What Is a Vision Board for Business?

A vision board for business is essentially a visual representation of your business goals and aspirations, composed of images, phrases, and words that resonate with your vision. This could include a new product you wish to launch, the office space you want to work in, or the market leader you aspire to be. It’s a physical or digital collage of what you want your business to be, acting as a powerful reminder and motivator.

By displaying it somewhere you see it daily, you’re constantly reminded of your business goals, keeping them at the forefront of your mind and sparking motivation to achieve them. It’s a fantastic tool for entrepreneurs, helping you to visualise your business success and stay focused on your path.

The Importance of a Business Visual Board and Why Every Entrepreneur Should Create One

The significance of creating a business vision board is often understated, yet its power is undeniable. It’s more than just a collection of pictures and words – it’s an entrepreneur’s compass, a guiding beacon amidst the fluctuating tides of the business world. But why should every entrepreneur create one?

Helps to Visualise Your Success

A vision board is a great way to materialize your abstract goals into a tangible, visual form. By externalizing your aspirations onto a visual board, you effectively communicate your goals to your subconscious mind, leveraging the power of visual stimuli. This process not only solidifies your objectives but also serves as a constant reminder of the success you’re striving towards.

Each glance at your vision board represents a small step towards goal realization, reinforcing your commitment and fostering a mindset of success. Over time, this visualization process can assist you in developing a clear roadmap to success, transforming your business dreams into achievable goals.

Demands Clear Outcomes

Creating a vision board can help you articulate clear, measurable outcomes for your business. This process isn’t about vague aspirations or wishful thinking. Instead, it’s about setting tangible targets that resonate with your business vision. Whether it’s achieving a specific milestone, such as launching a new product line or reaching a revenue goal, each element on your vision board should correspond to a concrete outcome.

A vision board can help bring clarity to your business’s purpose, propelling it forward by providing a well-defined direction and a clear sense of what success looks like. Furthermore, having these clearly defined outcomes can also facilitate better strategic planning, as you know exactly what you’re aiming for.

Helps Inspire & Align Your Team

A vision board can help create a shared point of inspiration and alignment for your entire team. It’s not just about your personal goals; it’s about the collective goals of your business. By sharing your vision board with your team, you’re leveraging the power of a vision board to help invite them into your dream, fostering a shared sense of purpose that can greatly enhance team cohesion and motivation.

Seeing the business’s aspirations laid out visually can inspire your team to strive towards these shared goals, instilling a sense of ownership and commitment within each individual. Moreover, a vision board can serve as a powerful tool for aligning team efforts towards common objectives, ensuring everyone is rowing in the same direction.

Constant Reminder of Priorities

Having a vision board is like having a constant reminder of your business priorities. It’s like having your goals and aspirations right in front of you, helping you stay focused on what truly matters to your business. It’s like having a filter for decision-making, making it easier to allocate your time, resources, and effort more effectively.

With your priorities laid out visibly and compellingly, it’s easier to resist distractions and stay on track toward your business objectives. Even amidst the day-to-day tasks and challenges, your vision board serves as a steadfast reminder of the bigger picture and your ultimate goals. Regularly interacting with your vision board reinforces your priorities, keeping you anchored to your business mission and guiding you toward the future you desire.

Helps You Live Intentionally

Having a vision board is incredibly valuable. It helps you live with purpose, aligning your daily actions and decisions with your goals. It serves as a daily reminder of where you want to go and who you want to become as a business leader. When you refer to your vision board, you can ensure that every choice and initiative aligns with your aspirations.

This intentional living propels you towards success as you actively work towards your goals. A vision board cultivates a proactive and motivated mindset, ensuring that every step you take brings you closer to your vision. It’s not just about achieving goals; it’s about consciously shaping your business story every day.

What is The Difference Between a Personal and Business Visual Board?

The difference between a personal and business vision board lies in the goals they represent. A personal vision board brings your aspirations, dreams, and goals to life. It encompasses personal development, health, relationships, and lifestyle ambitions. It’s a reflection of who you are and who you want to be, serving as a constant reminder.

On the other hand, a business vision board represents the collective aspirations and objectives of your enterprise. It includes targets like revenue goals, expansion plans, market dominance, and product or service development. It unites the team towards common goals, fostering a shared purpose.

