Why you need to build a lighthouse

👋 Hi all,

Even if I wanted to spend time writing something about the unfolding drama currently with Sam and OpenAI, it would be outdated anyhow when this lands in your inbox. So I won’t, except for today’s tweet at the end of this email 🎬.

Today’s essay concerns your lighthouse, your mission, and the importance of a vision as a founder. Furthermore, I stumbled upon yet another article about the impact of algorithms on Generation Z, which is real and worrisome. My second bookmark is a true gem for like-minded suckers about quitting your job and starting as entrepreneur stories.

See you on Friday,

Bas

Let’s talk about something keeping me up at night, and it’s not (yet) my soon-to-be-born son 👶 in the early days of 2024. It’s about the mission and vision of a company and about how its founders should carry this and align every single action they take.

When searching for new business or just browsing the internet for inspiration, companies with a vital mission always grab my attention. If you want to stand out in today’s tight job market or grow your business beyond the organic waves, your mission and vision separate the weak from the winners.

If I started a new company today, I would spend 95% of my thinking and time on the mission and vision; everything else is just noise nowadays. A few ways and famous methodologies exist to form a company’s vision, from Simon Sinek’s golden circle to the BHAG formula. I’ve tried them all, and there’s no clear winner. The models are secondary. The founders are what make all the difference.

If your mission and vision are clear, EVERY decision will become easier. Hiring new people to see if they fit your team? Easy. Finding new partnerships? Walk in the park. In times when things become dark, what’s your lighthouse?

Your lighthouse should always be on, visible to outsiders or the ones already in your safe harbor. If people are looking to find your business from far away, the light of your lighthouse should lure them in safely.

The thriving businesses of tomorrow are being built today by defining your mission and vision and letting your lighthouse shine. Founders should never compromise short-term success or money over the long-term mission and image of the company.

If you are stuck with your vision and mission, start with the desired outcome in 5-10 or 50 years. Then, work your way back and reverse-engineer your steps. If you aren’t sure what to do, your mission and vision aren’t clear enough yet, be relentless.