Do you feel you are going in circles with your business sometimes? You get a new idea, start to work on it, change your mind, get another idea...lather, rinse, repeat. Usually, ideas don't work out if they don't align with your business. What you need is some way to test all of your ideas to see if they fit. What you need is a business manifesto.
What is a manifesto?
A manifesto is a formal declaration of what you you believe in, your values, your purpose, and your goals. It is pretty much a mission statement on steroids. This formal declaration will give you a rule in which to make all your business decisions. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't happen.
Step 1: Identify
Your manifesto is made up of your guiding principles. So, in order to write them out, you need to identify what they are. To get your idea muscle pumping, I've got an exercise for you. Using the questions below write down whatever comes to mind for each topic. Brainstorm it out - fast and furious. Don't be worried about what is right and wrong at this point. You'll have time to edit later -- but first, idea generation! Try to write down five to ten responses for each topic.
- Who are you?
- What do you do?
- What do you believe in?
- What do you want to accomplish?
From your list above, circle the key phrases that excite you and make you all tingly.
Step 2: Organize
Next, start organizing your manifesto in an outline using the key phrases you circled. The way you organize your principles is how you tell your story, so be thoughtful with the order.
Try cutting out your ideas or writing them on a sticky note or note card. It makes it easy to experiment and reorder your ideas quickly.
Step 3: Make it powerful
Now that you've identified and organized your principles, write out your manifesto in sentences using powerful language. A few power words include: amazing, blissful, bold, breathtaking, courageous, daring, excited, magical, spectacular, triumphant, wondrous. You get the idea.
Viola! Now you not only have a badass business manifesto, you have a guide to go by for all your business decisions.
I'd love to hear your manifesto, share it below in the comments!