While personal vision boards focus on individual growth and fulfillment, business vision boards emphasize collective progress and organizational success. Both types of vision boards aim to turn dreams into tangible, visually compelling goals, that inspire action and facilitate achievement.

10 Steps on How to Create a Vision Board for Your Business

Creating a vision board may seem daunting, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. But fear not, here are the top steps to create a vision board as a pro.

1. Clarify Your Vision

Before you start pasting images and words onto your board, your first task is to gain a clear and precise understanding of your vision. Ask yourself, “What do I want for my business? Where do I see it in the next five years? What does success look like for me?” Reflect on the purpose of your business, its values, and your ambitions for it.

Your vision might encompass financial targets, expansion plans, product launches, or the impact you wish to have on your community or industry. Don’t rush this process. Take your time to discover the truly motivating forces behind your business’s mission. Write these down and make them as specific as possible.

2. Find Some Off Time to Block Distractions

Creating a vision board is an immersive process that requires undivided attention and focus. To do it justice, carve out a period of uninterrupted time where you can concentrate solely on the task at hand. You might choose to dedicate an entire day, or perhaps a few hours spread across several days. Whatever time frame you select, ensure that it’s free from distractions like phone calls, emails, meetings, or other day-to-day demands. This time is solely for you and your business vision, a moment to reflect, to dream, and to plan.

Putting this in your schedule also emphasises its importance, showing that it’s not merely a side task, but rather a strategic exercise vital to your business success. During this time, allow your thoughts to flow freely, explore possibilities, and grasp the future you want for your business. Be patient with the process, after all, beautiful visions aren’t built in a rush.

3. Ask Yourself Specific Questions

To further refine your vision and to ensure that it aligns with your business goals and dreams, it’s essential to ask yourself specific, thought-provoking questions. These might include:

• What values do I want my business to embody?
• What specific milestones do I wish to achieve in the next year? In the next five years?
• What impact do I envision my business having on the community or industry?
• Who are the key customers or stakeholders I want to serve or influence?
• What unique selling proposition do I want my business to be known for?

By asking these questions, you drill deeper into your business aspirations, creating a comprehensive and detailed vision. Take into consideration every aspect of your business, from customer relations to product development, from market presence to community impact.

4. Determine the Outcomes You Want to Achieve

The next important step in creating your vision board is all about identifying the specific outcomes you want to achieve. These outcomes go beyond just targets; they are the tangible results that align with your business vision. It could be financial goals like revenue growth, operational goals like expanding into new markets, or even softer objectives like improving employee satisfaction or enhancing customer service.

Try to be as precise as possible when defining your outcomes. Instead of saying, “I want to grow my business,” consider saying something like, “I want to increase my annual revenue by 20%” or “I want to expand my business to three new cities.” By having clear and measurable outcomes, your vision board will have a sense of direction, allowing you to track your progress and celebrate your successes along the way.

5. Create a List of Long-Term Business Goals

When you create a vision board, it’s crucial to develop a list of long-term goals. These goals represent the bigger picture, the dreams you strive for beyond your immediate targets. They can range from becoming an industry leader, innovating solutions, to establishing a global presence or building a sustainable business model. As you define your long-term goals, think about the scope of your vision, the scale of your ambition, and the timeframe for achieving these objectives.

Make sure your goals are ambitious yet realistic, and they align with your business values and mission. It’s essential to write them down explicitly, making them tangible and measurable. Instead of simply aiming to ‘be the best’, articulate what ‘best’ means in practical terms for your business. Does it mean having the highest market share, earning positive customer reviews, or making a significant impact on society? By defining your long-term goals, you give your vision board substance and a clear path to success.

6. Find Words and Images that Represent Your Vision

To bring your vision board to life, start collecting words, phrases, and images that represent your dreams. Visuals play a crucial role in your vision board as they evoke emotions and transform your goals into tangible representations. Look for inspiring images that reflect your business objectives and align with your long-term aspirations. These can be pictures of places you want your business to reach, people you aspire to collaborate with, or symbols that embody your business values.

Equally important are the words you choose. They should be impactful and motivational, capturing your business vision succinctly and powerfully. Think of words that describe the future state of your business when your vision becomes a reality. These can be words like ‘innovative,’ ‘inspiring,’ ‘leader,’ ‘impactful,’ or specific phrases that resonate with your goals. You can find these words and images in magazines, newspapers, or online. Let your creativity guide your selection.

