The Business Document That Transformed Our Business (And Tripled Revenue and Profits) in 24-Months
"The best way to predict your future is to create it."
A Turning Point in Newport Beach
14 years ago, I attended a conference in Newport Beach, CA, that changed my life.
At the time, I was working as a hiring and project manager for my family’s telephone answering service.
Maybe you can relate—we were doing fine, but I felt stuck.
I wasn’t sure how to break through to the next level, and honestly, the weight of running and growing a 24/7/365 business, felt overwhelming.
Then, Cameron Herold, the former COO of 1-800-GotJunk, introduced me to the concept of the “Painted Picture.”
Cameron explained that as leaders, we often have a clear picture in our heads of what we want our businesses to become.
But here’s the problem: that vision is trapped in our minds, unspoken and misunderstood by our teams.
He shared how using visualization techniques—the same ones elite athletes use—can turn those internal aspirations and dreams into something tangible and inspiring.
That day, the seed for what I now call the 3-Year Vision was planted.
What is a 3-Year Vision?
Let me ask you this: Have you ever imagined what your business could look like three years from now if everything went right? That’s exactly what a 3-Year Vision is. A 3-6 page document that vividly describes your ideal business three years into the future. It paints a picture of how your business looks, feels, and operates—at double (or even greater) your current size or impact.
Think of it like writing a letter from the future, detailing every aspect of your success: your achievements, your culture, the way people talk about your brand. It’s not just a dream - it’s a snapshot of your ideal future. It’s about clarity, alignment, and creating something your team can rally behind.
My Journey: From Hesitation to Transformation
The Painted Picture concept hit me like a bolt of lightning. That very afternoon, back in my hotel room, I started drafting my vision for our business. But here’s the twist—it took me two years to share it with my team. Why? Fear. Fear that they’d think I was being unrealistic. Fear that it was too ambitious.
Finally, one afternoon, I got tired of second-guessing myself, crafted an email to the team and hit send. To my surprise, their responses weren’t just supportive; they were energized. Suddenly, we were united around a shared future. Revenue and profits soared, but what mattered most was the purpose and alignment we felt as a team. Within two years, we were named the #12 Best Small Company to Work For in the United States by Fortune Magazine.
Why Create Your 3-Year Vision?
Here’s why this process is so powerful:
Alignment: Unite your team around a shared purpose.
Attraction: Draw top talent who align with your vision and culture.
Decision-Making: Make choices with speed, confidence and clarity.
Cultural Strength: Define and reinforce your values and behaviors that drive results.
Growth Roadmap: Set a clear path for scaling your business.
Inspiration: Ignite excitement and purpose for your team—and for you.
How to Craft Your 3-Year Vision
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Grab a notebook and your favorite pen. Handwriting taps into your creativity in ways typing just can’t. Find a quiet space and let your thoughts flow freely.
Step 2: Find an Inspiring Location
Where do you feel most creative? For me, it was a hotel balcony overlooking the ocean. For you, it might be a quiet garden, a mountain overlook, or even your kitchen table. The key is to step away from your usual workspace and allow yourself to dream.
Step 3: Free Your Mind
Before diving in, take a moment to relax. Go for a walk, listen to music, or do whatever helps you let go of distractions. The more open and positive you feel, the easier it will be to imagine your future.
Step 4: Imagine the Future
Close your eyes and think about your business three years from now. Don’t worry about the how yet—just focus on the what. Ask yourself:
How does your business operate day-to-day?
What do your clients, employees, and partners say about you?
What’s your culture like? Your financial success?
How do you feel leading this business?
Step 5: Capture Your Vision
Jot down every idea that comes to mind. Don’t worry about perfection—just get it on paper. Use bullet points, phrases, or sketches to bring your ideas to life.
Step 6: Organize Your Vision
Once you’ve brainstormed, group your ideas into categories like Sales, Operations, Finance, and Culture. Write complete sentences that reflect your future business in vivid detail.
Resources
Your 3-Year Vision can unlock hope, clarity, and purpose—not just for you but for your entire team. Ready to begin? Start with this simple tool: 3-Year Vision Questions here >>
Want inspiration? Here’s the vision I created for my family’s business: Advantage Answering+ Painted Picture >>. And for a long-term perspective, explore our CultureStoke 2028 Vision here >>.
Let’s Build Your Dream Business
This process has helped me and hundreds of leaders transform their organizations.
Now, it’s your turn.
Let’s make your vision a reality.
Marty Imes | CultureStoke Co-Founder
P.S. If you’d like support creating your very own 3-year vision, just include the word “vision” and we’ll follow up.
