Why create a Vision Statement?
Hello Coaches and Consultants! 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️ Ever feel like you’re charging full speed ahead, but you’re not exactly sure where you’re going? Imagine sailing through the entrepreneurial ocean without a North Star to guide you—yep, that’s a surefire way to end up marooned on “I have no idea what I’m doing” island. 🏝️
Having a vision for your coaching business is not just a fluffy catchphrase; it’s your own personal North Star. And let me tell you, when you have a vision, you’re not just cruising—you’re jet-skiing with purpose! đźŚ
In today’s read, we’ll demystify what a vision statement is, how it’s different from a mission statement, and why your coaching business absolutely needs one. So, put on your visionary goggles, as we guide you on this enlightening journey to create a vision that lights up not only your path but also the lives of those you coach. 🌟
Stay tuned, because this isn’t just about scribbling some aspirational words on a napkin; we’re talking about crafting a statement that will fuel your strategic growth and embody your deepest values. 🚀
What Is a Vision Statement?
Definition and Purpose
A vision statement is your business’s North Star. Imagine it as the ultimate destination for your coaching business, a concise and inspiring description of what you aim to achieve in the future. It serves as a compass that guides every decision, action, and strategy, ensuring you’re not wandering aimlessly, trying to be all things to all people.
The Role in Strategic Growth
For coaching businesses, a well-crafted vision statement is especially crucial. You’re not just managing a business; you’re impacting lives. Your vision needs to be a magnetic force that not only keeps you motivated but also attracts the right clients to your practice. When your vision statement is aligned with your goals and services, it makes for a compelling narrative that differentiates you in a crowded market. It can also help focus your marketing strategies and even guide you in developing new offerings tailored to your clients’ needs.
Vision vs. Mission Statements: What’s the Difference?
You know how every superhero has a superpower and a purpose? Think of your vision and mission statements in the same way. Your vision is your superpower—the big, audacious goal you aspire to achieve. Your mission is your daily purpose, the actions you take to get there.
Vision Statement: This is your North Star. It’s the future you dream of creating through your coaching business. For example, maybe you want to “Empower individuals to lead balanced lives full of meaning and joy.”
Mission Statement: This is the roadmap, the daily actions, and strategies that help you reach that North Star. Think along the lines of “Providing holistic coaching to help people discover their potential and achieve work-life balance.”
Both are essential and work hand-in-hand: your vision sets the direction, while your mission gives you the concrete steps to get there. It’s like dreaming of winning an Olympic gold medal (vision) and then practicing every day to make it happen (mission).
Elements of an Effective Vision Statement
Creating an effective vision statement isn’t just a one-off task you check off your list. It’s the foundation of your coaching business. So what does a good vision statement include?
Clarity: Avoid jargon. Your vision should be simple enough that a 10-year-old could understand it.
Inspiration: It should inspire you and your team, think of it like the motivational speech in a sports movie. Something that gets you pumped up!
Long-Term: A good vision points to the long-term future. It’s not about what you want to achieve in the next six months, but where you want to be in 10 or even 20 years.
Alignment with Values: Just like a good cup of coffee perfectly blends water, coffee, and milk, your vision should perfectly blend with your values and ethics.
Does your vision statement pass the ‘elevator test’? If you can’t explain it to someone in the time it takes to ride an elevator, it’s time for a rework.
Real-life Examples of Effective Vision Statements
Sometimes the best way to understand the power of a compelling vision statement is to see it in action. Let’s take a look at some examples from successful coaching businesses and break down what makes them exceptional.
Tony Robbins
Vision Statement: “My life’s purpose is to help people live a life of abundance and prosperity, regardless of their social status or where they come from.”
What Makes It Stand Out: Tony Robbins’ vision statement is crystal clear and aims to inspire. It’s aligned with his core values and has longevity, as helping people achieve abundance and prosperity is a timeless endeavor.
Marie Forleo
Vision Statement: “To empower small business owners and artists to rise above self-doubt and take brave, focused action.”
What Makes It Stand Out: Marie’s vision is actionable and provides a direct path to solving a particular problem: self-doubt. It’s focused yet inclusive, targeting a specific audience that she’s passionate about helping.
Brene Brown
Vision Statement: “To foster global courage and connection through vulnerability.”
What Makes It Stand Out: This statement is inspirational and aligns perfectly with her work on vulnerability and courage. It’s also global in scope, emphasizing its longevity and scale.
Tim Ferriss
Vision Statement: “To be Earth’s best source of self-empowerment strategies.”
What Makes It Stand Out: Tim’s vision is ambitious but clear. It focuses on providing value and being the best in the field, inspiring action from both his team and his audience.
The Role of Values, Principles, and Ethics
Okay, you’ve got a vision statement that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning. Great! But hold on a second—let’s make sure it’s in sync with your values, principles, and ethics. Why? Because a vision that’s disconnected from your core beliefs is like a GPS that takes you down the wrong road; you might end up somewhere, but it won’t be where you truly want to be.
