Some business manifestos are elaborate works of art, while others are straight to the point.

Either way, a manifesto is an important element for all brands. It goes beyond the product and chronological history of the company. A well-crafted manifesto portrays the fundamental essence of a company.

Here are five examples to help inspire your own business manifesto.

1. Nike: “Purpose Moves Us”

What’s the meaning behind “Just do it”?

Nike’s beautiful manifesto emphasizes the values that mean the most to its brand: community, sustainability, and equality. The company proudly proclaims:

“Our purpose is to unite the world through sport to create a healthy planet, active communities and an equal playing field for all.”

The best part about Nike’s company manifesto is that it isn’t static — it lives and breathes.

The page shares links to the latest articles and programs that uphold Nike’s brand values, proving that it doesn’t just claim to believe these values; it actually lives them out on a daily basis.

2. Holstee: Transcending a Brand

The Holstee manifesto is more than just a landing page. It’s the basis of the entire company.

From products to events, Holstee’s manifesto infiltrates every part of the company’s image. Without the manifesto, there would be no Holstee . . . or at least, there would be a completely different Holstee.

What sets Holstee’s manifesto apart is how it transcends the company and can resonate with anyone. It does exactly what a manifesto is meant to do — it proclaims how the team wants to live, both professionally and personally.

3. Livestrong: Writing for a Specific Audience

Livestrong does not have an elaborate video or print its manifesto on coasters. Instead, the company uses the power of simplicity to spread its beliefs.

Unlike Holstee’s, Livestrong’s manifesto is specific to the foundation’s mission. As it should be, since Livestrong confronts a distinct issue: fighting cancer.

The tone of Livestrong’s brand resonates in its short, powerful declarations:

“Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything.”

Livestrong’s manifesto is written for those needing a rallying cry. It doesn’t waste time with any fluffy language. The manifesto clearly identifies who the brand is talking to and what tone it wants to present to that audience.

4. Google: Humanizing a Company

Google documents its philosophy into “Ten Things We Know To Be True.” Keep in mind that Google has a huge audience, so the ability to list only ten beliefs is a feat in itself.

Google’s manifesto weaves together its founding principles to explain how they have driven the company to where it is today (and where it’s looking to go in the future). Google does an amazing job of being humble while still demonstrating its almighty power in tech.

A manifesto is a chance for a company to portray a human image to an otherwise masked brand.

When people think of Google, they think of a search bar. This manifesto paints a wider picture of the brand and the philosophy that drives the company forward.

5. 9 Clouds: Clarifying Your Brand

Okay, so we aren’t Google, fundamentally shaping the Internet, or Nike, making awesome athletic wear.

But we are proud of our company manifesto at 9 Clouds. We created it for clarity — both internally and externally.

Our growing staff needs clarity to act as a team and come to work with a common goal. Being a digital marketing agency in South Dakota requires clarity for our community as well.

Our manifesto spells out clearly what 9 Clouds believes in five key statements. It’s simple and to the point. See for yourself!

See the 9 Clouds Manifesto

Improve Your Company Culture

Creating a manifesto is not easy, and it becomes inherently harder once you start the process.

What we learned in creating our manifesto is that every employee has a slightly different perspective on the company’s current values and future goals. Was the final result 100% accepted by each and every employee? Nope. But that’s okay.

A manifesto does not reflect one person. It reflects a compromise of beliefs and goals to chart the future of an entire company. The result is something everyone can stand behind in unity.

We hope these manifestos inspire you to take the initiative and create your own manifesto. If you’d like any advice, please reach out.

Looking for more ways to improve your company culture? Check out our suite of articles on that very topic!

Read More Articles about Company Culture