A startup’s mission defines the purpose, values, and goals binding founders together. Commit to a mission helps to bring your vision to life.
Newsletter August 2024: Startup’s Mission
Your startup’s mission defines a shared purpose, values, and goals.
Before the target market, core values, unique value proposition, and long-term objectives, your startup’s mission defines the why, the people you serve, the gap you want to bridge, and the problem you want to solve.
Your startup’s mission helps bring focus on day-to-day activities, which is often very difficult if you are in the exploration phase.
Mission = Gumption
You need gumption to bring your vision to life. In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig outlines several techniques for maintaining gumption.
See Entrepreneurs Need Gumption to Succeed
The startup’s mission helps you identify underserved needs and green field opportunities.
In Rock-Paper-Scissors, I highlight Mark Leslie’s advice that startups target underserved market segments with simple, low-friction solutions. He suggests gaining market traction in these niches before gradually moving upward to compete with industry giants. The article’s strategy echoes Christensen’s “Innovator’s Dilemma” and Gordon Bell’s advice “Don’t attack a walled city.” Similarly, Seth Godin’s “Bootstrapper’s Bible” and Blue Ocean strategies emphasize leveraging niche advantages rather than confronting established players directly.
See More at Rock – Paper – Scissors
Mission guides course correct to achieve more
In Record to remember, pause to reflect:
Combining these actions accelerates learning, enhances planning, and enables mid-course corrections. Key practices include:
- Morning Pages: Write three pages daily, inspired by Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way at Work,” to clear your mind.
- Done List: Maintain a daily list of accomplishments to boost morale and track progress, as suggested by Ford Harding.
- Quarterly Meetings: Hold “Crows Nest” meetings with partners for reflection and coordination, refining plans and identifying opportunities.
- Regular Breaks: Take breaks every hour or two to refresh and gain new perspectives, influenced by Tony Schwartz’s “Energy Project.”
See more at Record to Remember, Pause to Reflect
Related blog post
Your mission defines your startup’s purpose, values, and goals. It guides daily activities, identifies underserved needs and opportunities, and helps achieve more with focus.
Maintaining Perspective on the Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster
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