by Van Carpenter, Chair of the DANC Innovation & Leadership Forum
OK… without looking and without asking someone else, what is your own organization’s Mission statement? That’s what I thought! Most of us don’t have any idea. And what about your customers or clients? I would venture to guess that a large percentage of them don’t know your mission as well. And let’s not even get into what is the Vision of your company.
Let’s quickly review the difference between a Mission and a Vision statement. A Mission Statement defines the company’s business, its objectives and its approach to reach those objectives in a simple memorable statement. A Vision Statement describes the desired “future position” of the company. An organization’s mission describes the overall purpose of the organization. Conversely, the vision statement pertains to where the company or organization hopes they will be going in the future if they fulfill their mission.
So what constitutes a “good” mission statement?
The answers to that question are as varied as are the responders. However, a simple response to that question is that your mission statement is a way of summing up your organization to the outside world. Others think that in many ways, a mission statement is a kind of PR tool… a way to position your organization as memorable and unique. What’s the one thing you want your organization to be known for in the world? More importantly, is there a message that already resonates with your customers, donors and/or members?
One WIKI contributor suggested that there are three basic elements contained in a Mission Statement
- A Cause or Who You Serve (What matters? Who is important?)
- An Action (What are you doing?)
- A Result (What change can you see?)
Often one or more elements is implied; however, these three elements unite the best mission statements, and typically, ONLY these elements. Many organizations like to make their mission statements complex, but the truth is complexity doesn’t make something valuable. That’s why these three elements help you to distill your organization to its most simple essence. It’s a little elevator pitch that is not supposed to tell everything about your company or organization. It’s supposed to get people interested in hearing more about you and your MISSION!
Let me stop the mission statement tutorial here and ask you a specific question. What’s our mission statement of the Defense Alliance of North Carolina? As members, we should know and be able to represent it accurately to potential members and our supporting organizations. Read on to get a quick review of the Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC) and its mission.
Our DANC Mission
Grow North Carolina’s defense economy in a way that creates new long-term investment opportunities.
About DANC
The Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC) is a private, nonprofit, organization focused on strengthening North Carolina’s defense sector and those who support it. The Alliance combines the powerful leadership of distinguished military officers and industry executives, a large and active membership base, and an impressive set of standing forums and events to support North Carolina’s government, military, business, and academic communities.
Our Vision for the Future
Improve the economy of North Carolina by:
- leading high-impact strategic growth initiatives
- providing information and networking opportunities to NC organizations and entities with defense sector interests
- positioning key organizations and senior leaders to assist in the expansion of defense-related business opportunities throughout the state
Why Is This Important to You?
As a member, you have experienced DANC’s unique ability to lead government, military, industry, and academic partners in collaborative efforts toward common objectives. We continue to create opportunities for North Carolina while augmenting the capabilities of the nation’s military.
DANC’s vast network of members embodies the full spectrum of industry, academic, government, and military stakeholders committed to supporting our national security and North Carolina’s role in it. When you become a part of this pervasive network, you will join a group of powerful individuals and organizations working together to position NC’s leaders to win in an evolving defense marketplace, lead high-impact strategic sector growth initiatives, and provide actionable intelligence and networking opportunities to those who can best support our national security.
If the Defense Industry in North Carolina is important to you and your business, sign up now to become a part of an organization with a collective voice and advocacy for defense issues.
CLICK HERE to become a part of a growing association of leaders in the defense economy of North Carolina.Make it your personal MISSION Statement to continue serving as an active member of DANC or JOIN our ranks today and discover your important role in growing North Carolina’s Defense Industry.
About the Innovation and Leadership Forum Chair:
Van Carpenter is a global business change agent, advisor and communicator. He regularly advises, coaches, speaks and trains on innovation, creative change, catalyst communications & marketing, and adaptive leadership. Van has over thirty plus years of entrepreneurial and executive experience in corporate, government, military, marketing, agency and entrepreneurial sectors. He brings his unique blend of diverse experience, business acumen, humor, and real-world perspective to both his advice and communication.
Van is a retired Commander in the Naval Reserve. He lives near Clayton NC with his wife Deborah and is currently hanging out in the “basement office” while managing his business consulting and innovation group – Van Carpenter Innovative Solutions. Contact him anytime at 919-539-3499 or email him your topic suggestions to van@vancarpenter.com.
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