Your business initially began with a why.
That “why” was the spark that ignited the motivation to start your own business. You eagerly drafted your business plan, which outlined the ideal core principles behind your company. But, when’s the last time you revisited or revised that plan?
You might be quick to answer yes, but it’s easy to confuse your long-sighted “why” with your short-sighted goals. Most goals are set for attainment, which means most of the time they’re temporary. Goals disappear once they’re accomplished, making way for larger, more challenging ones. While goals are something to strive for, your “why” is your business mantra. It’s your initial purpose for setting those goals in the first place and they’re not meant to go away over time.
What Makes Your Business Go?
Every business needs something substantial to run on. Consider the fuel needed to drive your car and get you to your destination without fail. When you haven’t filled up your tank, you could find yourself running on fumes. Worse yet, without fuel, your car could inconveniently stop in the middle of a busy highway.
Refueling and recharging is necessary, not only for machines but for people, ideas, and so much more. If you don’t stop and take time to think for a moment, you’ll stay stagnant. Reaching your destination after getting the fuel you needed to get there in the first place parallels to you meeting your business goals. Your “why,” however, is the equivalent of a never-ending journey. For that kind of trip, you’re going to need an unlimited supply of fuel.
So, What Fuels You?
Think about why you do what you do and what inspires you to stick by it. Not only is a clear vision essential for yourself, but it’s necessary in creating a fulfilling work environment for your employees. 90% of people who worked in a purpose-driven organization reported feeling engaged in their work (Source: Forbes).
Purpose-Driven Business
Your “why” is important to the overall structure of your business and it should be communicated effectively, especially to your employees. That’ll help attract the right employees who have positive motivations for returning to work each day. It’ll also increase the quality of their work. See, purpose makes a huge difference.
Keep Asking Why
Think of toddlers that ask, “But why?” incessantly after everything their parents say. They’re searching for a valid reason to follow the rules that are set for them. They’re curious by nature. Without knowing why, they wouldn’t understand the world around them and how it works in relation to them. Never let the answer to your business be “because you have to” or “because I say so,” otherwise you’ll enter a dangerous territory. Always have a clear, concise, yet thoughtful answer to communicate that which motivates you to get up and go to work every day.
Revisit your why, find the same appreciation you had for it once, and let it drive you.
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.” — Maya Angelou (Source: Entrepreneur).
Read our next blog on why you should organize and prioritize your marketing resources!
