On July 4th, 1776, Benjamin Franklin was one of the group of politicians and business men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Franklin is America's original entrepreneur and inventor. He created many worthwhile products, including: bifocals, an odometer, the lightning rod, and the wood stove.

Beneath Franklin's successes lies the principle of peer advisory groups. Franklin understood the power of a small group of people dedicated to providing each other support and ideas for advancement. His regular meetings with a group of 12 members played a role in his great achievements.

Today, groups of small business owners from diverse industries meet monthly to solve problems, share best practices and offer each other peer support. Centuries later, the success principles of America's first entrepreneur still stands ever present.

Over 85% of corporations have a mission statement, according to Bain & Company but most are drab with a bland description of serving customers and shareholders. Reviewing big corporate mission statements leaves me with the feeling that comic strip character Dilbert was at work. Dilbert.com pokes fun at the process of making a mission statement with the Dilbert Mission Statement Generator.

A Dilbert generated mission sounds much like the statements of some big companies: "Our mission is to competently enhance value-added infrastructures and synergistically negotiate cost effective opportunities to meet our customer's needs." Sounds like a string of meaningless corporate speak for customers and employees alike.

A mission statement is the guiding light of your company. It should be concise and inspiring. Here's a few that fit that criteria:

• "Our mission is to bring the teddy bear to life." -- Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc.
• "Provide freedom and independence to people with limited mobility." -- Scooter Store
• "To make, distribute & sell the finest quality all natural ice cream & euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment." -- Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
Share your mission statement.