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Definition of vision and mission: A vision statement focuses on tomorrow and what an organization wants to ultimately become. A mission statement focuses on today and what an organization does to achieve it. Both are vital in directing goals.

Mission, vision, values. We've heard this trio rattled off countless times, rapid-fire like they're one catchy phrase - when, in fact, they are three very distinct concepts for organizations.

The lines especially get blurred with vision and mission statements. But when it comes to the drive and direction of your company today and tomorrow, you don't want to have trouble seeing when you're behind the wheel. And, the same rings true for your content marketing.

So, we're breaking down the difference between a vision and mission statement - and rounding up stellar examples from top brands - to help you better understand and define your company's essence with confidence.

What is the difference between a vision and a mission?

The vision statement focuses on tomorrow and what the organization wants to become. The mission statement focuses on today and what the organization does. While companies commonly use mission and vision statements interchangeably, it's important to have both. One doesn't work without the other, because having purpose and meaning are critical for any business.

Your mission statement focuses on today; your vision statement focuses on tomorrow. @BrittSkrabanek Click To Tweet

What is a mission statement?

Your mission statement drives the company. It is what you do/the core of the business, and from it come the objectives and finally, what it takes to reach those objectives. It also shapes your company's culture.

Mission statement questions look like:

This trickle-down effect of a mission statement confirms its value at any company. Just by its definition, you can quickly see how a solid mission motivates a team to advance toward a common goal, because they started at the same place and they are working together to reach the same end-goal.

On the other hand, a weak mission - or no mission at all - can have the opposite effect. Picture this: silos, miscommunications, flailing, feeling unmotivated. And, imagine what that does to a company. Scary, right?

For content marketers

Your content strategy supports the company's mission statement - think of it as the HOW of what you do. This helps you stay on track, true to your brand and true to your goals. Every piece of content you create should be rooted in your mission statement, from the tone of voice to the call-to-action.

What is a vision statement?

Your vision statement gives the company direction. It is the future of the business, which then provides the purpose.

The vision statement is about what you want to become. It's aspirational.

Vision statement questions look like:

What are our hopes and dreams?

What problem are we solving for the greater good?

Who and what are we inspiring to change?

The vision statement promotes growth, both internally and externally. A strong vision helps teams focus on what matters the most for their company. It also invites innovation. A purpose-driven company envisions success as a whole, because they know what success means for their company.

On the flip side, a lack of vision is a road to nowhere for a business. Imagine this: stagnation, outdated processes, moving without purpose, feeling uninspired. Can a company even survive without a clear vision? You know the answer to that one.

For content marketers

The content vision supports the company's vision statement - this is the WHY of what you do. This helps you stay forward-thinking, true to your beliefs and true to your purpose. Every piece of content you dream up should fly high with your vision statement, from the inception of an ebook to the lofty blog traffic milestone.

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Brands that get it: 25 examples of vision and mission statements

So, what do great vision and mission statements look like? Here are 25 companies that get them right. And, they have the customer loyalty to prove it.

Company: Tesla

Mission: To accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

Vision: To create the most compelling car company of the 21st century by driving the world's transition to electric vehicles.

Why it works: What better word than "accelerate" in a mission to serve as the driving force behind what Tesla does. While boldly stating "best in the century" reflects loftier dreams in the vision.

Mission: We strive to offer our customers the lowest possible prices, the best available selection, and the utmost convenience.

Vision: To be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.

Why it works: Amazon's mission is cut-and-dry about what they offer to customers. The vision takes the offerings farther, saying their company will offer "anything" customers want.

Mission: We're in business to save our home planet.

Vision: A love of wild and beautiful places demands participation in the fight to save them, and to help reverse the steep decline in the overall environmental health of our planet.

Why it works: Patagonia's mission and vision show a deep commitment to improving lives and saving the planet through its products.

Mission: Spread ideas.

Vision: We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world.

Why it works: The TED mission to "spread ideas" is a simple demonstration of how they serve. The vision is all about impact, how spreading ideas invokes change in the world.

Mission: To connect the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful.

Vision: To create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.

Why it works: LinkedIn succinctly captures what they do (connect) and who they serve (the world's professionals) in their mission. While the vision encompasses every working person in the world.

Mission: To organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.

Vision: To provide access to the world's information in one click.

Why it works: Google may seem complex, but its mission clarifies that organization and accessibility are what they offer. Their vision statement is about improving accessibility in the future "in one click."

Mission: We reimagine the way the world moves for the better.

Vision: Smarter transportation with fewer cars and greater access. Transportation that's safer, cheaper, and more reliable; transportation that creates more job opportunities and higher incomes for drivers.

Why it works: Uber "transports," so it is the perfect actionable verb for their mission. The vision dives deeper into how their transportation services exist for the greater good of everyone.

