevant to our current goals?

If you answer "no" to any of these questions, then you may need to revise your mission statement.

Mission statement examples FAQ

What is a good mission statement example.

A good mission statement is clear, concise, and memorable. It should be specific enough to guide decision-making, but general enough to allow for growth and change. A good mission statement should also be inspiring and aspirational, and should motivate employees, volunteers, and donors to work hard to achieve the organization's goals.

Here are some examples of good mission statements:

Wix: “Create your own professional web presence—exactly the way you want.”

Google: “To organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

Ted: “Spread ideas.”

What are the 3 parts of a mission statement?

How do i write a mission statement, what are mission statement mistakes to avoid, related posts.

15 best restaurant websites that will help you develop your own

24 construction websites that build an online presence

How to start a cleaning business

Was this article helpful?

example of vision and mission in a business plan

  • Business Plan Builder

Financial Forecasting

  • Canvas Modeling
  • Product Tour
  • Business Consultants and Advisors
  • Entrepreneurs And Small Businesses
  • Accelerators & Incubators
  • Educators & Business Schools
  • Students & Scholars
  • Sample Business Plans
  • business plan course

Strategic Canvas Templates

  • E-Books, Guides & More
  • Success Stories

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

Upmetrics

  • 400+ Sample Business Plans

Business Plan Course

E-books, guides & more.

  • WHY UPMETRICS?

Customers Success Stories

Business planning, ai assistance, see how upmetrics works  →, stratrgic planning, business consultants, entrepreneurs and small business, accelerators and incubators, educators & business schools, students & scholars.

  • Sample Plans

5 Top Vision Statement Examples For Your Business Plan

Mission and Vision Statement Templates

Free Mission and Vision Statement Templates

Aayushi Mistry

  • October 25, 2023

Vision Statement Examples

Example 1: A vision statement by Microsoft

To help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential.

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company with headquarters in Redmond, Washington. It develops, manufactures, licenses supports, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best-known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; It was the world’s largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.

Information Courtesy: Wikipedia

Ratings by experts: 4 / 5

  • This mission statement communicates the intention of the empowerment of people and organizations.
  • It also indicates the vision of catering to the world’s unity and productivity.
  • However, the [How] is missing.

Example 2: A vision statement by Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is an action-oriented, international company, a leader in its commitment to continuously improve our mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders (customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, government, and society). Harley-Davidson believes the key to success is to balance stakeholders’ interests through the empowerment of all employees to focus on value-added activities.

Harley Davidson , Inc. is the fifth-biggest motorcycle manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles in the world.

  • The mission statement shows the company is looking forward to expanding its business. Moreover, they have shown interest in the stakeholder’s leadership.
  • No user benefit is shown.

Example 3: A vision statement by Google LLC

To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

Google LLC is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware. It is considered one of the Big Five technology companies in the U.S. information technology industry, alongside Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft.

Ratings by experts: 5 / 5

  • Clear communication on the intention.
  • Short, simple, and catchy.
  • Relevant to the audience and their services.

Example 4: A vision statement by KFC in the year 2013

To sell food in a fast, friendly environment that appeals to price-conscious, health-minded consumers…

KFC stands for Kentucky Fried Chicken. It is an American fast-food restaurant chain headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, that specializes in fried chicken. It is the world’s second-largest restaurant chain after McDonald’s

Ratings by experts: 3 / 5

  • Clear mention of the target customer.
  • Can’t be used for branding purposes.
  • The reason why the statements fall back is that their actions as a brand did not completely align with their mission.

Example 5: A vision statement by Unilever

To make sustainable living commonplace. We believe this is the best long-term way for our business to grow.

Unilever plc is a British multinational consumer goods company headquartered in London, England. Unilever products include food, confections, energy drinks, baby food, soft drinks, cheese, ice cream, tea, cleaning agents, coffee, pet food, bottled water, toothpaste, chewing gum, frozen pizza, pregnancy tests, juice, margarine (Upfield), beauty products, personal care, breakfast cereals, pharmaceutical, and consumer healthcare products. Unilever is the largest producer of soap in the world. Unilever’s products are available in around 190 countries.

Information courtesy: Wikipedia

  • This statement targets the current requirement of the world community. Which is very relevant to the industry in which the company serves.
  • This is a long-term vision and can even concrete vision statement
  • Good use of vocabulary.

