Strategic Mapping™: How to Create a Map of Your Company's Strategy
Do you know where your business is going? Many business owners have a general idea of where they want their company to be, but they don't have a strategic map to get them there. A strategic map is a visual representation of your company's strategy for reaching its goals. It integrates the leader’s vision into prioritized projects in focused areas that lead to actionable, intentional activities in the business.
Without a strategic map, it can be challenging to understand which areas of your business need the most work or how to reach your goals with the resources you have. Whether you have a few or endless resources, it’s important that you’re using them efficiently. Let’s discuss the basics of strategic mapping.
We define your company's mission, vision, and core values to start your Strategic Mapping™ Session. Your mission statement is your company’s declaration of purpose, answering the value you bring to your client base. Your vision describes the organization as it would appear successful in the future. Your core values provide a moral compass for the company, in both who joins your team and who you work with.
A Mission Statement is a Goal
Your mission statement should be clear and concise. For example, our mission at Elevate is to "partner with entrepreneurs and small business CEOs to become their operational and administrative right-hands. We take on the time-consuming administrative responsibilities for our clients. We problem-solve their operational roadblocks, allowing them to move their business forward with ease and to re-focus on what they love most about the business.” Here is an example of other companies' mission statements.
Keep your mission statement in mind as you create your strategic map. Your mission statement should support your high-level goals because it is the foundation of your company. It defines why you are in business and what you want to be remembered for. Every launch and project should be aligned with your mission so that you can move closer to achieving it.
A Vision Statement is Your Guiding Light
Your vision statement is a view of how your company is going to leave an impact on customers, those around you, and the greater community. If your company were to meet all of its goals, what would it look like in 5-10 years? It's important to note that your vision should be realistic and achievable. For example, our vision at Elevate is to be “the sought-after and highly-regarded team of experts in operations and administrative support for businesses and their executive teams. We will have a solid team of experts in their respective fields who support one another with communication, trust, and respect.”
Your vision statement is a guiding light that helps you stay on course when things get tough. Just like your mission statement, it should guide everything you do in your business. Your vision is what you're working towards, so it's important to keep it in mind as you map out your strategy. As you move closer to your vision, your clients will benefit more from your services. You will be known as the go-to company because you kept your focus on the vision, not the distractions. More people will trust you to help them grow their businesses.
Core Values are Your Roadmap
Your core values are the principles that guide how you run your business. They are the foundation of your company culture. Your core values should be reflected in everything you do, from how you treat your team to how you interact with your clients.
At Elevate, our top three core values are Communication, Integrity, and Proactiveness. We believe that open communication fosters strong relationships. Having integrity and being an honest person is at the core of who we are and why our clients trust us inside their businesses.
Did you know we create an SOP, template, or checklist for any task we do more than once in our client's business? That's being proactive because you deserve an executive virtual assistant who is thinking forward with you. These values guide everything we do and help us find aligned clients who appreciate these values as well.
Creating Your STRATEGIC MAP™
Now that you know the foundational piece of Strategic Mapping™, you can start creating your map. Keep your mission statement, vision statement, and core values in mind as you set goals and take action. Doing so will help you create a strategic map that is aligned with your company's foundation and values.
Creating a strategic map is simple when you break it down into smaller tasks. Here are the basic steps:
Create or hone your mission, vision, and value statements
Set high-level goals that support your mission and vision
Break down your goals into smaller action items
Create an action plan that is focused and aligned with your goals.
Setting SMART Goals
Remember to make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. And most importantly, keep your strategic map flexible. Things will change as you grow and achieve your goals, so be sure to revisit your map often to keep it relevant.
Creating a strategic map for your business can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. By breaking it down into smaller steps and keeping your mission statement, vision statement, and core values in mind, you can easily create a strategic map that will help you achieve your business goals.
As a licensed Strategic Mapping™ Expert, I love showing other businesses how to strategically map their goals. I have years of experience helping companies achieve their goals, and I can help you too. We will start with a complimentary consultation to discuss your business goals and how Strategic Mapping™ can help you achieve each one.
So what are you waiting for? Schedule your complimentary consultation today! Your business will thank you tomorrow.
