Strictly Business: Why Are You Doing This? – Philip Humbert

From Philip Humbert’s most recent newsletter, subscribe at his website www.philiphumbert.com

Strictly Business:  Why Are You Doing This?

Every successful business leader has a clear answer to this vital question: Why are you building this company? Who does it serve and what’s your greater purpose? Answering these questions costs you very little, and it can pay huge dividends.

For some entrepreneurs, the primary purpose is simply to create a business that can be sold. They have a talent for designing systems to meet a real need while making a profit, and they love starting new businesses. Once the company is established, they often sell it and may repeat the process again and again through the years.

Most business owners, however, have some other purpose in mind, and it is often deeply personal. Some want to build a company they can pass on to their children. Others want to see how large and profitable they can make it, and they dream of a vast enterprise with thousands of employees. Still others, want a business that expresses their values or contributes to society in some way.

In coaching hundreds of entrepreneurs, I am struck that it does not seem to matter what the reason actually is. What matters is the ability to keep it in sight at all times. Knowing your personal vision, your purpose or mission, the “reason why we do this”, is absolutely critical.

The solution is simple: Keep your eyes on the prize! Step back, gain perspective, renew your commitment. Remember WHY you are doing this! If you are clear about the “why,” you’ll figure out “how.”

Well?….Why?