Build your Business Plan Faster

with step-by-step Guidance & AI Assistance.

crossline

About the Author

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Since childhood, I was in awe of the magic that words bring. But while studying computer science in college, my world turned upside down. I found my calling in being a copywriter and I plunged into a world of words. Since then, there is no looking back. Even today, nothing excites me to find out the wonders the words can bring!

Related Articles

example of vision and mission in a business plan

How to Write an Effective Company Overview for Your Business Plan

example of vision and mission in a business plan

Write a Mission Statement For Your Business Plan: Explained with Examples

example of vision and mission in a business plan

How to Write a Vision Statement for Your Business

Upmetrics logo

Reach Your Goals with Accurate Planning

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

trustpilot reviews

Popular Templates

Mission-and-Vision-Statement-Templates

IMAGES

  1. How To Write A Vision Statement For Your Business That Actually

    example of vision and mission in a business plan

  2. How To Write Your Vision & Mission For Success In Your Business

    example of vision and mission in a business plan

  3. How to Write Mission, Vision, and Values Statements

    example of vision and mission in a business plan

  4. How to Write a Business Plan (An actionable One!) ⎮ EarlyExperts

    example of vision and mission in a business plan

  5. Vision Statement Examples For Business

    example of vision and mission in a business plan

  6. Business plan vision and mission statement

    example of vision and mission in a business plan

VIDEO

  1. Trying The MANIFESTATION CHALLENGE For 15 Days✨🤍 / Vision Board, 2024 Goal, Affirmations & More!

  2. BUSINESS PLAN PRESENTATION //Business plan presentation discussion //How to make business plan

  3. The Mission, Vision, and Values statements #shortsvideo #business #climatechangeawareness

COMMENTS

  1. The 28 Best Mission Statement Examples (+Templates to Write Yours)

    An inspiring mission statement example: This mission statement from Davids Tea, on the other hand, is packed with interesting words and phrases that convey feeling: We're on the ground worldwide in search of well-crafted, single-origin loose leaf teas to share with our North American community.

  2. 17 Mission and Vision Statement Examples to Follow in 2024

    5 Mission and Vision Statement Examples 6 17 Inspiring Mission and Vision Statements Explained 7 Summary Want to Learn More? Money is a by-product of value. So, to thrive in the long run, businesses must remain focused on producing value.

  3. 15 Mission Statement Examples For Your Business

    Examples of Mission Statements Bottom Line Frequently Asked Questions When buying new shoes, choosing a birthday gift or deciding what podcast to listen to, most of us reach for the same brands...

  4. Business Plan Mission and Vision Statement [Sample Template for 2022]

    1. The mission is the foundation on which your business will be built. It's the true purpose of your business and that purpose is reflected in the mission statement. Without a strong mission statement, you don't have a true business. All you have is just a profit making venture that will soon be wiped out with time.

  5. How To Write a Vision Statement: Steps & Examples [2023] • Asana

    Jump to section Summary A vision statement serves as your company's "North Star," motivating your team and guiding your organization as it grows. It's not something to take lightly—a good vision statement should be written collaboratively by multiple company stakeholders and will require a significant time investment.

  6. Mission and Vision Statements: 25 Examples to Inspire Your Own

    Blog • 21 minute read Difference Between Mission and Vision Statements: 25 Examples Written By Britt Skrabanek Updated: November 15, 2023 IN THIS ARTICLE The Difference Between a Mission and Vision Statement What is a Mission Statement? What is a Vision Statement? Brands That Get It: 25 Mission and Vision Statement Examples

  7. 32 Mission and Vision Statement Examples That Will Inspire Your Buyers

    32 Mission and Vision Statement Examples That Will Inspire Your Buyers Download Now: Free Mission Statement Templates Lindsay Kolowich Cox Published: May 11, 2023 First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone Number * Website URL * Company Name * How many employees work there? * Subscribe to HubSpot's marketing blog We're committed to your privacy.

  8. How to Write a Mission Statement + 10 Great Examples

    Tim Berry 17 min. read Updated November 30, 2023 Why is an effective mission statement so valuable? It's worth taking a minute to ask what it is about certain brands that keep us coming back. What is it about them that makes us spend more time, money, or effort over other options? Is it the price? Maybe the convenience? Or is it something more?

