So you want to open your own screen printing business? Well, listen up, because there’s more to making it in screen printing than just the act itself!

We recommend that, as a first step to developing your business plan, you take the time to think critically about your mission, vision and values.

Why?
I’m a huge fan of Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why.” The premise of the book is that any organization can explain what they do; some can explain how they are different; but only a few can clearly articulate why. WHY is not about money or profit. WHY is the thing that inspires us and inspires those around us.

Screen printing is a competitive industry. Before writing your mission statement, think through why you’re going into business and how you will change your industry and/or improve your customers’ lives.

Where?
Most people (and companies) don’t really understand the difference between a mission and vision statement. Your mission is why you do what you do. Your vision is where you want your organization to go.

Some studies suggest that companies who take the time to craft a mission and a vision statement outperform those that don’t. Like Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, once said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” In writing your vision statement, think of it as where you want to see yourself in 5-10 years. Don’t be afraid to dream big and think boldly.

Who?
Just because you know where you’re going, doesn’t mean you won’t get lost along the way. Your values serve as the compass for your organization — keeping you, your team, and your partners moving in the right direction. They also serve as a foundation for deciding who’s going with you on that journey.

When developing your values, select no more than 5-7 that you think are essential to reaching your destination. Choose principles that you can expect your team to live every day. Your values are what you do, not what you aspire to do!

What Next?
Hungry for more information? Check out Part 1 of our new educational series, “Building Your Own Screen Printing Business, Part 1 :: Crafting Your Design

Look out for the next 3 installments of this new series!
-Ryan

Screen printing educationThe business of screen printing