7. Get the Needed Supplies

Creating your vision board requires a few essential supplies. Start with a solid board or canvas; this will serve as the base of your vision board. It can be as large or small as you prefer, but ensure it has enough space to accommodate all your visual and textual elements. Next, gather a collection of magazines, newspapers, or printed pictures that can supply the images and words to represent your vision.

Coloured markers or pens, scissors, and adhesive are also necessary for cutting out your chosen elements and affixing them to your board. You might also consider including decorative items such as stickers, glitter, or ribbons to add a personal touch and make your vision board more visually appealing.

8. Arrange Your Materials

The arrangement of your materials on your vision board is a critical step in the process. It’s important that your board isn’t merely an assortment of images and words, but tells a story and reflects your underlying business vision. Begin by loosely placing your cut-out images and phrases on the board. Don’t adhere to them yet, but arrange them in a way that feels right to you. You might want to group similar ideas, create a flow of concepts from one area of your business to another, or even arrange them from short-term to long-term goals.

The arrangement should be intuitive to you, embodying your vision for your business and the path you envision to achieve it. It’s also worth considering the aesthetic aspect—your vision board should be visually stimulating and inspiring, a piece that you’d be proud to display. Once you’re satisfied with your arrangement, start affixing the materials onto the board. You can use glue, pins, or even tape for this.

9. Let the Creativity Flow

As you begin to affix your materials onto the board, let your creativity take the reins. Your vision board is a visual representation of your business aspirations, and there’s no one-size-fits-all template to follow. It’s a personalised, unique, and dynamic entity that mirrors your motivations, ambitions, and dreams for your enterprise. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the arrangement, colours, or aesthetics of the board.

If a particular image or word doesn’t feel right, replace it. If an innovative idea strikes you midway, incorporate it. Feel free to add quotes, write down affirmations, or even sketch symbols that resonate with you. The more you imbue your vision board with your essence, the more it will inspire and motivate you in your journey towards achieving your goals.

10. Use Your Vision Board Daily

A vision board is not just a decorative piece; it’s a powerful motivational tool that should be used daily. Make it a habit to look at your vision board every day, preferably at the start of your day. This simple practice can help you to better align your daily actions and decisions with your goals. When you look at your board, take a moment to reflect on the images and words you’ve chosen.

Visualise your business achieving these goals, and allow yourself to feel the success and fulfilment this brings. This exercise doesn’t have to take long, even a few minutes can have a profound impact. By consistently keeping your vision at

How is Creating a Digital Vision Board Different Than a Physical Vision Board?

Creating a digital poster board varies from a physical one in several key ways, despite the initial steps for both being largely similar. Much like when you create a physical vision board, a digital board starts with clarifying your vision and setting goals, deciding on the aspects you want to focus on, and gathering images and words that resonate with your business aspirations.

However, the process diverges when it comes to the creation and maintenance of the board. For a digital board, instead of a physical canvas, you’ll need a digital platform or software, such as Canva, Pinterest, or a dedicated vision board app. Images and words are sourced from the internet or digital magazines, which can offer a broader range of content compared to physical sources.

Arranging your materials also differs in a digital platform. Drag and drop features allow for easy placement and rearrangement, offering a fluid and flexible design process. Unlike a physical board, changes in a digital board can be made without the mess of glue or the permanence of pins.

Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of a digital board is its portability and accessibility. Instead of hanging your vision board in your office, you can have it on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, ensuring your business vision is always at your fingertips no matter where you are. The fact that you can see your vision board wherever you are can help keep your goals front and centre no matter what your day throws at you.

The digital format also lends itself to easy updates. As your business grows and evolves, so too will your vision. With a digital board, adapting to this evolution is as simple as a few clicks, whereas a physical board may require a complete overhaul.

1. Choose Your Online Tool

The digital platform you select for your vision board is crucial, as it will set the foundation for your creative process. There are a plethora of tools available online, each offering distinct features that can cater to different needs and preferences. Consider tools such as Canva, an easy-to-use design platform that offers a wide range of templates and graphics which you can customise to create your vision board. Pinterest, on the other hand, is a treasure trove of inspiration where you can curate a collection of pins that resonate with your goals.

There are also dedicated vision board apps like Trello and Vision Board by Kerie Logan, which are designed specifically for creating digital boards and come with intuitive interfaces and helpful features. As you explore these tools, consider the ease of use, flexibility, cost, and accessibility of various devices. Remember, the primary goal here is to create a vision board that you can interact with regularly, so choose a tool that fits comfortably into your routine.

