How to Find Your ‘Why’ in Business: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
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Hey Meisie, starting a business isn’t just about making money. It’s about doing something that lights you up, something that gets you out of bed even when things are tough. Whether you’re looking to create a side hustle or dreaming of building a full-time business, knowing your ‘why’ can make all the difference. It’s what keeps you going when times are hard, resources are tight, and doubts creep in. In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple, practical steps to help you find your ‘why’—the reason behind why you’re doing what you do. By the end, you’ll have clarity on your purpose and the motivation to keep moving forward, even on those challenging days.
What is a ‘Why’ and Why Does It Matter?
What is a ‘Why’?
Your ‘why’ is the core reason behind your business. It’s more than just making money—it’s the deeper purpose that gives your work meaning. Think of it like this: if money wasn’t a factor, what would you wake up excited to do every day? For some, it’s about creating something beautiful. For others, it’s about making a difference in their community or solving a problem they care about. Your ‘why’ is uniquely yours, and it’s the driving force that will keep you going when the journey gets bumpy.
Why It Matters in Business
- Keeps You Motivated: When things don’t go as planned, your ‘why’ is what pushes you through those tough days.
- Connects You with Customers: When people understand your passion, they’re more likely to support you. Customers love a business with heart.
- Guides Your Decisions: It helps you stay aligned with your values. Whether you’re deciding on a new product or figuring out your pricing, your ‘why’ acts as your North Star.
When I started my first side hustle, I thought my goal was just to make extra cash. But after a few months, I realized that money alone wasn’t enough to keep me going through the late nights and weekends. What truly motivated me was seeing the positive impact I had on people’s lives—that became my ‘why’. It’s the reason I still love what I do today.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Past and Present
Finding your ‘why’ starts with understanding yourself. What experiences have shaped you? What lights you up inside? Here are some simple exercises to help you dig deep.
Look at What Excites You
Grab a piece of paper or open up your notes app. Write down three activities that make you feel energized and fulfilled. These could be hobbies, skills, or just things you love helping others with. It doesn’t have to be related to business yet—just focus on what makes you feel alive.
- Example: Maybe you love cooking for others, or you find joy in helping kids learn. These are clues to your ‘why.’
- Tip: Don’t overthink it—write down whatever comes to mind. It’s all about discovering what makes you tick.
Identify Key Moments
Think back to a time when you felt really proud or accomplished. What were you doing? Who were you helping? Sometimes, those small moments of pride reveal a lot about what drives you.
- Exercise: Write down three moments that made you feel on top of the world. Maybe it was helping a neighbor fix something, or the time you received a heartfelt thank-you from a customer.
- Example: When I started helping small businesses with social media, seeing their growth made me feel like I was truly making a difference. That feeling became a part of my ‘why’.
Ask Yourself: What Change Do I Want to See?
Think about the world around you. Is there something you wish was different? A problem you wish was solved? This can be a powerful clue to your ‘why.’ Even if it’s something small, it matters.
- Example: Maybe you want to see more opportunities for young women in business, or you’re passionate about sustainable living.
- Tip: Remember, your ‘why’ doesn’t have to be about changing the world—it just needs to be something that matters to you.
Step 2: Get Clear on Who You Want to Help
A big part of your ‘why’ is knowing who you want to serve. When you align your business with the needs of the people you care about, you’ll find a sense of purpose that goes beyond just profits.
Identify Your Ideal Audience
- Questions to Ask Yourself: Who are the people I feel most connected to helping? What struggles or needs do they have that I can relate to? How can my business make their lives better, especially in tough times?
- Example: If you’re passionate about fashion, maybe your ‘why’ is about helping women feel confident through affordable, stylish clothing.
- Tip: The more specific you can be about who you want to help, the clearer your ‘why’ will become.
Create a ‘Customer Story’
Write a short story about your ideal customer. Who are they? What are their dreams? What keeps them up at night? Imagine how your business could fit into their lives and make things better for them.
- Exercise: Write a paragraph describing a day in the life of your ideal customer and how your product or service helps them.
- Example: "Tasha is a young mom who’s juggling work and taking care of her kids. She loves wearing stylish clothes but finds it hard to afford trendy pieces. My goal is to provide affordable fashion that makes her feel beautiful without breaking the bank."
Step 3: Write Down Your ‘Why’ Statement
Once you’ve done some soul-searching, it’s time to put your ‘why’ into words. This statement doesn’t need to be fancy—just clear enough to remind you why you’re doing what you do.
Crafting Your Statement
- Template: "My ‘why’ is to [insert your purpose here] so that I can [insert the impact you want to make]."
- Example: "My ‘why’ is to create beautiful handmade crafts so that I can bring joy to people’s lives through unique, thoughtful gifts."
Examples for Inspiration
- "My ‘why’ is to empower women to create their own income streams so that they can gain financial independence."
- "My ‘why’ is to help others find their confidence through personalized coaching, so they can reach their full potential."
Refine and Revisit
Write your statement, then set it aside for a few days. Come back to it with fresh eyes and see if it still feels true. Don’t worry if you need to tweak it—your ‘why’ will become clearer as you grow.
Tip: Keep your ‘why’ visible—stick it on your wall or set it as a reminder on your phone. It’ll keep you grounded when things get tough.
Step 4: Align Your ‘Why’ with Your Business Goals
Now that you have your ‘why,’ it’s time to align it with the goals you set for your business. This way, your purpose isn’t just something you think about—it’s something you act on every day.
Set Goals That Reflect Your Purpose
- Example: If your ‘why’ is about helping others learn, set a goal to create an affordable online workshop or offer free resources for beginners.
- Tip: Make sure every goal you set ties back to your ‘why.’ It’ll keep you focused and motivated, especially on those days when you feel like giving up.
Create a Vision Board
Bring your ‘why’ to life with a vision board that reflects your business goals and the impact you want to make.
- Activity: Gather images, quotes, and words that represent your ‘why’ and your dreams for your business. Arrange them on a board or a digital collage.
- Tip: Hang your vision board somewhere you’ll see every day. It’s a daily reminder of why you started and where you’re headed.
Step 5: Test and Refine Your ‘Why’ as You Grow
Your ‘why’ isn’t set in stone—it can change as you grow and learn more about yourself and your business. And that’s okay! It’s all part of the journey.
Your ‘Why’ Can Evolve
- Encouragement: Don’t be afraid to adjust your ‘why’ as you grow. It’s okay if what inspires you changes over time—just make sure it’s always true to you, no matter how your circumstances shift.
- Example: "When I started, my ‘why’ was about creating extra income. But as I connected with my community, I realized I was most fulfilled when I was helping others find their own paths. That shift changed everything for me!"
Check In Regularly
- Tip: Set a reminder every few months to revisit your ‘why’ statement and see if it still aligns with your goals.
- Example: If you find that your business is moving in a different direction, take time to reflect and see if it’s time to adjust your purpose.
Conclusion: Find Your ‘Why’ and Fuel Your Business Journey
Finding your ‘why’ is the key to building a business that lights you up, even on the tough days when resources are limited. It’s what makes your work meaningful and connects you to the people you’re meant to serve. Remember, meisie, your ‘why’ is already inside you—you just need to uncover it. Take the time to dig deep, align it with your business, and let it guide you to the success you deserve.
Call to Action: Ready to dig deeper into your ‘why’ and turn it into a profitable business? Check out our a free ebook, packed with even more tips and exercises to help you build a business that’s driven by purpose. Taking time to work it out will make a big difference in your journey. Visit our shop here to get your copy!