The most important thing you can do is think of yourself as a "professional practitioner." That is, an independent, self-managed businessperson who provides specialized services and who, in effect, does well by doing good. Your business planning activities should include:
- Creating a mission statement for your business. A mission statement spells out for you, your family, associates, and clients why you're in business, including, but not limited to, earning a profit from your efforts. It should spell out the markets you intend to develop, the types of prospects and clients you'll seek, and the products and services you'll offer.
Example:
My mission is to profit by providing quality needs and wants and analysis services, and insurance and other financial products, to mid-to-upper income families and individuals who need, want, and can afford them.
Try this! Write a mission statement using the criteria listed here. It should be:
- Brief - no more than a sentence or two. It should fit on the back of your business card (which isn't a bad place to publish it)!
- Clear - state your motives simply, clearly and concretely.
- Bold - why bite off less than you can chew?
Review your mission statement with your general agent or trainer. Share it with family, associates, and clients. It will become part of your strategic planning and goal-setting, a standard by which to measure your progress. Confirm your mission statement each year. Your business purpose can change as you gain experience.
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