2. Source Your Images

The internet provides an abundant well of visual content that can be leveraged for your online vision board. Start by identifying key themes or elements that reflect your goals and vision. These could be anything from photos of successful entrepreneurs you admire to images of growth, innovation, and success. Use keywords related to these themes to search for your images.

Platforms such as Google Images, Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay are fantastic resources for high-quality, royalty-free images that can be used without any copyright concerns. You can also pull content from online magazines, blogs, and social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Look for images that not only represent your goals but also evoke the feelings you wish to experience when you achieve them.

3. Use a Template

One of the advantages of creating a digital board is the availability of various templates to help streamline the design process. Most online design tools offer a selection of free vision board templates that can be customised to match your vision and goals. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a novice, these templates can provide a structured canvas to begin your creative process.

When choosing a template, consider the layout and the number of elements it can accommodate. You want a template that provides enough space for your images, quotes, and affirmations without looking cluttered. The layout should allow a natural flow, guiding the viewer’s eye through the board in a coherent manner.

Also, consider the aesthetic of the template. It should be visually pleasing and align with the overall feel of your vision. Once you’ve selected a suitable template, you can start adding your images, words, and any other elements you’ve prepared. If needed, tweak the template by adjusting colours, fonts, and element sizes to make it truly yours.

4. Add Images and Quotes to Your Digital Vision Board

The next step in creating your digital dream board is to begin adding your carefully curated images and relevant quotes. Begin by uploading your chosen images to your digital platform. Remember that these images represent your goals for the year, so think critically about their placement on the board. Arrange them in a manner that makes sense to you, bearing in mind that the board should guide your eye smoothly from one idea to the next.

Adding inspirational quotes to your vision board will help to keep you motivated and inspired. These are words that resonate with your business aspirations and serve as daily affirmations of your path to success. Choose quotes that inspire you, fuel your passion, and strengthen your resolve to reach your goals. These could be business mottos, personal mantras, or thought-provoking statements from successful entrepreneurs you admire.

The digital platform you are using will likely have text editing tools that allow you to customise the appearance of your quotes. Play around with different fonts, colours, and sizes until you find a style that complements the visual elements of your board. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold, attention-grabbing text styles for quotes that hold significant importance.

5. Save Your Image

Upon completing your digital vision board, it’s crucial to save your work. Most digital platforms will offer a save or export option, typically found in the file menu or represented by a disk icon. You should choose a high-resolution output, such as PNG or JPEG, to maintain the quality of your images and text. Remember to select a suitable location on your device to store the file, preferably somewhere easily accessible for frequent viewing.

Keep in mind that one of the greatest benefits of a digital vision board is its portability, so consider saving a copy on your mobile device or in a cloud storage service for easy access on the go. It’s also a good idea to back up your vision board periodically, especially after making significant updates or changes. With your vision board saved you’re ready to start using it as a daily source of inspiration and motivation for your goals.

What Should a Business Visual Board Include?

The content on your visual board should serve as a reminder of where your business is heading and what you aspire to achieve. It’s more than just a collection of images and quotes; it’s a visual representation of your business strategy, short-term goals, long-term objectives, and the milestones that mark your journey to success.

The specific elements might vary depending on the nature of your business and personal preferences, but there are a few key components that every business vision board should include. Let’s delve into these crucial elements that can turn your visual board into an efficient tool for business growth and success.

1. The company’s mission statement
2. Inspirational quotes
3. Visual representations of goals
4. Photos of successful people in the industry
5. A timeline of short-term and long-term goals
6. Lists of keywords that best represent the company’s values and goals
7. Colorful images and designs
8. Charts, tables, and diagrams that represent progress
9. Ideas and notes about potential strategies and tactics
10. Affirmations and mantras to boost morale

Inspiring Ideas for a Business Vision Board

Now that we’ve explored the essential elements of a business vision board, it’s time to ignite your creativity and explore some inspiring business vision board ideas.

Goal-Specific Vision Boards

Goal-specific vision boards are a fantastic tool for businesses that have clear, defined objectives. This type of vision board focuses on a single goal or area of your business, such as launching a new product, penetrating a new market, or improving customer satisfaction. To create this, you’ll need  to find images, quotes, and other visual elements that align with this specific goal.

