WRITE THE VISION & MAKE IT CLEAR.

Happy Fri'yay!

It's Gabrielle, your PR friend, here to sprinkle some wisdom and zest into your Friday evening! Can you believe we're on the brink of the last quarter of the year? Time flies when you're conquering the world, right?

Now, I know we're all itching to dive into our weekend plans, but before you start sipping that pumpkin spice latte or binge-watching your favorite series, let's talk about something crucial – establishing your vision. Yup, we're laying the groundwork for success, people!

You're the captain of your business ship, and that vision of yours? That's your trusty North Star. Without it, you're just a boat lost at sea, and nobody wants that. So, grab your metaphorical captain's hat, and let's chart the course to greatness.

First up, crafting a vision statement. Don't worry; this isn't the time for fancy words or legal jargon you may not understand. We're going to keep it short, keep it clear, & keep it YOU. Your vision statement is the GPS for your business – straightforward, no-nonsense, and guiding you to the pot of gold at the end of the entrepreneurial rainbow.

Now, I've got a little secret weapon for you – the vision board. Yes, it sounds like something your artsy aunt would do, but hear me out for a sec. Picture this as the Instagram mood board for your business dreams. Want that chic or stately office space? Slap a pic on there. Dreaming of global domination? Stick a tiny globe in the corner.

The magic of the vision board is that it turns your abstract dreams into tangible images. It's like creating a visual roadmap for your success. Plus, it's a fun craft project you can enjoy with your family and friends or alone with a cup of hot latte or a nice glass of wine with some smooth jazz playing in the background to set the tone! 

Why now, you ask?

Simple. Think of it as a sneak peek into 2024. As we wind down the year, it's time to reflect on the wins and losses and how you're going to slay the game in the new year. And how you will strut into 2024 with your game face on, armed with a clear vision and a plan to tackle those goals.

Think about it – when everyone else is recovering from their New Year's hangovers, you'll be out there, already executing your master plan. While they're setting resolutions, you'll be ticking off accomplishments. It's like being the superhero of your own story, and who doesn't want that? You'll pop out ahead of the game to execute your masterplan.

The Scoop on Crafting Your Vision Board

Now, I can practically hear you thinking, "Why bother with scissors and glue?" Well, friend, crafting a vision board is like creating a visual manifesto for your goals. It's not just arts and crafts; it's a roadmap to your success.

• Picture Success: Ever heard "seeing is believing"? Your vision board is like a daily dose of motivation. It keeps your eyes on the prize, especially when the going gets tough.
• Goal Clarity: Your vision board isn't just pretty pictures; it's a tool to visualize your goals. When you see your dreams laid out, breaking them down into steps becomes a piece of cake.
• Faithing It into Existence: Being intentional about your visions and putting your intentions out there shows the Creator that, "I'm ready for this!" And trust me, the Most High is a great listener & is wise beyond what we can imagine. He knows when you're ready and putting your faith into action helps to get you moving.

(Hebrews 11:1-6 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.)

Week 1 is all about establishing your vision, but we're turning it up a notch. Crafting your vision board isn't just artsy-fartsy; it's a power move. Fine-tune that vision statement and bring it to life with visuals that speak to your soul.

So, think BIG and go against your norm. The world is vast, and there's no limit to what you can become and where you can go. Dream BIG, and do not limit yourself. Over the weekend, I'd like you to grab a board and a pair of scissors, raid the magazine aisle for specific images of where you want to go, live, do and become, and get crafty with it. Be specific in the magazines that you choose. Go all out with it. For example, if golfing is something you'd like to explore, grab a GOLF magazine and if finance is something you want to learn more about, grab a copy of the Wall Street Journal. Be Specific. Oh, and this is something you fellas can do too. Remember, a clear vision today is a booming business tomorrow. Cheers to your journey to mastery!

Stay tuned for Week 2, where we'll chat about making those goals your close friends. Until then, grab those scissors, unleash your inner artist, and get ready to manifest the heck out of your dreams! 

CRAFTING YOUR VISION STORY CHECKLIST

Here's a simple checklist to help you turn your dreams into a powerful vision statement: Copy and paste it to a doc file to check off each item off of your list to help you with consistency & clarity.

Reflect on Your Core Values:

• Before diving into the nitty-gritty, identify the core values that drive your business. What principles are non-negotiable? Your vision should align seamlessly with these values.

Define Your Purpose:

• Ask yourself the big "why." Why does your business exist beyond making a profit? What positive change or impact do you aspire to create? Your vision should encapsulate the higher purpose that fuels your endeavors.

Envision Your Future:

• Imagine your business in the ideal future. What does success look like? Think beyond financials – consider the impact on customers, employees, and the community. Visualize the legacy you want to leave.

Keep it Clear and Concise:

• A vision statement is not the place for jargon or verbosity. Keep it clear, concise, and easily understandable. Aim for a sentence or two that captures the essence of your aspirations.

Make it Timeless:

• While considering future trends is essential, try to craft a vision statement that transcends time. It should be relevant and inspiring today, tomorrow, and years down the road.

Inject Passion and Personality:

• Let your business's personality shine through. Infuse passion into your vision statement – make it a reflection of the heart and soul of your brand. If it doesn't make you excited, it won't excite others.

Consider Stakeholder Perspectives

• Your vision isn't just for you; it's a rallying point for everyone involved with your business. Consider how it resonates with employees, customers, and partners. It should be inclusive and motivating for all.

Ensure Alignment with Goals

• Your vision is the big picture; your goals are the steps to get there. Ensure that your vision aligns with your short-term and long-term business goals. It should serve as a guiding star for decision-making.

Get Feedback from People Your Instincts Trust

• Before engraving your vision statement in stone, gather feedback from "trusted" colleagues, mentors, or even customers. Different perspectives can help refine and strengthen your vision. (Sidenote Very Important: If by chance you're about to share your vision with someone and you have a nagging feeling in your gut to keep quiet. Don't share your vision with that person. It doesn't matter who they are. DO NOT SHARE. Your body and spirit know who's good for you and who isn't. And that's your gut/instinct letting you that person isn't who you're to divulge pertinent information about your intimate plans to.

Revise and Refine

• Crafting a vision statement is an iterative process. Don't be afraid to revise and refine. It's like sculpting – chip away what's unnecessary until the masterpiece emerges.

Remember, your vision statement is a living, breathing entity. As your business evolves, so does your vision. Let it inspire, motivate, and propel your business to the next level!

BONUS: Here's a little easter egg (nugget) to jumpstart your vision. Once you're done crafting your vision, make a list of all upcoming events (whether they're local, regional, national, or international) that aligns with the items on your vision board. Keep an eye out for events, workshops, and happenings that will get you closer to your vision; and make plans to attend it, if its within your means. The more you engage in what you want, the more you become what you've envision for yourself.