MEANING & IMPORTANCE
Knowing your WHY is not about money, status, or climbing the corporate ladder. Rather, it’s an honest, introspective assessment to discern what’s going to keep you moving forward with joy and grit – even when it’s tough – on a daily basis. It's about being able to communicate to your treasured team why their work matters and how it connects to the goals of the small business - the goals that are driven by your WHY. It's about building an intimate connection with your clients or customers, so that, through your business story, they too feel a common sense of purpose with each purchase. When everyone aligns with shared purpose, it's easier to set well-defined business goals and to develop marketing campaigns targeting the right potential leads. It's also empowering to be able to confidently sideline distractors leading your small business astray from your WHY. Saying goodbye to time wasters and money pits, you and your treasured team can work more efficiently, thereby having the opportunity to make more memories with loved ones or take critical moments, without guilt, for self-care and replenishment. DETERMINING YOUR WHY But how do you figure out what your WHY is? To get started, find a comfy, peaceful place where you enjoy relaxing - your favorite chair, the amazing coffee shop up the street, on a bench in a park, in bed with your puppies snuggling next to you. Make sure that you have your computer or pen and paper with you; then take a few deep breaths to clear your mind for about 60 seconds. Getting your mindset in the right place in an environment where you feel at ease will make this exercise feel like less of an obligation...and perhaps even fun and insightful. Now that your mind is ready to focus, here are few questions to ask yourself...without worrying about what anyone else thinks or how outlandish your thoughts may seem. This is your WHY - not anyone else's - and, as you've learned above, must become the centerpiece of your business. With that in mind, jot down your responses based on your heart, your experiences, and what YOU want for your life and business. The only way this exercise truly becomes valuable is if your responses reflect YOU and your core values.
★ What initially sparked your interest in this business?
★ What motivates you to get up in the morning to do this business? ★ What problem are you trying to solve for your clients or customers by offering your services or products? ★ What inspires you about this type of business? ★ What is your purpose in operating this business? What are you trying to accomplish? ★ What is the story behind your business? How did it come to be this one, this type, your passion? ★ Why do you even care about the services or products your business offers? Why do your clients or customers? ★ For whom are you doing this business? Your kids? Others' expectations? A fire in your belly? ★ How does this business align with your own personal and financial objectives in the next 3 to 5 years? How about long term? ★ How does your business support your community or the greater good? ★ In what ways does this business reflect your values, what you really care about in life?
Note that you're not likely to finish this exercise in one sitting - and that's perfectly ok and expected. Take the time to look inward, bear your soul, and thoughtfully answer each question. Once you've drafted all of them, let your responses sit for a while and come back after a few days to refine them even more. When your responses truly mirror your values, your reasons, and your passions, only then are you ready for the next step - crafting your WHY statement, another consequential exercise for a different day.
In the comments, please let me know your struggles and breakthroughs while working on this exercise. I would love to hear about your experiences and any suggestions that you may have. If there is anything I can do to support you during this exercise, please feel free to reach out to me. Wishing you much success,
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