This document provides guidance on effective personal development for microbusinesses. It outlines 6 steps: 1) create a vision statement, 2) develop a mission statement, 3) prepare the vision statement, 4) assess your current position, 5) achieve the mission and vision, and 6) decide on development activities. Having clear vision and mission statements helps to inform a personal development plan to drive the business towards its goals. Ongoing learning and development are important to remain competitive and deliver high quality services that help accomplish the business's overriding purpose.

1. 6 Quick Steps to Effective Personal
Development
A Guidefor MicroBusinesses
Ms. Olufunmi Ade.

2. 1. Vision What is Meant by Vision?
One way to look at it, is as
imaginative insight or statesman like
foresight. So getting this right, in
form of a statement, helps set an
agenda of progressive steps towards
a vision. A vision statement also
helps bring a vision to life.
“The starting point is having
a clear vision & mission for
the small business and
owner, as a component,
since the business & the
owner are much more closely
aligned, than the employee".

3. Vision
Statement
What is a Vision Statement?
It can bee seen as a desired
future state: the aspiration of
the individual. Where do one
wants to be, or achieve. For
example, a vision may be as
simple as running a marathon
or more complex such as
being recognized as among
the best in your field of
business.

4. 2. Mission
Often a vision needs to be
underpinned by a mission.
The 2 are closely related,
with mission subsumed
under the vision. The vision is
the end state, the mission is
the vehicle to get there.

5. What is Meant by Mission?
This can be seen as a goal or task; vocation. The key feature of a written
mission, is a statement of overriding purpose, in line with the values or
expectations, of the individual, or business.
In other words, a statement of general principles, to live or run a business
by. For example, on a personal level, keep fit and healthy (hence run a
marathon; vision), provide good services (hence recognized as among the
best in your field of business; vision).

6. 3. Preparing a Vision Statement.
• First: Prioritize your future plans or
goal, starting with what’s most
important. It maybe that priorities are
in order of a time frame that is, one
goal may take longer to achieve, than
another. Hence the vision may change
over time. This may also be in order of
their importance, or urgency to your
business. Second: make a list. Third :
review what's been written.

7. How to Prepare your Mission Statement.
First: take stock of the what, where and how of the
current situation, specifically as it relates to work,
business operations, personal life. Second:
consider the practical running and purpose of the
business. Third: review what's been written.

8. 4. Make an Assessment.
Making an assessment is a simple, self scoring mechanism, for example
out of 10, in terms of the current position against a mission and vision
(that is, present state versus purpose and future aim/ goal).
The areas less well scored should be noted for when it comes to designing
a development plan.
The vision and mission, once properly articulated, helps inform the
personal development plan & activities. As a consequence all have to be
specific.

9. 5. Achieving the Mission and Vision Statement
Some Things To Note:
Business Management - a requisite is setting guidelines on attaining and
maintaining the mission statement in daily tasks and activities.
Policies and procedures have a role here, even if only self employed/
freelance.
It is ' The How' so its important to set realistic goals & follow these step-
by- step in terms of service delivery or product quality. Some personal
attributes required are, determination, self –awareness, honesty, self-
motivation, on- going learning, access to information.
The mission statement should constantly point towards the realization
of the vision statement and be the stepping stone to it.

10. 6. Making a Decision on Personal Development Activity
• Personal development is very important to
the overall accomplishment of both the
vision and mission. The business
environment is constantly evolving,
challenging and competitive, hence 'being
in the know' is key to successfully driving a
small business towards its vision.
• This is where learning and development
come into the fore. Some things to note
when striving to excel are: vision & mission
statement. Business goals. Commitments
and responsibilities. Personal preferences.
SMART. - a mnemonic meaning: Specific,
Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time
bound.
“Once the vision and mission is clear
and stated a personal development
activity can be implemented. For
small businesses and self - employed
the stress is on activity rather than
plan. With less complex structures
than large corporate organizations,
the advantage of little or no
bureaucracy, means plan and
activity could almost be seamless”.

11. The Importance of
Personal Development.
• Learning through formal courses,
whether via classroom, distance or
electronic methods, particularly if
accredited, helps: validate skills &
competences, engendering
customer/client confidence.
• Gains respect and recognition for
your work & knowledge, among
peers and professional colleagues.
Increases competence to deliver
better business services and remain
at the cutting edge of a business
sector.
“Development means learning
new methods, insights and
access, to continually keep
abreast of a dynamic
marketplace.
With information technology, the
opportunities are almost limitless
and its a buyers market, as a
result”.

12. Informal activities include; activity groups, books
& journals, networking, mentors, voluntary work
(particularly good to gain experience and
referencing a client base, when staring up).
On deciding the route, life- work balance needs
to be considered.

13. Summary
Personal development for the small business owner, should be seen as
action plans to help attain business goals. Help set a realistic agenda, for
the attainment of development activities for both the individual and
business. Provide a way of coordinating, monitoring and mapping
personal development needs, for the attainment of mission and vision
statements.