You may have heard the statement, “Start with your WHY?”
The reasons to go into business are very common – to be able to make enough money to support your household without having to answer to someone else. You wanted freedom in how to spend your time. You wanted to control your paycheck.
I meet entrepreneurs who bring home a paycheck that comfortably allows them to pay their bills, and they still want to take the leap of owning their own business. They know for a fact they won’t make millions on day 1 – so why do they do it? Why did you?
Why?
You had a mission in your heart – you wanted to solve a problem, change someone’s life, share your gift with the world, and deliver something people want. So what made you start this particular type of business?
Years ago, on vacation with my family, I struck up a conversation with a hotel employee. She spotted a business book in my hand. (Yes I read about this stuff even on the beach.)
She shared that she would soon be starting her own venture, and when I asked her about the type pf business, she proclaimed that she would open an auto parts store. I asked her why this type of business – did the auto industry run in her family, was she a car enthusiast, etc. Her answer was that she wanted to choose a type of business that was really needed because it would guarantee her a lot of money. With that answer, I lost my enthusiasm for the conversation and didn’t have much advice to offer.
I thought about that conversation for a while – I found it unsettling because her focus was on generating plenty of funds, not so much what the product or service was or that it was going to help the people in her community.
Looking for a mission
I was looking for a mission – something deeper, that would fill a passion, a purpose. If she had said that the people in this island relied heavily on their vehicles she was happy to provide a valuable service to her community, then it would have been a mission of joy and fulfillment.
I have come to discover that when your business purpose and mission are higher than the almighty dollar, your prospects for happiness AND income WILL increase.
My mission is to help fellow small business owners understand the rules and the tools of strategic processes and marketing so they can create a sustainable profit and help as many ideal clients as they can.
Finding your mission
When you find your true mission in your business and you’re filled with a sense of purpose, your happiness and energy shines through – and that attracts success.
When you thought about starting your particular business, what did you set out to accomplish? Never forget your over-all goal – it will keep you on track.
Many times during your business’ life cycle, you will reach a fork in the road.
Should you operate internationally? Should you open an online store? Should you take it from a home business to a brick-and-mortar? Hire a bigger staff? Should you franchise?
Having taken the time to clarify and state your Mission will make the decisions much easier. If you can make changes without compromising your values and your mission, this creates a green light to proceed.
Choosing who will be on your team in the future is also easier when you can communicate your core values and mission and entice and retain team members who share your passion and mission.
What’s Next
Write down as many thoughts about WHY you started this business and what your real goal is for your customer, and even for yourself. Read it out loud. Is it something you can share with the world?
Keep working on the simple expression of your Mission until you feel confident enough to print it on your website, business cards, and LinkedIn profile. Feel proud when you read it. Express it out loud when introducing yourself.
Your mission tells the world about what’s in your heart and where your passion comes from. Your story will attract the BEST people to work with you.