In this episode of the WealthBuilders Podcast, Karen Conrad Metcalfe and Ray Patterson, coordinator for Charis Business School and a WealthBuilders business coach, discuss the importance of having a clear vision for your business. They unpack how to connect your vision story to your business plan for powerful results.

In this discussion, Ray and Karen compare a vision story with a vision statement and why both are important. You will be encouraged to envision the next 5-10 years and learn how to organize it into a concise statement and a clear story.

Tune in to learn about the power vision has to inspire and guide your business and personal life. Click the player below to watch this episode, or listen on your preferred podcast platform!

Episode Show Notes

Importance of Vision in Business

• Vision ties into the business model generation canvas (BMGC) and its importance for your business.
• A clear vision for your business is vital – Habakkuk 2:2.
• Vision needs to be written and clear for others to understand and follow.
• Vision is for an appointed time–the future, not the present.
• A longer timeframe for vision prompts the need for a vision story.

What is a Vision Story?

• A vision story is a detailed description of what a business or personal life will look like in five to ten years.
• The vision story should be an internal document for employees to understand their role in achieving the vision.
• Employees can see how their daily work contributes to the long-term vision.

• The vision story is a term Ray coined, inspired by successful leaders like Paul Milligan and Billy Epphart.
• The vision story describes the business’s relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the community.
• The vision story ties into the (BMGC) by setting the tone for key activities and connecting customer segments and value propositions

Practical Application of Vision Story

• The vision story can be used to reassess the purpose of a business when entrepreneurs feel burned out.
• The vision story can help to personally reconnect you with your purpose.
• It can reconnect you with your passion and your calling.

Tools for Vision Creation

• It is important to understand your personal vision and how it aligns with your calling.
• Take a mental journey to envision the future and jot down thoughts and snippets.
• Organize these snippets into sentences and paragraphs to create a vision story.
• Stay connected to the Spirit and meditate on the goodness of the Lord.

• Invest in yourself and take time to connect with the Lord.
• The Lord has placed desires in your heart. Ask for and believe you will receive them.
• Always look for the goodness in life and envision the future you want to see.