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Mission Statement: Companies of the Twenty-first Century

Kien Lai | Stress Management | 9/20/99 | California State University, Fullerton

twenty-first century companies

It has come to my attention over the past few years that "Corporate America" has given loyal consumers a negative, false impression regarding how Fortune 500 companies attract customers. In a highly competitive market, companies spend millions of dollars each year in marketing alone in hopes of gaining market share. Reaching potential customers through medians such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, etc. What I am specifically referring to is the false impressions that ads give consumers. Take for instance, a commercial portraying a friendly company employee who goes out of his or her way to please the customer. In other words, "going the extra mile." I am disappointed to say that this is not entirely true. As a matter of fact, I have unfortunately experienced this myself with several different companies.

My mission, coming from an entrepreneurial point of view, is to found a company completely devoted to customers. The company motto being, "Investing In People." The foundation of the company will be along the lines of, but not limited to, attitude, confidence, courage, love, compassion, and willpower.

Having the right attitude is key to any success. Competition from rivals is the inevitable. How one's perspective on the issue makes all the difference. I could be pessimistic about the situation and see it as an obstacle to overcome; or I can see it as an optimistic opportunity were both the consumer and I benefit. Take for instance, finding new ways of being more productive by maximizing efficiency, which would reduce the cost of production thereby taking advantage of economies of scale. In turn, benefiting the consumer directly by lower prices and or a better overall product or service.

Confidence should be second nature in the company as well as for the consumer. I strongly believe that a company should have complete confidence in the product or service they are presenting to the people and the feeling should be mutual for the buyer side as well. One of the priority goals I would, for the long run, hope to achieve is absolute consumer confidence in the brand in which I provide.

Courage is vital in creating a company geared for the good of the public. Knowing that risk is involved tends to turn people away from creating their own company. Then again, the hundreds of choices and decisions we make everyday impose a risk factor. For example, not going to class and sleeping in is a risk because the person would reduce the chances of passing the class. Hence, being a risk factor. If Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft, had not taken the risk of founding his software company in 1980, he wouldn't have ninety billion dollars today.

Love is what a company should feel. A company shouldn't ask what product would generate the greatest amount of money, but what product would help make people's lives easier and more productive. I will strive to create a direct link with the customer and fellow employees with the intention of building a relationship. Creating an environment where everyone is called by his or her first name.

Compassion goes hand in hand with love. That is why I intent to give all economic profit to charity. Not for a company 'image', but to give back to the people who will make my company possible. I will give as a way of showing my gratitude for the greater good. In addition to charity, my company will focus on humanitarian efforts.

Willpower is crucial in this day in age. Especially since the 'new economy' has turned into a global market. In the mist of a bull market, more and more companies have lost their focus on whom they should be pleasing. Blinded by Wall Street and shareholders, trying to meet quarterly earnings when their agenda should be focused on the public who ultimately is able to bring any company to its knees.

In retrospect, the Fortune 500 companies wouldn't even be on the list if not for the loyal consumers.