Alignment is King (or Queen)
When your vision aligns with your values, principles, and ethics, you’re not just talking the talk; you’re walking the walk. This alignment isn’t just good for your soul; it’s crucial for building credibility and trust with your clients. Let’s face it, clients can sniff out inauthenticity from a mile away, and nothing sends them running faster.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Imagine you’re a health coach with a vision to help people live their healthiest lives, but your program includes unhealthy shortcuts or questionable supplements. That’s a disconnect that would make any client raise an eyebrow. Your vision must be a reflection of your values and ethics. Otherwise, it’s just empty words on a page (or screen).
So, How Do You Align Them?
Reflect: Take a deep dive into your personal and business values. What matters most to you? What are the non-negotiables?
Compare: Put your vision statement side by side with your list of values, principles, and ethics. Do they compliment each other like peanut butter and jelly, or clash like orange juice and toothpaste?
Revise: If needed, fine-tune your vision statement so that it fully aligns with your core beliefs. Trust us; it’s worth the extra effort.
Tips on Crafting Your Vision Statement
Creating a vision statement isn’t just about choosing poetic phrases; it’s about crystallizing your ultimate goal for your coaching business. Your vision statement serves as your roadmap, helping you navigate challenges and keeping your focus on the prize. Here’s a breakdown of some fool-proof steps you can follow:
1. Reflect and Dream Big
First things first, take a timeout from the daily grind. Grab your favorite journal and a cup of coffee, and let your mind wander. Questions like, “What transformation do I want to bring about for my clients?” or “How will my business look in a decade?” can guide your thoughts.
Coaching Example: Imagine you’re a life coach. Your dream might be to become a recognized name in coaching, someone who not only transforms individual lives but also influences other coaches in adopting a more holistic approach.
2. Keep It Simple but Inspiring
Your vision statement should be easy to grasp but impactful enough to light a fire under you and anyone else connected to your business. Skip the jargon and focus on words that truly encapsulate your goals.
Coaching Example: If you specialize in career coaching, you might frame your vision statement as “Empowering professionals to live a career of choice, not chance.”
3. Make It Specific and Measurable
While you’re aiming for the stars, ground your vision statement in metrics that you can track and use as a barometer for success.
Coaching Example: If you’re a health and wellness coach, your metrics might include the number of clients who reach their target weight or maintain a healthier lifestyle for over a year.
4. Involve Others
If you’ve got a small team, bring them into the vision-creating process. Their insights could add layers to your vision that you hadn’t considered.
Coaching Example: Your administrative assistant might suggest incorporating a strong customer service aspect to your vision, given its importance in client retention.
5. Align with Your Values
Your vision should be a mirror reflecting your core values and principles. Make sure there’s a clear line connecting what you believe and what you want to achieve.
Coaching Example: If one of your core values is authenticity, then your vision might involve creating an authentic space for self-discovery for your clients.
6. Test It Out
Before you set your vision statement in stone, bounce it off a few trusted colleagues or mentors. You never know what little gem they might add.
Coaching Example: A fellow coach might point out that your vision also allows room for collaborative workshops, something you hadn’t considered but fits perfectly.
7. Make It Visible
Don’t let your vision statement gather dust in a drawer. Make it a cornerstone—put it on your website, in your marketing materials, and bring it up in team meetings.
Coaching Example: Consider adding your vision statement to the footer of your email or even as a wall decal in your coaching space.
Creating a vision statement might initially feel overwhelming, but think of it as planting the seed for the towering oak your coaching business will one day become. Each step you take and each client you guide is a nourishing raindrop bringing you closer to that mighty vision.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Well, you’ve made it to the end of this vision quest—pun intended! Crafting a compelling vision statement isn’t just another to-do on your list; it’s an investment in the future of your coaching business. Remember, your vision is your North Star, guiding you through rough seas and sunny days alike. If you haven’t already got your vision down on paper, we’d say there’s no time like the present.
If this article has struck a chord, then it’s time to put pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard. The future of your coaching business will be all the brighter for it. But if you’re stuck at “what’s my vision?”, don’t fret. A vision statement isn’t set in stone; it can evolve as you and your business do.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with putting all the pieces together, you don’t have to go it alone. We offer Strategic Business Growth Coaching that can guide you through not just crafting your vision, but making it a reality. After all, we all need a guide now and then, even the guides themselves. Schedule a complimentary exploration call using th button below and let’s talk about how Diligent Assistant can help you move your business forward.
Additional Resources
To help you along this path, we recommend the following:
Books: “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey are excellent starters.
Tools: Online platforms like MindMeister can help you brainstorm and visually map out your vision. ChatGPT is a great resource to bounce ideas off of.
Courses: There are numerous online courses that offer in-depth tutorials on crafting a business vision, many of which are geared towards coaches. Look for courses that are well-reviewed and fit your learning style.
Thank you for reading and happy vision-crafting!
