Having a vision is important, whether it’s a personal vision or business vision. A vision is usually a statement (preferably written down) that paints a picture of the desired future a person or business wants to see. If there is no business vision then it’s inevitable that the business will have no idea in which direction to head. However, all too often businesses hit the road without a destination in mind. Let’s take a look at some reasons why having a vision is fundamental to business success in 2020 and beyond.

4 reasons that highlight the importance of a business vision in 2020

1. A vision provides direction

There is a thought-provoking dialogue in Lewis Carroll’s classic book, Alice in Wonderland, which goes like this:

“Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.
Alice: I don’t much care where.
The Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go.
Alice: So long as I get somewhere.
The Cheshire Cat: Oh, you’re sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.”

Alice’s attitude sadly echoes many businesses today. Businesses want to go somewhere, but they don’t care where as long as they get somewhere and make some money along the way. The problem with businesses like this is they inevitably get lost along the way. Perhaps that is why so many businesses, especially start-ups, fail – there is no vision to direct the business.

Having a business vision means that everyone knows where the business is going. This saves a lot of money and time. Imagine getting into a car and not knowing where you’re going. You will end up wasting a lot of money on petrol and a lot of time just driving around aimlessly. So it is with a business.

We all need purpose. A vision will give a business purpose and aid in the setting and achieving of short- and long-term goals. As the business achieves their goals, they get one step closer to achieving their ultimate vision. So what is the purpose of your business? Why does it exist? What is the need it is trying to fulfil in the market? Having a focus will prevent a business from getting distracted along the way.

2. A vision unites staff

We all know how having a common goal or purpose unites people. This is certainly true of a business too. We all want to be part of something that is greater than ourselves and greater than what we could achieve in our own personal capacity. A business whose staff are not on the same page and operating in their own silos will soon fall apart. As George Washington Carver said, “Where there is no vision, there is no hope.”

A great business vision should serve as a gathering point, which everyone supports and works towards. It should be meaningful and give each staff member a sense that the work they contribute to the business has deeper meaning. Essentially, a business vision unifies the team. And we all know that teamwork makes the dream work.

When the whole team of staff is on board with the vision then it will make it a lot easier for them to achieve short- and long-term goals that the business sets for them. And everyone likes to feel like they are achieving something and reaching targets. This will inevitably set the business up for success as there is nothing more powerful than a united, happy staff force.

3. A vision inspires others

A business vision is not only capable of inspiring the staff, but also the broader business environment – including the target market and even competitors. A powerful business vision is not self-centred, but actually contributes positively to the wider environment in which the business exists in. It is motivating for those who aren’t even part of the day-to-day business of trying to turn that vision into a reality. In fact, a truly inspiring vision makes people want to find ways to get involved in reaching that vision.

4. A vision produces persistence

There are always times when giving up seems like the better, easier route to take in life. And that applies in our personal worlds and in business. The value of a vision is that it fosters commitment and produces persistence in all those who are striving towards the vision, especially when the going gets tough. If there is no vision then there is no motivation to keep going. One of the main advantages of a clear vision is that it serves as a constant reminder of why the business exists and what it is ultimately trying to achieve.

It’s clear now that a business vision is important. The next step is to define a vision for your business that provides direction, unites staff, inspires others and produces persistence. Let’s take a look at a few tips to get your visionary brainstorming off to a productive start.

A vision should be daring

If your business vision is going to have any impact at all then it needs to be daring, bold and adventurous. It simply cannot be boring! Think big! And remember that it is the vision that is going to be the key motivator when the hard times inevitably come.

A vision should be focussed

Be specific, rather than vague, when coming up with your business vision. Stay focussed so that there is no room for confusion. Most importantly, write it down and make sure that the vision is recognised by everyone.

A vision should be uplifting

Don’t let your vision centre around things you want to avoid or things that the business fears. Rather focus on the positive change you want to achieve, as that will certainly be more inspiring in the long run. Check out this free guide to help you along.

Don’t keep putting it off! Get started on your 2020 vision today and let us know how it affects your business.