The laser-focused nature of a goal-specific vision board can provide a direct and constant reminder of what you’re working towards, making it a highly effective tool in manifesting your goals and desires.

Weekly Question Vision Boards

Weekly question boards serve as an efficient tool to engage your team and promote an ongoing dialogue about your business’s strategic direction. These boards focus on a key question or theme each week, encouraging everyone to contribute their thoughts, ideas, and answers. It can be as simple as, “What can we do to enhance customer engagement this week?” or as complex as, “How do we innovate to stay ahead of our competitors?”

Place your vision board strategically in the workspace so team members can add their contributions throughout the week. This dynamic nature of the board fosters an environment of continuous learning and improvement, stimulating creativity, and fostering a culture of collaboration and shared ownership in achieving the company’s vision. team members to add their contributions throughout the week.

Competitor-based Vision Boards

Competitor-based boards can serve as a compelling tool for businesses wanting to stay ahead of the curve in their respective market. This type of board focuses on your business’s competition, helping to keep a pulse on their strategies, innovations, and potential threats they may pose.

It might include news articles about competitors, analyses of their marketing campaigns, snapshots of their product innovations, or even excerpts from their customer reviews. The goal here is not to replicate what they’re doing but to understand their strategies, learn from their successes and failures, and carve out a unique competitive edge for your business.

Business Milestone Celebration Vision Boards

Business milestone celebration vision boards serve as a vivid reminder of your company’s achievements and the progress you’ve made. This type of vision board focuses on celebrating significant milestones, whether it’s the launch of a new product, the achievement of a sales target, or the completion of a major project. On this board, you might display photographs of team celebrations, copies of congratulatory emails, press releases, or even snippets of positive customer feedback.

Celebrating these milestones not only boosts team morale and fosters a culture of recognition but also reflects on the journey you’ve undertaken, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the successes you’ve achieved. This vision board serves as a constant reminder of your capacity for accomplishment and encourages the team to strive for further success.

All-in-one Vision Boards

All-in-one boards are a comprehensive tool that encapsulates all aspects of your business vision and strategy. They serve as a one-stop visual platform where you can see everything from your mission statement, goals, and values, to your competitor analysis, milestone celebrations, and plans. These boards incorporate elements from goal-specific, question-driven, competitor-based, and milestone celebration boards, providing a holistic view of your business direction.

They are particularly beneficial for businesses that have diverse objectives and a wide array of projects running concurrently. By providing a complete visual snapshot of your business at a given point in time, the all-in-one vision boards allow you to track progress, inspire your team, and ensure alignment with your overarching business strategy.

FAQs

What colour is best for a business vision board?

The colour best suited for a business vision board depends on your company’s brand colours and the emotions you wish to evoke. Colours are powerful tools for communication and can significantly influence mood and feelings. For instance, blue can inspire trust and reliability, making it a good choice for businesses in the financial or healthcare sectors.

Red can incite energy and passion, which might be ideal for a start-up or creative agency. Green can convey growth and stability, suitable for an environmentally-focused organisation.

How long does it take to make a vision board?

The time it takes to create a vision board varies greatly depending on its complexity and the level of detail you intend to include. For a simple goal-specific vision board, you might need a few hours to gather the necessary materials, clarify your goal, and arrange your visuals. On the other hand, a comprehensive all-in-one vision board, which encompasses various aspects of your business plan, might take several days or even weeks to complete.

This includes the time for brainstorming, collecting relevant information and materials, and organising them coherently on the board. Ultimately, the process is not about speed, but about intentionality and alignment with your business objectives.

What is the success rate of a business vision board?

The success rate of a business vision board is not quantifiable in the traditional sense as it is not a direct revenue-generating tool. However, the effectiveness of a vision board can be evaluated in terms of improved focus, alignment with business objectives, increased motivation, and enhanced team cohesion. It acts as a catalyst for strategic planning, fosters creativity, and promotes a culture of collaboration and shared ownership in achieving the company’s vision.

So, while it may not guarantee a specific percentage increase in profits or sales, it contributes significantly to creating an environment conducive to business growth and success. It’s also important to remember that the success of a vision board largely depends on the commitment and involvement of the team in its creation and implementation. Updating the vision board regularly and using it as a focal point for discussions and decision-making will also enhance its effectiveness.