Steven Bartlett may be a visionary entrepreneur, but he is well aware that having a vision is not enough on its own. As part of a partnership with Adobe Express, the fast and easy content app is now on a mission to show people how to turn their vision into actionable steps with the help of a carefully conceived manifesto that aligns with their goals and values. Calling it the “Manifest Method,” the idea is to provide a framework that can help guide entrepreneurs in their early stages. As he put it in an interview with Adobe: “Protesting without action is like setting up the satnav in your car without starting the engine.”
When creating the Manifest-o method, Bartlett, probably best known for The Diary of a CEO podcast and his appearances on BBC Dragons’ Den, drew on his own experience creating and designing a business manifesto for his podcast company. , Flight Studio. , using Adobe Express.
So how is a manifesto different from an ordinary business plan (or even a mission or vision statement)? Adobe senior vice president Claire Darley describes it as having a much more personal resonance. “A manifesto goes beyond the structure of a conventional business plan,” he says. “It is a statement of beliefs, intentions and purposes, focused on aligning your thoughts and actions to realize your vision.” It also relies heavily on the self-help idea of manifesting.
Darley adds that while the manifesto concept is not new, Adobe research suggests that today’s business owners are harnessing the power of manifestos to stay focused on their goals. This is key because big goals, which are often far in the future, can seem daunting and unattainable. Bartlett has noted that seeing your goals visually helps make them “more tangible and less scary.” She hopes that by developing a manifesto, people can form daily habits that can bring them closer to their goals and make the journey less intimidating.
In fact, Bartlett has admitted that he has never written a business plan in his life, but instead has always written a mission and created a five-page vision. It turns them into a manifesto as the business at hand develops, so everyone focuses together.
So what makes a good manifesto? Ideally, it should encompass both personal and business growth, conveying what you stand for and what you are trying to achieve. Framed as such, it can also serve as a daily reminder of why you set out on your path in the first place.
But how do you start creating a manifesto if you’ve never done it before? “Start by reflecting on your core values, your beliefs, and what you really want to achieve,” Darley says. “A manifesto is essentially a statement of intent, so start by writing down your key goals and how you envision your life or business once you’ve achieved them.” He adds that it doesn’t have to be long or complex. Rather, you should take 10 minutes and aim for five powerful statements that define what you stand for and what your goals are.
Bartlett’s advice is to keep manifestos strong. You must distill your beliefs and translate them into productive behavior and your manifesto must include what makes you different and distinctive. Finally, your manifesto should be visual and well designed. This has a number of benefits. Arguably, the work you put into designing it can give the words more weight. We humans have long understood this: think of the mottoes emblazoned on medieval coats of arms. It has also been interesting investigation in the effect of laminating certain documents or objects. The study in question found that The lamination process can make things feel more solid, important, and true. Respondents said laminated documents and objects seemed more valuable because they were more durable. Likewise, a carefully crafted manifesto will seem much more durable than a motto or statement scribbled on a Post-It note.
Today, it’s easy and fun to design something that stands out thanks to the rise of creative digital tools, like Adobe Express with its intuitive toolset, video and animation capabilities, and generative AI capabilities.
Of course, there will be an element of trial and error. You may find that your manifest isn’t working as you expected, or that factors outside your control mean it needs to be modified. Therefore, you should review it periodically and ask yourself if it drives actions that bring you closer to your goals. If this doesn’t happen or the manifesto seems tired and no longer inspiring, you should update it. Refine your goals, clarify your intentions, and break down larger objectives into smaller, easier-to-implement steps. “Manifestering requires patience and adaptability,” Darley says. “Continuously reassess and adjust your approach as necessary, to ensure your manifesto remains a dynamic tool for growth.”
Of course, the applicability of the Manifest-o Method is not limited to business. Once you get the hang of things, you can decide to create multiple manifestos. Bartlett has stressed that it can also be beneficial for your personal life, helping you clarify your values and priorities and stay focused on what really matters.
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