I watched a video the other day that really hit a nerve with me. It posed the conversation that we all know the how and the what about our business, but do we know the why? Do we lead our business with “why”?
My first thought was, of course I know why! I want a better lifestyle, a nicer house, and the best for my children that financial freedom can offer. What else is there? Why else would I spend countless hours typing away, generating ideas for my online businesses in the hopes of it generating an income that would replace the 9 to 5 rat race income?
But like I said, it hit a nerve. Was that all to it? Was it just about making a generous income? Is that the end all, be all? Money comes, money goes, but it’s just a piece of paper. It has no value but that which we give it.
So if it’s not for the money, then what? What higher purpose will generating a successful online business provide? Is it about making a difference in the lives of other people? Yes, to some extent. It always has been my ultimate goal to give great value to others and for them to really enjoy the services and products I’ve provided.
I get a sense of satisfaction and pride when I know someone who has purchased a product from me or has used my services, were very happy with the end result. There’s a sense of, for lack of a better word, acceptance. Maybe that’s the perfect word, actually.
Acceptance. Isn’t that ultimately what we all want in one form or another? Acceptance in our careers, acceptance in our circle of friends, acceptance in our family life.
So going back to WHY I do what I do. I had to really think back about what was going through my mind two years ago when I first decided to start my online business. I thought it would be a neat idea and I could generate some additional income to pay off credit cards and buy extra “stuff” for my family.
But when I think about all the hours, headaches and anxiety I experienced in starting my business, I think, what was the reward? The work I put into my business FAR exceeded the small income I was generating. When I think about it now, I was probably making cents on the dollar if you think about it in terms of an hourly wage.
But I kept on moving forward. And even when I later discovered that is was not a viable business, I kept going. I’m still going now!
It was the acceptance of a community as a business owner. I was no longer just the stay at home mom trying to make some extra bucks; I had become a business owner and “expert” in my field. Whether or not it was generating the income I had hoped didn’t matter. It was the idea that I had become what I had set out to become and I was accepted as that by others. Remarkable!
Sure I still want the big beautiful house, fancy car, the best education for my kids that money can buy. Why not? There is no shame in wanting material things. It is the American dream after all and I’ve wanted to be my own business owner for as long as I can remember.
So ask yourself, WHY do want to start an online business? What is it about YOU and what you have to offer going to be different from what others are doing now? What will make you the leader and innovator in your industry? Why will people follow you and as a result buy your products and order your services?
I would love to know! Please leave me a comment.
Yours in making your dreams come true,
Michele
BTW, if were wondering what video I watched to spark this conversation, here it is:
This Changes Everything. This is change everyone in business could use now.
Personal Note for Michelle. You say your why became evident after looking deeper within yourself and that your why was being fulfilled all along. You wanted independence. You wanted to be your own boss. And you wanted to be accepted and looked up to and respected by your community as an icon whether that icon was huge or small, it didn't matter; just as long as you were being recognized as a business owner. Now take your dream one level higher. You did this for self respect and self honor and as an example for others. If you can do it, so can others. Especially your biological children. You're creating a legacy. Making a difference is never easy. It's never instant. It takes a lifetime to make a difference. In fact, we may die before others will take up the torch that we hoped they would our whole life long. So when it's all said and done, we are difference makers. That's our real why and our real cause for “what” we do.
Thank you Karl for this very insightful comment! We ARE difference makers and as entrepreneurs and as human being in general we have the capability and the responsibility to seek out to make a difference in the lives of others.
For example, look at Bill Gates. A very successful, intelligent person with more fame and fortune then he'll ever want and need, but at the end of the day he is choosing to give back and make a difference in the lives of others with his time and huge charity donations. What a amazing legacy he's leaving behind!
He was fortunate to be able to realize his success in his lifetime, but I'm sure there are many other “difference makers” who were long gone before that came to fruition.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your insight…it's very much appreciated.
This Changes Everything. This is change everyone in business could use now.
Personal Note for Michelle. You say your why became evident after looking deeper within yourself and that your why was being fulfilled all along. You wanted independence. You wanted to be your own boss. And you wanted to be accepted and looked up to and respected by your community as an icon whether that icon was huge or small, it didn't matter; just as long as you were being recognized as a business owner. Now take your dream one level higher. You did this for self respect and self honor and as an example for others. If you can do it, so can others. Especially your biological children. You're creating a legacy. Making a difference is never easy. It's never instant. It takes a lifetime to make a difference. In fact, we may die before others will take up the torch that we hoped they would our whole life long. So when it's all said and done, we are difference makers. That's our real why and our real cause for “what” we do.
Thank you Karl for this very insightful comment! We ARE difference makers and as entrepreneurs and as human being in general we have the capability and the responsibility to seek out to make a difference in the lives of others.
For example, look at Bill Gates. A very successful, intelligent person with more fame and fortune then he'll ever want and need, but at the end of the day he is choosing to give back and make a difference in the lives of others with his time and huge charity donations. What a amazing legacy he's leaving behind!
He was fortunate to be able to realize his success in his lifetime, but I'm sure there are many other “difference makers” who were long gone before that came to fruition.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your insight…it's very much appreciated.