Steven Bartlett might be a visionary entrepreneur but he’s all-too aware that having vision isn’t enough on its own. As part of a partnership with Adobe Express, the quick and easy content app, he’s 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-o 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: “Manifestation without action is like setting your car’s sat-nav without turning the engine on.”
When creating the Manifest-o Method, Bartlett, who is probably best known for The Diary of a CEO podcast and his appearances on BBC Dragons’ Den, drew on his own experience of creating and designing a business manifesto for his podcast company, Flight Studio, using Adobe Express.
So how does a manifesto differ from an ordinary business plan – or, indeed a mission or vision statement? Adobe senior vice-president Claire Darley describes it as something with much more personal resonance. “A manifesto goes beyond the structure of a conventional business plan,” she says. “It’s a declaration of belief, intention and purpose – focused on aligning your thoughts and actions to bring your vision to life.” It also draws heavily on the self-help idea of manifesting.
Darley adds that while the concept of a manifesto is not new, Adobe’s 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 a long way into the future, can feel daunting and unachievable. Bartlett has noted that seeing his goals visually helps make them “more tangible and less scary”. He hopes that by developing a manifesto, people will be able to form daily habits that can edge them closer to their goals and make the journey less intimidating.
Indeed, 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 deck. He turns these into a manifesto as the business in question develops, so that everyone is focused together.
So what makes a good manifesto? Ideally, it should straddle both personal and business growth – conveying what you stand for and what you’re 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 one before? “Start by reflecting on your core values, beliefs, and what you truly want to achieve,” says Darley. “A manifesto is essentially a declaration of intent, so begin by writing down your key goals and how you envision your life or business once those goals are achieved.” She adds that it need not 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 punchy. You should distil your beliefs and translate them into productive behaviour and your manifesto should include what makes you different and distinctive. Finally, your manifesto should be visual and well-designed. This has a number of benefits. The work you put into designing it can arguably give the words more heft. Humans have long understood this – think about the mottos emblazoned on medieval coats of arms. There has also been interesting research into the effect of laminating certain documents or objects. The study in question found that the process of laminating can make things feel more solid, important and true. Respondents said that the laminated documents and objects felt more valuable because they were more durable. In the same vein, a carefully-designed manifesto will arguably feel much more durable than a motto or affirmation scrawled 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, such as Adobe Express with its suite of intuitive tools, video and animation functions, and generative-AI features.
Of course, there will be an element of trial and error. You may discover your manifesto doesn’t work as you’d hoped it would, or that factors beyond your control mean that it needs altering. So you should revisit it regularly and ask if it’s driving actions that bring you closer to your goals. If this isn’t happening or the manifesto feels 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. “Manifesting requires both patience and adaptability,” says Darley. “Continuously reassess, and adjust your approach as needed, 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 may decide to create multiple manifestos. Bartlett has stressed how it can also be beneficial for your personal life, helping you clarify your values and priorities and stay focused on what truly matters.
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