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If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know that I’m a big fan of identifying your “why” as a way to ramp up your business. Your “why” is what is motivating you to start a small business, lead a network marketing team or grow your business into something more.
The ability to make more money while working less and have ultimate freedom of time are two very common “whys” that small business owners achieve every day.
Here are three questions you can ask yourself to determine what your own “why” is, so you can use it to empower your business.
1 – What am I hoping this business will bring me?
As you start your business, or as you prepare to formally launch it, what are your hopes for it? What do you want it to bring you? In other words, how do you want this business to impact your life?
One of the first answers that came to mind was probably financial freedom. This is a valid “why,” but try to take things a little further. What will financial freedom mean to you? More time to spend with your family? More disposable income?
Also, think outside the box and think about what this business will bring you, other than financial gain. Will it bring you the power to help people? Will it make it possible for you to leave that nine to five job you are bored with and challenge yourself?
Considering what you hope your business will do for you is a good starting point in determining your unique “why.”
2 – Why have I chosen this field?
Another question to ask yourself is “why have I chosen this field?” There are literally dozens of industries out there you could have chosen and all kinds of businesses you could have started; why did you start this one?
You likely have some experience, talent and a level of expertise in your chosen field. Ideally, you also have a passion for what your business does. The reason you chose your business field can help you find your “why,” or what is motivating you to do what you’re doing.
For example, I started my business because I want to help other people recognize the same freedom of time and money that I’ve been able to by leveraging passive income and network marketing. So, part of my “why,” is that I want to help others change their lives and achieve that lifestyle they’ve always dreamed of.
3 – Where do I see my personal life in five years? Ten years?
Finally, ask yourself where you want to be in the next five or ten years. Right now, just focus on your personal life. Where do you hope to be financially? What kind of lifestyle do you want to be living? What do you want your family life to look like? How do you want to be spending your time and money?
Seriously considering this question will uncover your motivation for starting your business. You’ll discover what is driving you to work hard, navigate through challenges and make sacrifices now so that your business will succeed, leading to the life you dream of.
When you look at the answers to these questions, you’ll get a clear picture of what is driving you, or what your “why” is. You’ll understand why you’ve made the decisions you’ve made and why you want your business to succeed.
Taking the time to dig deep and uncover your own personal “why” will make you a more successful businessperson and team leader. You’ll understand what is behind your motivation and can set more effective goals and create a strategy that is in line with what you want to achieve and that will actually bring the results you’re looking for.
Working without a defined “why” is like frantically paddling a canoe around a lake. You know you want to reach the other side, but you aren’t sure exactly what is motivating you to do that, so you can’t come up with a plan that will make you successful. You’ll waste time zigzagging back and forth, without ever really getting anywhere.
If you want some one-on-one help determining your “why” and then building a business plan around that, so you’ll reach the personal success you’re looking for, contact me.
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