No but you sure do need vision. People often ask “What should I do?” and the best answer to that question depends on your solid vision for your business. “But, vision doesn’t tell me what to do.” Yes it does.
What to do is a matter of programs. No good program is worthwhile, even with the best of intentions, without a strategy. Strategy is just a random collection of ideas without a mission and a mission is rudderless without a vision.
If your vision is to sell bread, then the answer is very different than if your vision is to sell the best whole grain baked goods in your market while being a part of your community. Let’s look at the difference between those two thoughts.
In the first one, you have to set a menu. But what is it? What kind of bread? What kind of ingredients or flour? How do you make and bake the bread? How do people know what you do or who you are?
Contrast that with the second one. If your vision is to be the best whole grain bakery while being a part of your community, then the questions almost answer themselves:
Vision – the best whole grain bakery in your market while being a part of your neighborhood.
Mission – Give back to the community by providing healthy food and a better quality of life.
Strategy – Bake healthy, tasty, whole grain products made from scratch every day in a fun environment that gives back to the community.
What should I do? Offer a full bakery menu with whole grain products throughout and live the golden rule. Offer super healthy items (like Dakota bread and honey whole wheat), super fun items (whole grain cookies) and a wide variety of items (whole grain muffins and scones and awesome sandwiches made on awesome bread).
In Great Harvest, our vision is simple. We are all about whole grain breads. Our mission is respected around the world. Our strategy is simple. We have locally owned and operated bakeries where people make their own decisions and use nothing but the best ingredients. Our programs come naturally based upon a clear vision, mission and strategy.
Can we help you set a vision for your bakery business?