Mission: To create a world where anyone can belong anywhere and we are focused on creating an end-to-end travel platform that will handle every part of your trip.

Vision: Belong everywhere.

Why it works: The Airbnb mission says "we help you feel at home," while encapsulating the company's goals for the future. They explore a deeper sense of belonging in the vision, tapping into the universal human desire their company aims for.

Mission: Delight our customers, employees, and shareholders by relentlessly delivering the platform and technology advancements that become essential to the way we work and live.

Vision: If it is smart and connected, it is best with Intel.

Why it works: Intel promises to deliver the most technologically advanced products in its mission. Their vision uses more boastful language, illustrating great confidence in the future of their solutions.

Mission: We build cars, symbols of Italian excellence the world over, and we do so to win on both road and track. Unique creations that fuel the Prancing Horse legend and generate a "World of Dreams and Emotions."

Vision: Ferrari, Italian Excellence that makes the world dream.

Why it works: "We build to win" in Ferrari's mission focuses on the strength and quality of their product. In this ambitious vision, their cars will reach the pinnacle of "Italian Excellence."

Mission: Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs everywhere, making opportunities more inclusive for all.

Vision: Our vision is to radically shift the global economy toward independent entrepreneurial ventures.

Why it works: GoDaddy positions itself as the entrepreneur's champion, making opportunity and success attainable for all.

Mission: To provide the best value to customers, grow a profitable business, develop and reward people, and encourage social responsibility.

Vision: Be the global leader in customer value.

Why it works: Caterpillar explains both their "how" and their "why" in their mission statement: By providing affordable and high-quality products to customers, they will continue to grow their business, recognize and reward employees, and make a positive impact on the environment. Their vision reaffirms their commitment to providing value.

Mission: To attract and attain customers with high-valued products and services and the most satisfying ownership experience in America.

Vision: To be the most successful and respected car company in America.

Why it works: Toyota's mission demonstrates what they are known for: products and service. Even in a highly competitive industry, their vision states that they will become the best car company in the country.

Mission: We will devote our human resources and technology to create superior products and services, thereby contributing to a better global society.

Vision: To inspire the world with our innovative technologies, products and design that enrich people's lives and contribute to social prosperity by creating a new future.

Why it works: Samsung wants to improve people's lives by creating exceptional and innovative products, which they make clear in both their mission and vision.

Mission: To empower and engage people around the world to collect and develop educational content under a free license or in the public domain, and to disseminate it effectively and globally.

Vision: Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. That's our commitment.

Why it works: Wikimedia's mission motivates their team to move toward a common goal of empowerment and engagement. Their vision paints a future world where their company's commitment makes a lasting impact.

Mission: To be the world's favorite destination for discovering great value and unique selection.

Vision: Our vision for commerce is one that is enabled by people, powered by technology, and open to everyone.

Why it works: eBay's mission uses "destination" to show their virtual company as a real place people come to. An ongoing focus on people and technology get into the "why" of their vision.

Mission: Offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.

Vision: To create a better everyday life for the many people.

Why it Works: The mission here focuses on the functionality of IKEA's products and the affordability for their customers. In the vision, the IKEA team has a true sense of purpose in "creating a better everyday life."

Mission: Shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners.

Vision: Changing the way we work, live, play, and learn.

Why it works: Cisco decided on a blended mission and vision statement. Language like "shape the future" is more vision-oriented, but the mission talks about the people they serve.

Mission: A company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity.

Vision: Using our unlimited passion for technology, content, and services to deliver groundbreaking new excitement and entertainment, as only Sony can.

Why it works: Sony gives a customer-focused touch to its mission by using "your." The "unlimited passion" and "groundbreaking entertainment" messaging in their vision demonstrate innovation.

Mission: The mission of Southwest Airlines is a dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and company spirit.

Vision: To be the world's most loved, most efficient, and most profitable airline.

Why it works: Southwest Airlines tells us right up front that quality customer service is their mission. Their vision is highly aspirational across the board in saying they want to be "the most" of everything.

Mission: Our mission is to provide insightful solutions that drive value and success for our clients by allowing them to focus on their business.

Vision: Be the world's authority on helping organizations focus on what matters.

Why it works: ADP puts its clients at the forefront of its mission and vision. After all, their clients' success is what makes them successful.

Mission: Kaiser Permanente exists to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve.

Vision: We are trusted partners in total health, collaborating with people to help them thrive and creating communities that are among the healthiest in the nation.

Why it works: Saying "exist" sounds more like a vision statement, but the rest of the mission says what Kaiser Permanente does. In the vision, "thrive" and "healthiest" are big words that show their impact.

Mission: The mission of Coinbase is to create an open financial system for the world.

