Ed Liu, OD, of Foothill Optometric Group in Pleasnton, Calif., believes that a mission statement is an essential tool for a successful practice to continue to grow. A good mission statement that highlights key practice attributes can form the basis of a marketing campaign. Also, frequent internal references to the practice mission statement can keep the entire staff on the same path and help in critical decision making. One tip: At a staff meeting, reward the first employee who can recite the practice mission statement.