On-A-Mission Formula


I'm past the halfway mark of the business growth class I'm teaching for New York City's Small Business Services and the most popular online class discussion by far is in response to our very first session and assignment, namely Crafting a Purpose-Driven Mission Statement.

The truth is most entrepreneurs get trapped into thinking their mission statement is meant to articulate what they do and for whom they do it.

Here's what that might look like:

We create handcrafted toys made from natural, non-toxic materials for babies on up.

But that's not a mission, that's a description.

Here's what that same mission looks like using my simple fill-in-the-blank On-A-Mission Formula that puts the emphasis on impact and purpose while also communicating what the company actually does:

We're on a mission to ensure our children inherit a cleaner, safer world and are healthier when they do by handcrafting toxin-free, sustainable toys children of all ages can play with, learn from, and love for years to come.

Which company are you more interested in exploring or even purchasing from?

Listen, the world today needs more entrepreneurs who dare to align profit with purpose, who understand that the biggest impact often starts with the clearest vision and mission.

So, what change are you here to create through your business? Your answer to this question isn't just your mission – it's your legacy in the making.

Why not take some time to try out the formula for yourself.

Just fill in the WHAT, WHY, and HOW:
We're on a mission to [WHAT] and/because [WHY] by [HOW].

WHAT is your big impact

  • This isn't about what you sell – it's about the transformation you're creating in the world.
    Your "What" is the beacon that will attract your target audience(s) and command their attention.

WHY is the reason it matters

  • This isn't who you help but how helping them opens up opportunities that would not exist otherwise.
    Your "Why" speaks to the deep transformational shift your audience desires for themselves, their loved ones, or their businesses.

HOW is the method you'll use to make it happen

  • This is where purpose meets practicality with a brief overview of what you sell and for whom.
    Your "How" is a teaser inviting your audience to explore your business more deeply.

Remember, your mission isn't just any old statement – it's your business's heartbeat and compass, serving as a touchstone for you and your audience across all your products, services, offers, and activities.

Of course, reach out to me if you need help with this or any other aspect of your business strategy or you just want to share your mission statement and get some quick feedback.


Until next time,


P.S. Last week, I urged you to get in on the Consumer Power Play happening around the globe.


Lauren is a true gem.

Her realistic approach to business is something every owner needs to elevate their business to the next level. She's such an amazing coach!

Elesia Forgie, Owner, Sunflower Laundromat


Your success is our strategy!

Update your profile.

No longer want to receive my newsletter but don't want to miss my special offers and announcements? Click here.
To completely unsubscribe from all future communications, please opt out below.

Easily Said & Done

I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?

Read more from Easily Said & Done
Title: Living In the Now and Then; subtitle: Is harder than it sounds

Hi Reader, This fall my mom was diagnosed with mild-to-moderate dementia. While sad, it did not come as a surprise. It's one reason I sold her house and we moved in together late last summer. At first, I planned outings to the Y and other senior programs, scheduled visits from family and friends, coordinated physical therapy appointments, and designed little daily activities to keep her engaged and stimulated. This winter it's gotten harder and harder to get mom out of bed let alone dressed...

Title: This is NOT Normal; Subtitle: Let's not act like it is!

Honestly, I was going to writing about something else for my first missive of the new year, but I don’t want to add my voice to those trying to normalize what is not normal. I don’t know about you, but it’s very hard to shut out what’s going on and focus on my to-do list these days. Especially, when every item seems trite and pointless against the much larger issues hitting the news feeds multiple times a day. It’s more than a lot. It’s way too much. So today my message is simple: Take care...

Title: 'Tis Our Time to Shine; Subtitle: In the era of consumer protests

Right now, there's a consumer 'blackout' movement afoot to, basically, stop buying stuff for the entirety of the Black Friday weekend from corporations. This isn't just happening in the USA, but also in Canada, as a way to protest the current economic climate and policies that are making the wealthy wealthier and squeezing every penny out of the rest of us. Don't forget, there's still active consumer protests against Target, Home Depot, and Amazon, among others, as well. In other words, it...