The Shortest Manifesto Ever

“Who had I become? Just another shark in a suit? Two days later at our corporate conference in Miami, a breakthrough. Breakdown? Breakthrough. I couldn’t escape one simple thought: I hated myself. No, no, no, here’s what it was: I hated my place in the world. I had so much to say and no one to listen. And then it happened. It was the oddest, most unexpected thing. I began writing what they call a mission statement. Not a memo, a mission statement. You know, a suggestion for the future of our company.

I wrote and wrote and wrote and wrote and I’m not even a writer. I was remembering even the words of the original sports agent, my mentor, the late great Dickie Fox who said: ‘The key to this business is personal relationships.’ Suddenly, it was all pretty clear. The answer was fewer clients. Less money. More attention. Caring for them, caring for ourselves and the games, too. It was the “me” I’d always wanted to be. I took it in a bag to a Copymat in the middle of the night and printed up a hundred and ten copies. Even the cover looked like The Catcher in the Rye. I entitled it ‘The Things We Think and Do Not Say: The Future of Our Business.’…Everybody got a copy…I was 35. I had started my life.”

Jerry Maguire

Jerry Maguire, even after 18 years I still adore you. You had me at hello. Truly.

Fewer clients. Less money. More attention.

A focus on personal relationships.

That was Jerry’s flash of brilliance.

•   •   •

Don’t you just love manifestos? Those personal declarations of heartfelt belief that guide our lives? They’ve been around for ages. From the Ten Commandments to The Declaration of Independence to the Holstee Manifesto, humans have seen the need to publicly define their platforms and declare their moral epiphanies to the world.

Manifestos are a shout-out to humanity. A proclamation of what we will say “yes” to and, more importantly, what we will say “no” to. A statement about how we choose to live our lives.

A calling card.

And every business needs one.

Why do you exist? What are the principles you stand for, those ideals you absolutely will not waver from? What makes you different?

When I started Audacious Muse, I knew it was going to be something special. After spending 10 years in the advertising industry and being privy to all of the surface-skimming fluff, I realized that I wanted to dive deeper with my clients and projects. I wanted to be completely different from all of the other content creators out there and make “storytelling” more than just the newest buzzword.

I was creating the business of my dreams from scratch. Anything was possible.

Before I did one ounce of work… even before setting up a website… I sat my ass in the chair and thoughtfully crafted a business manifesto that perfectly embodies all that Audacious Muse is. I didn’t pull any frenetic all-nighters, a la Jerry Maguire. Instead, I ruminated, letting words and phrases sink into my soul.

I wanted people to understand at a glance what I am about and not have to shuffle through pages of my musings on how the world should be.

Brevity rocks in my world.

And so the Audacious Muse manifesto was born (also known as The Shortest Manifesto Ever)

 

shortest manifesto 1000 w

 

Just seven words to sum up everything that my company stands for.

Seven.

I’ve been wearing Chucks since before it was cool to wear Chucks. They are an integral part of my brand, representing the offbeat way I run my business. I’m notorious for showing up in a dress and Converse sneakers.

But enough about my wardrobe choices.

Here’s the deal.

Knowing what you stand for is an important business anchor. Otherwise, you’re just coasting. And that’s never good for business.

What do you believe? What do you want to shout from the rooftops? Declare your manifesto below.

To digging life instead of ditches,

12 comments leave a reply
  • September 11, 2014 at 3:28 pm
    Halley Gray

    I love that quote from Jerry McGuire! It’s so true and it makes life and business-running so much easier. Well done!

    Reply

    • September 12, 2014 at 12:17 pm
      Maisie

      Thanks, Halley! I’ve just hopped on the Jerry Maguire train. Next stop, Saturday night with a bowl of popcorn, a glass of wine and a whole lotta’ “Show Me the money!”

      Reply

  • September 11, 2014 at 3:43 pm
    Emily

    Great fun, Maisie! And I LOVE that banner image with your manifesto and your kicks.

    Reply

    • September 12, 2014 at 12:18 pm
      Maisie

      Emily… thanks for the comment, girl! Much appreciated. I L-O-V-E my manifesto banner, too. 🙂

      Reply

  • September 11, 2014 at 4:51 pm
    Sara

    I LOVE this idea! And i haven’t seen Jerry McGuire since I was a kid and am thinking maybe I should revisit it. I’m so excited to sit down and craft my own manifesto—thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

    • September 12, 2014 at 12:19 pm
      Maisie

      Great! I can’t wait to see what you develop. Let me know when it’s done, okay?

      Reply

  • September 11, 2014 at 6:03 pm
    Kathryn Brown

    It’s time to write my own manifesto — you’ve inspired me, Maisie!

    Reply

    • September 12, 2014 at 12:20 pm
      Maisie

      Woot! So glad to be of service, Kathryn. Best of luck with your new adventure. You’re going to R-O-C-K it!

      Reply

  • September 11, 2014 at 6:26 pm
    Anne-Marie

    You’re my hero! BADASSERY is lovely in so many ways!

    Reply

    • September 12, 2014 at 12:21 pm
      Maisie

      Besides being effing lovely, it’s also fun to say! 🙂

      Reply

  • September 12, 2014 at 4:56 am
    Devon

    This was the perfect post to read right before heading into my morning commute…I’m hoping today will be filled with swirling words and the tendrils of my own mission statement will begin to emerge.
    Dev

    Reply

  • September 12, 2014 at 12:22 pm
    Maisie

    Thanks, Devon! I’d love to hear about what you come up. Shout it from the rooftops, girl!

    Reply

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