Small Business, Small Steps: My Business Manifesto

Last week's title "Presto, Your Manifesto!" was a bit misleading as those of you who did the exercise of writing your manifesto probably found out. The word presto conjures up a magic wand and an immediate outcome, but writing a manifesto, or mission statement, is far from immediate, although it might be a little magical.

The process of writing my manifesto has made me realize a few very important things about my business and myself:

1. English Muffin has gotten away from me over the past few months.

I have lost sight of the reason I started this company and been more caught up in making sales, blogging and social media-ing. But that's ok, I'm not mad at the Muffin or at myself. It's all part of the process and I'm just happy that in the end my blog has helped me to re-focus on the core ideas of what my company is all about.

2. I love kids, I really do.

Although over the past few months I have been having a hard time staying motivated at my teaching job, it doesn't mean that I have lost my love of teaching and working with children. They really are an inspiring force in my life, and the reason I decided to start English Muffin in the first place.

3. I want to make a difference - a big one.

I've recently been watching some TED talks (if you haven't heard of them, check them out, they're so interesting and inspiring) and feeling really excited about what is going on in the world. For every bad thing there are so many good ones, and I want to be part of those good ones. So, I was left wondering what a girl like me could possible do? I had yet to come up with an answer when I tackled the "What are the underlying values that guide your work?" question in the manifesto exercise. Of course! Young people and education have always been important to me. I can make a difference with English Muffin, at first small, but one day, big!

I guess it's time to reveal English Muffin's Manifesto. Be kind, it's still a work in progress. Although at the moment, I am not doing all the things I hope to be, I decided to dream big and let this manifesto be a guide for English Muffin's journey forward. Here it is:

We believe...

simple shapes are happy shapes.

that two colours are better than one.

that lions and tigers and bears can be friends.

and, that learning is the best part of life, second only to great design.

That's why we create...

simple illustrations to encourage your child's imagination.

thoughtful colour combinations to stimulate their curiosity.

illustrations that are open to wild interpretation.

products that inspire young minds and nurture an appreciation for good design.

We are wholeheartedly dedicated to...

supporting young learners in our community through outreach and donations.

being kind to the environment by using eco-friendly materials whenever possible.

Thanks so much to all of you who shared your manifestos with me this week. I've really enjoyed reading them. As always, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Have a great weekend!

Bess

ps. I've decided to move Small Business, Small Steps from Fridays to Wednesdays. I don't always feel so business-y on Friday and figure you probably don't either ;)

image via (ku)nihito on flickr