  9. What Is a Vision Statement?

    For example, an early Microsoft vision statement was "a computer on every desk and in every home." "A company vision statement reveals, at the highest levels, what an organization most hopes...

  10. Mission & Vision Statement: Simple Steps, Examples & Templates

    7. Asana. According to Asana, the first half of the statement "help humanity thrive" is the mission statement, and the second half, "enabling the world's teams," is the vision statement. The goal of enabling the world's teams is what drives company goals and product development at Asana.

  11. 6 Best Mission Statement Examples for Your Business Plan

    Free Mission and Vision Statement Templates Download Template Aayushi Mistry December 11, 2023 4 Min Read Example 1: A Mission Statement by Hubspot There's this notion that to grow a business, you have to be ruthless. But we know there's a better way to grow. One where what's good for the bottom line is also good for customers.

  12. How to write an effective mission statement (with free template)

    By making your mission statement visible to the clients and customers, companies show what they stand for and what they strive to achieve—both as an internal workforce and with the products or services they sell. 1. Asana. "To help humanity thrive by enabling the world's teams to work together effortlessly.".

  13. 22 vision statement examples to help you write your own

    Company statements are no different. A company vision statement is one of your most important business documents, along with your mission statement and core values. Although it's easy to confuse the three, each one is unique and serves its own purpose. Core values are the organization's long-term beliefs and principles that guide employee behavior.

  14. 35 Inspiring Mission and Vision Statement Examples

    35 Inspiring Mission and Vision Statement Examples by Maryia Fokina · Updated Dec 9, 2022 Gone are the days when your business could satisfy customers by simply offering a good product for a reasonable price. Today, brand values are a game-changer.

  15. 30 Noteworthy Vision Statement Examples (+ Free Template)

    Let's take a look at a few examples to illustrate the difference: Vision statement example: HYBE's vision: "To be the world's top music-based entertainment lifestyle platform company.". Mission statement example: Google's mission statement: "Our mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible ...

  16. How to Write a Mission Statement For Your Business Plan (With Example)

    Mission Statement Examples of Popular Brands. 1. The mission statement of Starbucks: To inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. In the first part of the statement, Starbucks describes the work culture it promotes and the customer experience it delivers.

  17. Purpose, Mission, and Vision Statements

    A Mission Statement is a definition of the company's business, who it serves, what it does, its objectives, and its approach to reaching those objectives. A Vision Statement is a description of the desired future state of the company. An effective vision inspires the team, showing them how success will look and feel.

  18. Business Plan Basics: Objectives, Mission Statements, and Vision Statements

    A mission statement defines the long-term goals of your business in three ways: What does your company do for its customers? Think broadly about the benefits you offer. Starbucks, for example, offers a lot more than coffee, including a certain environment, an affordable luxury, or a meeting place. What does your company do for its employees?

  19. 52 Mission Statement Examples that Rock

    What is a mission statement and its purpose? Remember that a mission statement why your organization exists. It is a foundational element of your plan that establishes your core purpose and who you serve! A great mission statement stands the test of time, guiding more temporary and time-specific goals and plans.

  20. Vision and Mission Examples: Inspiring Statements for Success

    Oceana. Vision statement: "To make our oceans as rich, healthy, and abundant as they once were". Right off the bat, Oceana's vision statement makes anyone who reads it envision bodies of water filled with plastic, which makes up 80% of all marine debris found in oceans.

  21. 10 Mission and Vision Statement Examples (With Tips)

    10 Mission and Vision Statement Examples (With Tips) Indeed Editorial Team · Reviewed by Amber Krosel Updated September 29, 2023 Companies use mission, vision and value statements to connect with customers and display the goals, beliefs and moral values of the organization itself.

  22. 21 Powerful Mission Statement Examples That Stand Out

    Mission statements and vision statements are often confused because many organizations will use the two terms interchangeably. However, a company statement focuses on the day-to-day activities of the business thus declaring what you're doing to pursue your cause, while a vision statement describes what your company wants to be in the future.

  23. 5 Best Vision Statement Examples For Your Business Plan

    Example 1: A vision statement by Microsoft To help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential. Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company with headquarters in Redmond, Washington.