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
seeing a need and designing systems to meet the 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 enough about the
'why', you'll figure out the 'how'.

Author: Dr Philip E. Humbert