Find Your Business Purpose
Discovering Your ‘Why’: We’ve all been there. We sit on the couch, daydreaming about what life would look like if we started our own online business. But, anyone who’s taken this journey will tell you there’s something more meaningful. It’s about more than just money. That’s when your ‘why’ kicks in, the inner push that guides your way. Purpose Over Profit: You remember that moment, right? The idea of starting a business wasn’t just about money. It was about something deeper. Let’s uncover that. The Golden Circle Exercise The Golden Circle is a concept developed by Simon Sinek. It’s a great tool for helping entrepreneurs define their business. Here’s an exercise to help you use it to define WHY, HOW, and WHAT: Introduction to The Golden Circle: WHY: This is the core belief of the business. It’s why the business exists. What’s your cause? What do you believe in? HOW: This is how the business fulfills that core belief. What are the specific actions you take to realize your WHY? WHAT: This is what the company does to fulfill that core belief. What do you do? What products or services do you offer? Exercise Steps: Discovering Your WHY: Reflect on what makes you passionate about starting this business. Is it to change the world, disrupt the industry, help a specific group of people, or something else? Write your values and beliefs down. Think about how to put them into your business. Ask yourself: What impact do I want to have on my customers or the world? Articulating Your HOW: Consider the ways you will use to deliver on your WHY. These can be processes, approaches, or strategies. How will you be different from competitors? List out the values or principles that guide the way you do business. These could include great customer service. They could also include innovative products. Or, they could include a focus on sustainability. Defining Your WHAT: Describe the products or services you offer. Be specific about what you sell or what you provide to customers. Think about how these offerings connect back to your WHY and HOW. Do they align with your core belief and the way you operate? Worksheet Your WHY Statement: “In everything I do, I believe in [Your Belief]. I believe that [What You Think About the World]. The impact I want to create is [Your Desired Impact].” Your HOW Actions: List three things. You will do them in your business. They show how you bring your WHY to life. Your WHAT Offerings: Clearly say what your business does. Or, what it offers to customers. This should reflect your WHY and be enabled by your HOW. Reflection After filling out the worksheet, take a moment to reflect on your answers. Ask yourself if your WHAT truly reflects your WHY, and if your HOW is a genuine method to get there. Your business’s Golden Circle should reflect your values and goals. It gives a clear path for making decisions and strategy. Example WHY: “In everything I do, I believe in empowering individuals to live a healthier lifestyle. I believe that everyone deserves access to wellness education and resources. The impact I want to create is a community thriving in health and knowledge.” HOW: “To achieve this, I will give personalized wellness coaching. I will create an inclusive online community. I will also keep learning about health trends to share with my audience.” WHAT: “I offer online wellness coaching programs. I also offer health education webinars. And, a supportive community forum is offered. These are for individuals looking to improve their well-being.” Defining the WHY, HOW, and WHAT of your business is not just branding. It’s a key step. It will guide all your business decisions and strategies. Mission, Vision, and Values: Stepping into online business isn’t just a professional shift—it’s deeply personal. Your mission, vision, and values aren’t just business buzzwords. They reflect who you are and what you stand for. Your Mission: That’s your business’s purpose. It is the core reason it exists besides making money. It’s about the change you’re committed to making in the world. Or, the unique problem you’re solving for your customers. Your mission is what drives your daily operations and informs your long-term strategy. Your Vision: Think about the inspiring future you’ve often imagined. That’s your vision. It’s the impact you want to make or the unique place you want to find in the competitive digital world. Whether it’s redefining sustainability or making luxury accessible, it’s personal and impactful. Your Core Values: We all possess them—values we refuse to compromise on. In business, these are your unwavering principles. You maintain integrity. You prioritize customer satisfaction. You embrace transparency, even in challenges. These values define your brand. Your mission, vision, and values form your brand’s base. They guide every decision you make. They help you navigate the complexities of the market and stay true to your path. A Heart-to-Heart At the heart of every successful online business lies an authentic, deeply-rooted ‘why’. It’s about looking beyond the surface. It’s about diving deep and finding that heartbeat. It’s the reason which gets you excited every morning. In the chaotic world of online business, trends will come and go, but your ‘why’? That’s your forever compass, always pointing the way. Remember, this journey is not just about business; it’s deeply, beautifully personal. Mission, Vision and Values Mission, Vision, and Values are three key elements. They serve as the cornerstone of an organization’s identity. Mission What it is: The mission statement defines the organization’s current purpose and its primary objectives. It answers what the organization does, who it serves, and how it serves them. Vision What it is: The vision statement outlines the organization’s future goals and where it aims to be. It reflects its long-term aspirations and the impact it seeks to make. Values What it is: Values are the core principles. They guide the organization’s actions and decisions. They shape the culture and ethical standards of the
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