Your business is nothing without a clear "why".
The hustle isn't everything.
When you're starting your own business, having a clear "why" is the most important thing. Why are you doing this, both for you and for your customer? What is the purpose behind your business? Why is doing this now important? Many entrepreneurs get so wrapped up in the day-to-day operations of their company that they lose sight of why they started it in the first place. Perhaps you too have been there? I know I have! All those to-do lists have a way of making you forget why you are running the business in the first place. And if you don't have a strong sense of purpose, it will be difficult to stay motivated when things get tough. In this blog post, I'll discuss how you can uncover the reason why you started your business and how to use it as a guiding force for the future.
1) Defining your "why"
There are a lot of things in life that can be difficult to maintain focus on and keep pushing forward with- especially when it feels like you are stuck in a rut. It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget what we're working towards or what our passions are. That's why it's important to have a "why."
Your "why" is your purpose, your mission, what drives you as an individual each and every day. It's what gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you going even when things are tough. Your "why" is what makes you unique and sets you apart from everyone else.
For some people, their "why" is simply to be happy and make others happy. They want to leave their own little world a little bit better than they found it. Others have more specific goals, like mastering a difficult skill or inspiring their children. Whatever your "why" is, it's important to have one- because without it, things are pretty meaningless (when it comes to your business...but also maybe your life?)
Of course, your "why" can change over time as you grow and evolve as a person. What mattered to you at 20 might not be as important at 30 or 40. That's okay! As long as you keep revisiting your "why" and making sure it still aligns with your values and goals, you'll be on the right track.
So why not take some time today to think about your own personal "why?" What gets you up in the morning? What drives you each day? Once you've identified it, hold onto it tight- because it just might be the thing that prompts you to change something in your life. And that same why is probably the reason you became an entrepreneur in the first place.
2) The importance of having a clear purpose for your business
When starting a business, it is essential to have a clear purpose for your company. This will help to set the tone for your business and guide your decision-making. Without a clear purpose, it can be easy to lose sight of your goals and end up making choices that are not in line with your original vision. Your why for your business might be similar to your personal why, or your business could be a vehicle to achieving your personal why and have it's own distinct purpose.
Your business purpose should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. In other words, it should describe what you want to achieve, why you want to achieve it, and how you plan on achieving it. Having a clear purpose will help you to stay focused and on track as you grow your business. For me, I want to help 300 creative creative entrepreneurs have solid personal financial footing and profitable businesses...by March 2027. That's at least 60 creatives and small business owners a year. After that, I'll revisit the purpose of MM Strategic Advising. Perhaps we will expand services, perhaps we won't. It will all depend on how the next 5 years go and what we learn while pursuing this mission.
There are many benefits to having a clear purpose for your business. First, it can help you to attract and retain customers. If customers know what your company stands for and what you are trying to achieve, they are more likely to support you and become loyal fans. Second, a clear purpose can help motivate and inspire your team. When everyone is working towards the same goal, it can be easier to stay focused and motivated. Finally, having a clear purpose can help you make better decisions about where to allocate your resources. If you know what your priorities are, you can avoid wasting time and money on activities that don’t align with your goals.
If you are still in the early stages of starting your business, take some time to sit down and define your purpose. What do you want to achieve? Why is this important to you? What values will guide your decision-making? Once you have answers to these questions, you will be well on your way to building a successful company.
3) How to uncover the reason why you started your business
When you're starting a business, it's important to know why you're doing it. What are your motivations? What are your goals? What do you hope to achieve?
There are many different reasons why people start businesses. Some do it to achieve financial independence, others do it to pursue a passion or solve a problem they see in the world. Whatever your reasons are, it's important to be clear about them from the outset. For example, if you are a birth photographer, the questions you ask yourself might look like this:
Why did you want to become a photographer with your own business rather than working for someone else?
Because I liked the idea of having control over my schedule and my clients
Why was it important to have control over your schedule and clients?
Because I want to have the flexibility to work with people who are a good fit all while also making time for the things I love.
Why is making time for the things you love important?
Because my mental health does best when I get out regularly, and weather is variable, so having the flexibility to go out and just shift my work schedule is helpful.
Why is it important to pick your own clients?
I want to work with people who I get along with.
What does it mean to get along with your clients?
We share similar values, such as a desire to enjoy the world and do what we can to live sustainable lives.
Would you say "yes" to a client who values sustainability but wants branding photos and not birth photos?
No, I only want to photograph births.
Why?
Because birth is powerful and such a momentous occasion. Women's bodies and the process of birth has always been hidden from view of society and I want to normalize it.
Would you do a staged new born session?
No. It's not interesting to me.
Would it be interesting to your ideal client?
No, my ideal client values integrity and authenticity, so if they scheduled a newborn photoshoot, it would likely be a lifestyle session in their home.
And so on and so forth! Keep asking yourself these questions and drilling down to get at why you, why this business, why what you do, and why for who you are doing it.
Your motivations will guide your decision-making and help you stay focused on your goals. They can also be a source of inspiration when times are tough. So take some time to think about why you're starting your business and what you hope to achieve. Once you know your motives, you can start building your business with purpose.
4) Using your "why" as a guiding force for the future of your business to create your life
If you're like most entrepreneurs, you probably have a pretty good idea of what your personal "why" is. But it's your business "why" that will give you access to the personal life you dream of.
It's important to have a clear and concise answer to why your business exists and why it is important, because your "why" will be the thing that keeps you and your team motivated when things get tough. It will be the north star that guides your decision-making when you're faced with difficult choices. And it will be the foundation upon which you build your company culture.
So what is your business's "why"?
Maybe your why is to make a difference in the world. Maybe it's to solve a problem that you're passionate about. Or maybe it's simply to create a product or service that makes people's lives better.
Whatever it is, make sure that your why is something that you truly believe in. Something that inspires you to keep going even when things are tough. Because if you don't believe in your own why, nobody else will either.
5) Tips for staying motivated when things get tough
When things get tough, it can be difficult to stay motivated. However, there are a few things that you can do in order to stay on track.
First, it is important to set realistic goals. If your goals are too lofty, it will be easy to get discouraged when you don't see immediate results. Instead, focus on setting small, achievable goals that you can slowly work towards.
Second, find a support system. Whether this is a friend, family member, or online community, it is important to have someone to talk to when you're feeling down. This way, you will have someone to help keep you accountable and motivated.
Third, take some time for yourself. Make sure to schedule in some time each day to do something that you enjoy. This can be anything from reading a book to going for a walk. It is important to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as reaching your goals.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you're struggling to stay motivated, there is no shame in seeking out professional help. A business coach can help you refocus and get things done. A therapist can help you identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your lack of motivation and provide guidance on how to overcome them.
TLDR:
When it comes to running a successful business, it is essential to have a clear purpose for why you are doing what you are doing. This "why" should be more than just making money - it should be something that motivates and inspires you on a daily basis. It is what will keep motivated and help you make decisions that are in line with your long-term goals. There's a reason 30% of businesses fail in the first year and most small businesses don't go past 5 years. Starting a business is exciting. Keeping a business running and growing is hard work. Setting regular goals that align with your purpose will help your business last well beyond five years.
Tips for staying motivated when things get tough:
Remember why you started your business in the first place - what is your ultimate goal?
Break down your goals into smaller, manageable pieces so that you can see progress being made.
Celebrate each victory, no matter how small, as it will help keep you motivated.
Find a support system of family and friends who believe in your vision and who will encourage you when things get tough.
Take some time for yourself – recharge and come back refreshed and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.