If you don’t have a vision statement for your photography business, you’re missing out on a critical piece of your overall marketing strategy. A vision statement for photographers is a short, concise declaration of your company’s long-term goals and objectives. It should be something that inspires and motivates you all while keeping you aligned and on track. Let’s dive into what the difference is between a mission and a vision statement, how to create your vision statement for your photography business and why it’s important to have one!
What is the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement?
You can say that while the mission statement lays out your company’s “purpose for existing”, the vision statement says, “based on that purpose, this is what we want to become.” The Vision statement can then flow into your marketing goals and the strategy that you will take to reach that vision.
In other words, the mission tells us what we’re doing today that will then take us where we want to go in the future aka the Vision statement.
As a photographer, you know how important it is to be creative and think outside the box. A vision statement can help you stay focused on your goals and continue pushing yourself even when things seem impossibly difficult and overwhelming. Most entrepreneurs ( maybe it is the creative in us) but we get lost easily, get distracted, wander from the things that are really important in our business. Having a Vision Statement is like our lighthouse for our brand. Whether you’re an established business or just starting, having a vision statement will help you stay motivated and inspired as you grow your photography brand.
So how do you create a vision statement that really speaks to who you are as a photographer? There are many different approaches, but here are some key tips to get started:
1. Start by thinking about what motivates and inspires you in your work. Do you have a specific vision for where you want your business to go over the next few years? What are your biggest goals for 1 year, 3 year and 5 year. Grab a piece of paper and brain dump your wildest dreams for your company.
2. Once you have a vision in mind, write it down. This can be a simple sentence or paragraph, but the key is to make it concise and easy to remember. As your business evolves and grows, this vision statement will help keep you focused on your long term goals.
3. Next, share your vision with others – whether it’s family members, partners, or fellow photographers. Getting input from people who know and believe in you can give you even more motivation and the support you might need to make it happen.
4. Consider your Ideal Client and what they are looking for in their photography experiences. What do you want to bring to the table that is unique and different from other photographers in your area and what problems can you help to solve for this client.
5. Be concise and clear when writing your vision statement, so that it is easily understood by everyone who reads it. Put this statement on your website, talk about it often in your marketing and even print it out and hang it up visibly in your office.
At the end of the day, having a vision statement for photographers and your photography business is an essential part of staying inspired and motivated to achieve success as a photographer. With the right focus and dedication, you can create amazing work that truly speaks to who you are as an artist and serves your clients in a way that others aren’t. So what are you waiting for? Get started on creating your vision statement.
xo Kara
