Mantra vs. Higher Purpose
So today we spent time having a few conversations with the internal team discussing our “higher purpose” and “mantra”. Guy Kawasaki encourages entrepreneurs to define a mantra. Tara Hunt talks about having a higher purpose as a common denominator among companies that successfully build communities around their products and services. Both concepts share the notion that corporate mission statements are obsolete.
After a short while there was consensus that our initial gut feeling is the way to go. You see, we started Scrapblog to allow everyday people to express themselves online in a creative way. We want to eliminate all the barriers to entry for you to be able to create richer online content than you ever thought possible. To do so, we have worked hard for over two years to make Scrapblog super easy to use. We think we are close, and we will make it available soon. Well, in the meantime, here is our mantra:
Democratize creative expression online
Please, comment and tell us what you think about it.
What are people saying?
I like it, although I find it a bit wordy
Really - I don’t think the word “online” adds much value here - I know you’re an online business, but isn’t the Mantra just as relevant without the word “online”?
Democratize creative expression
Why limit yourself to online. Who knows what the future will bring?
Rob
Hmm. I actually find it kind the four-word “mantra” kind of bland and unfocused — so I guess I disagree with Guy’s “mantra” concept.
I *am* all about clear communication though, and I think that saying that you want to “allow everyday people to express themselves online in a creative way” is something that will actually resonate and become part of the story that people will tell when they talk about you to their friends.
I have severe doubts that anyone would spontaneously turn to their friend and say, “Man, Scrapblog sure Democratizes creative expression online! You should try it!”
I say thoughtfully consider your language and who you’re trying to talk to — mantras are great for psyching yourself up for a pitch or for working out — but aren’t so great for building lasting relationships that thrive on shared meaning and clear communication.
I think Chris has a good analogy to look at. Think about two people having a conversation and what they communicate as how Scrapblog helps them kick ass.
‘Democratizing’ is a big promise.
Maybe we should throw life, liberty and the pursuit of justice in there, too?
Those things as well? Wow, it’s a tall order but we’ll work on it!
Thanks for your constructive comments.
Hmmm - wasn’t there another comment here yesterday? From Tara? The original first comment? What happened to it?
Rob
What do you have to say?