Idea to Action quote: Without mission, there's no purpose. Without vision, there's no destination. Without values, there are no guiding principles - Paul Thornton.

Put yourself in the shoes of the ideal recipients of your service or product. What does your business do for them? What problem does it solve for them? How is life better for them for having access to your product or service? In other words, why does your business exist?

Answering these questions will help you communicate your company's focus to customers. This is your mission statement. It is the promise you are making to your target customer or client about the way you will help them meet their need or solve their problem, expressed in a few words.

To prepare your mission statement it is a good idea to look at the mission statements of high profile companies, your suppliers and competitors, and those of businesses serving clients or customers with similar profiles to the ones you target. This will give you some ideas, and help you decide what it is you would like to commit to.

Mission statements are not only about customers. They can also help open up internal communication and motivate your team to pull in the same direction.

To test your statement ask yourself: is it compelling and passionate while being meaningful and realistic?

Some sample mission statments for small businesses:

• A catering service targeting busy homemakers: To cook for your guests like you did it yourself.
• An interior decorating service: To make your home your haven.
• A mitumba clothes business: For unique, good quality clothes at prices you can afford.
• For a dress maker who makes home visits: The tailor that comes to you

Mission statements can be expanded to include the values that govern the delivery of the promise.

KEEP YOUR WORD

Idea to Action quote: Not the maker of plans and promises, but rather the one who offers faithful service in small matters. This is the person who is most likely to achieve what is good and lasting - J Wolfgang von Goethe.

You have heard the stories, harambees raising impressive amounts of money, only it is pledges never honoured. Or someone promises to call at a certain time, and you wait and wait, and the call never comes. Many a time there is a reason, except the 'promiser' didn't let you know. They take goods on credit and don't pay. They promise children gifts and outings and don't show up.

If you ask me, keeping your word is one of those things that, simply,  matters.

So if you have been passed over for a promotion, again, or there was an uncomfortable silence when you got up to speak about what you will do to help the late so and so's family, it may be because everybody knows you 'just talk'. They don't take you seriously. They cannot depend on you.

If you are doing this, take some time to reflect on what drives you to make promises you cannot or will not keep. And if you are struggling to stop making promises you cannot keep, it is time to simply stop making them, and to reflect on the need you are looking to satisfy by making all those grand promises you have no intention of keeping. Think about the damage you  cause when they come to no good.

How about just doing what you can in the moment, rather than making a pledge for later?

Some ways to keep your word:

If you cannot do it as promised, be proactive in letting the other person know, and offer an alternative or back out politely.

And the person you promise isn't always someone else.  Many a time we let ourselves down. So start by being true to yourself.

Start with a Vision and get the Job!

You will learn how to

1. Write your CV
2. Prepare for the interview
3. Handle common interview questions

Your Investment:  2650/= (includes workshop materials, tea and snacks)

Time?                2.30 pm  - 5.30 pm

Where?             1st Floor,  Luther Plaza, Nyerere Rd,opposite St Paul's church.

Register now  and confirm your place by sending 2650/- by mpesa to 0722 759 791