Have you ever created a Mission Statement or Vision Statement for your business? If you did, chances are it may appear on a plaque in your office, a page on your website, and that’s it. Many of your clients may not know where you stand when it comes to ethical business practices. You may not even remember what it says.
As a small business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities of your business and lose focus, especially if you’re short-staffed and wearing many hats besides CEO (check out When did you Lose Sight of Your Goals?).
Many years ago at The Dwyer Group®, CEO and Chairwoman Dina Dwyer-Owens decided that she did not want to become one of those companies. The home-service franchise company was growing steadily, and she wanted to keep the company’s corporate culture and founder’s ideas close to the company as it grew into into a network of top service franchises. So, she did franchisors do best—she created a system, and the Code of Values® was born.
Now, years later, each company meeting starts with the Code of Values. All business cards have the Code of Values printed on one side. Corporate awards recognize employees who exemplify the Code of Values. Yes, it’s unusual, but the system works.
Think about it—if you were constantly reminded of your mission, vision, goals, and ethics, wouldn’t you be more apt to stick with them? Second of all, it keeps you focused on what matters most. Is glass, landscaping, or plumbing the end goal? No, the customer’s satisfaction is. According to our mission statement, if the people we touch lead happier and more successful lives because of our impact, then we’re succeeding.
How do you define ultimate success, and how will your values help you get there? Try writing them down for a start.
Our Vision
To be a world class company admired for the excellence that customers, franchisees and associates experience with The Dwyer Group.
Our Mission
To teach our principles and systems of personal and business success so that all people we touch live happier and more successful lives.
About Dina Dwyer-Owens
Dina Dwyer-Owens is the chairwoman and chief executive officer of The Dwyer Group. America also knows her for participating in CBS’s Emmy-winning hit reality show “Undercover Boss.” A winner of the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Southwest Area North and a 2012 Small Business Influencer Champion, Dina leads by example and credits a growing team for the franchise family she presides over today. Learn more at www.dinadwyerowens.com
