What will your legacy be? It’s a question many of us ponder, but in business, it often takes on a practical urgency. For most leaders, “legacy” isn't just what we build financially or structurally; it's the imprint we leave on those we’ve led. Blake Brewer, founder of the Legacy Letter Challenge, has inspired many to write letters to their loved ones as a way to leave nothing unsaid—an endeavor to pass on guidance, motivation, and a sense of identity. But what if we applied the same approach to our businesses?

A "Legacy Letter for Your Business" could be a way to provide employees, future leaders, and even clients with a roadmap of your core values and lessons, shared in your voice. Here’s a thought on how it could look, along with ideas on making it uniquely meaningful for your business journey.

Why a Business Legacy Letter?

Much like personal legacy letters, business legacy letters ensure that your message reaches those who’ll continue the work. They’re about leaving no words unsaid, offering a guiding hand for times of uncertainty, and defining the "why" behind the decisions you've made. It's about preserving what you hold most dear in the form of heartfelt advice, encouragement, and the reminders that have carried you through challenging times.

Components of a Business Legacy Letter

Inspired by Brewer’s elements of a personal legacy letter, here are some ways to make your letter a powerful asset for those carrying on your business vision:

1. Apologies and Acknowledgments
   No business journey is perfect, and neither are the relationships within it. If there are moments you regret or tough calls you wish could have been gentler, acknowledging them shows humility and humanity—traits people remember and respect. Address these candidly to strengthen the trust in your legacy.

2. “I Believe in You” Statements
   A personal legacy letter often reassures loved ones of their worth and potential. Likewise, a business legacy letter can reaffirm confidence in your team or successors. Conveying, “I believe in your ability to carry this forward,” gives others permission to lead confidently and make bold decisions in alignment with your original vision.

3. Memories and Lessons Learned
   Share defining moments—mistakes that became pivotal lessons, wins that redefined success, or quiet milestones only you noticed. These stories humanize your business journey and can provide unique insights that no handbook or business manual could replicate.

4. Advice for the Future
   Leave behind actionable wisdom: how to handle high-stress quarters, how to stay grounded in mission amid growth, or how to navigate inevitable industry shifts. Frame this guidance not as rigid rules, but as principles that helped you thrive. This advice can be both a map and an anchor in changing times.

5. Expressions of Gratitude and Pride
   Let your team know how proud you are of their achievements, resilience, and dedication. Sharing gratitude boosts morale, reinforces a shared sense of purpose, and helps those you leave behind feel appreciated—a gift that transcends any role or title.

Starting Small

Does crafting a legacy letter for your business as a whole sound overwhelming? Start small. It's the end of the year - take a moment to look back and write a retrospective message for your employees covering the topics above. What do you need to apologize for and acknowledge and reflect on and learn from, and who do you need affirm, thank or advise - just considering the events of this past year? If one overarching legacy letter is too daunting, break it down and start a new, yearly tradition on this smaller scale.

The Impact of a Business Legacy Letter

Unlike a business continuity plan or succession strategy, a legacy letter is intensely personal. It captures the essence of who you are as a leader, not just what you've built. When done thoughtfully, this letter can help those who step into your shoes stay grounded, resilient, and motivated by more than just numbers on a balance sheet.

It's almost the new year, and there's no better time than the present to take time to consider your legacy. Make 2025 the year you capture a personal, thoughtful roadmap for your company and team. In a world where businesses increasingly look for purpose and leaders strive for authenticity, your legacy letter can be a reminder of what really matters. It’s an invitation for those following you to continue building, growing, and leading with heart.