Vision: Digital currency will bring about more innovation, efficiency, and equality of opportunity in the world by creating an open financial system.

Why it works: Coinbase didn't sugarcoat what they do in their mission statement, did they? And, in the vision, their message speaks well to the change their company will bring one day.

Mission: To give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.

Vision: People use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what's going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them.

Why it works: Facebook's mission is focused on the community their platform promises. Their vision talks about why community matters, interweaving how they will "bring the world closer together" from the mission.

Mission: Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. We're a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for food retailers. Quality is a state of mind at Whole Foods Market.

Vision: Whole foods, Whole People, Whole Planet.

Why it works: This mission uses repetition throughout to reinforce the quality that Whole Foods is known for. Making everything "whole" in their vision binds their company to a set of beliefs that they complete people's lives.

So, what do great vision and mission statements look like? Here are 25 companies that get them right. And, they have the customer loyalty to prove it. #branding #contentmarketing Click To Tweet

Mission statements for more top brands:

Adidas - To be the best sports company in the world.

CalArts - CalArts is a multidisciplinary community of artists. Our ongoing educational endeavor is grounded in openness, experimentation, critical engagement, and creative freedom. Through artistic practice, we transform ourselves, each other, and the world.

Coca-Cola - To refresh the world in mind, body, and spirit; to inspire moments of optimism and happiness through our brands and actions; to create value and make a difference.

Dunkin' Donuts - Everything we do is about you. From chefs who create exciting new flavors to crew members who know exactly how you want your drink-we prioritize what you need to get you on your way. We strive to keep you at your best, and we remain loyal to you, your tastes, and your time. That's what America runs on.

Goodwill - Goodwill works to enhance people's dignity and quality of life by strengthening their communities, eliminating their barriers to opportunity, and helping them reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.

L'Oréal - L'Oréal has set itself the mission of offering all women and men worldwide the best of cosmetics innovation in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety. By meeting the infinite diversity of beauty needs and desires all over the world.

McDonald's - Our mission is to make delicious feel-good moments easy for everyone.

The Met - The mission of The Metropolitan Museum of Art is to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and stimulate appreciation for and advance knowledge of works of art that collectively represent the broadest spectrum of human achievement at the highest level of quality, all in the service of the public and in accordance with the highest professional standards.

Microsoft - Our mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.

MIT - The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) - NASA explores the unknown in air and space, innovates for the benefit of humanity, and inspires the world through discovery.

Nike - Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.

Northwestern University - Northwestern is committed to excellent teaching, innovative research, and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.

Oprah Winfrey Network - OWN's mission is to create multiple platforms for women, men, and their families with a purpose and a passion: to celebrate life, inspire and entertain, empower viewers around the world to live their best lives, and by doing so, lift the lives of those around them in ever-widening circles.

Pepsi - Create more smiles with every sip and every bite.

Shopify - Making commerce better for everyone.

Starbucks - To inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

Target - To help all families discover the joy of everyday life.

Walt Disney Company - The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds, and innovative technologies that make ours the world's premier entertainment company.

Mission vs. Vision: Know who you are and where you're going

The mission statement focuses on today and what we do, and the vision statement focuses on tomorrow and what we want to become. Both are important to a company's survival.

Call it the essence, beating heart, or the defining characteristic - whatever you call it, make sure your mission and vision are clearly defined and understood for the sake of your content and your company.

Get a content mission and a content vision statement down on paper. Share it with your team members. Then you can measure your future content efforts against the two. And although they are not slogans or taglines themselves, they should definitely help inform them and all your content.

Knowing who you are and where you're going is the foundation of an organization's success. So, who are you? And, where are you going? Get tips on how the nature of planning itself can help your envisioned goals materialize: Mastering Time Management: The Five Primal Flows of Time.

Mission and Vision Series

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Difference Between Vision & Mission Statements: 25 Examples

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Definition of vision and mission: A vision statement focuses on tomorrow and what an organization wants to ultimately become. A mission statement focuses on today and what an organization does to achieve it. Both are vital in directing goals. Mission, vision, values.

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Team 1
Team 1
Digital learning at EWA should be relevant and flexible in order to promote student choice, collaboration and engage

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Digital learning at EWA should be relevant and flexible in order to promote student choice, collaboration and engagement. This inspires students to take control of their learning.

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Digital learning allows children to learn best because teaching is within their attention span and connected to the real world. Also, digital learning allows students to be in control because their learning is goal oriented with the understanding that errors are useful.

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Using both traditional and digital resources DEEP LEARNING @EWA is RELEVANT, INSPIRING, and COLLABORATIVE. This is accomplished when students are ACCOUNTABLE and have OWNERSHIP to  SOLVE academic and social PROBLEMS in and out of school.