Why Are You Really In Business?

If you don’t know why you’re doing what you do, you’ll most likely want to stay hiding under your duvet on those non mojo days (the days you’re lacking motivation) So, why do you want to do this business thing that you’ve signed yourself up for? Dig REALLY deep – WHY is it important for you to do what you do? I was telling a client last week how one of my mentors asked me this question years ago to find out why I really wanted to be in business. She asked me about 7 times (the magic number) and once I’d got through the frustration of not knowing I got to that beautiful aha moment of why it was important. Give it a go. Now let’s talk about other people that might get in the way.

When you’re in business, often people outside of your business network won’t get what you do

They can think you’re just playing at business. I still get it now from some of my friends – they look at me surprised that I actually know what I’m talking about! Drives me crazy!! Sometimes people will squash your dreams. They won’t do it intentionally, they just don’t think in the way that you think – they may be playing small with their own lives, or have had experiences that have made it difficult for them to set big goals. I love the quote by Sue Krebs. Not everyone will share your vision – that still does not mean that there is something wrong with your sight – Sue Krebs Don’t let people put you off your vision – in fact I would share it with as few people as possible – that way they can’t make you believe you’re dreaming too big or that it’s not possible – be a visionary! Stick to your path whether others believe it’s the right one or not. Who should you spend your time with?

Surround yourself with the right people, people that will support and encourage your dreams.

You may find out they believe you more than you believe yourself! It’s important to have a clear business vision. It creates focus and direction. If you don’t know where you’re going then essentially any road will take you there! When you have a business vision it can really motivate you. From vision (your what) can come strategy (your how) You need to get clear on the direction you’re heading.  You wouldn’t get in a car and drive to a new place without planning out your journey (hopefully not, anyway!) and equally you don’t want to be doing that with your business.  It doesn’t mean you won’t take detours or go off in the wrong direction now and again but by having a vision you can pull yourself back. Get really clear on how you want your business to be Here’s a list of questions to get you thinking. No need to write them down, they’ll be over on my blog post and listed in the show notes here too. 

1. Why do you want to do this particular type of business? (think about what lights you up about what you do)
2. What do you want to be known for?
3. If someone was promoting you on a TV show what would your line of work be?
4. If an article was written about you in a magazine what would the magazine be?
5. What types of clients do you want calling you? (describe what they’re like)
6. What will be the benefit for you in building a thriving business – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially?
7. What do you want your business values to be?
8. Who would your dreamie clients be?
9. What lifestyle are you aiming to achieve with your business?
10. How famous are you? (magazines, TV, radio, podcasts, newspapers, books?)
11. What are your long term intentions for your business? (global domination, sell, retire?)
12. Where do you want your life/business to be in 5 years, 2-3 years, 1 year?
13. How do you feel?
14. What other questions do you think you need to ask yourself?  (Add in your own questions if you want to)

Why is it important to help people?  If your first answer is, “because I like to help people” or “I want to help people feel more confident” – not enough.  WHY? Check out a great video called Start With Why by Simon Sinek over on YouTube so that you understand how knowing this can be a huge driver for you and your business.  In the video you’ll learn about the golden circle. My why is to rid the world of grumpy people.  We all know the power of coaching. By helping more business owners stay in business more people’s mindsets will be changed.  The more people create the lives they love the happier they become. Less grumpy people – ta-da mission accomplished! Here’s a fun little exercise you can play to get your dream big juices flowing. Before we start though, there are rules: No checks on reality here – I want you to forget where you are now and dream big for how you want your business and lifestyle to be in the future.  Put a check on any limitations you try to put on yourself. Forget limitations like time and money. Others out there have achieved their dreams, the only thing that will stop you is your thinking! DAY ONE:Write questions on index cards / whiteboard / post-it notes / get out your coloured pens!  Get creative. (One question per card) Put them up around your home, by the toaster, on the fridge, in the bedroom etc.  Keep a pen beside them and as you come across the questions throughout your day try and add answers to them Leave the cards up for 24 hours – let the ideas percolate DAY TWO: After 24 hours take the notes down, leave it another 24 hours before you go back to them DAY THREE: Shuffle the cards, sit down with a cuppa in the garden or a coffee shop and read them through.  Is there anything you want to add? DAY FOUR: Read the cards again and then shut your eyes and visualise what it will be like when you have these things in your life and business.  Once visualised make a note of anything that might come up DAY FIVE: Start to put together a vision board or a written plan of what your new goals are So no chasing other people’s dreams, or dreams that will disappoint you once you get them. Understanding your WHY sounds simple – it can actually take AGES!  It’s a really challenging thing and will require you to dig deep. You may not get it straight away but over the duration of this programme I want you to keep checking in on it

Hit reply and let me know what your big ‘why’ is.