What’s Your Big Why?

A while ago, I read Simon Sinek’s book, “Start with Why”. In it, he looks at how great businesses like Apple inspire action and loyalty in both their employees and customers through first and foremost communicating the reason “Why” they are in business rather than the “What” or the “How”. Because before they “buy” the thing that you do or the way that you do it your customers buy into the Reason Why you do it in the first place.

Are you sharing YOUR reason why you do what you do – on your website, when you give talks or deliver workshops online, and anywhere else you have the opportunity to do that?

When I speak to new audiences I talk about authenticity and integrity as my highest values. And I also talk about my own “Big Why” which for me is about personal growth and self-actualisation through this journey of self-employment. Now, I get that self-actualisation is a bit of a high falutin’ term to use. But what I mean is that I believe that part of my purpose in life is to learn and grow. And I believe that the journey of being in business for ourselves is one of the greatest journeys of personal and spiritual growth we can take.

Low self-worth? Lack of confidence? Fear of public speaking? Fear of sales? Fear of failure? Fear of success? Funny about money? A little voice (or maybe quite a loud one!) telling you that you are not good enough, young enough, old enough, attractive enough, educated enough to follow what your heart is calling you to do?

If we are to succeed with our business, then we also have to be willing to take the journey of overcoming all of these internal obstacles — and I believe it’s impossible to really succeed in business without growing immeasurably as a person. I want this growth for myself — and I also want it for all of my clients.

And because I’m clear about my ‘Big Why’ it gives me a point to return to. Something to motivate me on the days when things get tough or that little voice shouts a bit too loudly.

So knowing your Big Why not only motivates your clients to want to work with you — because they like who you are and what you stand for. But it also helps to motivate you when the going gets tough, in a way that focusing just on financial rewards or short term gain doesn’t.

So what is your Big Why?

If you’re not clear on your Big Why here are some questions to get you started.

• What is the difference you want to make in the world?
• What would you do with your days if you already had millions in the bank?
• What is the biggest change you’d like to see on the planet?
• What legacy would you like to leave for future generations?
• Is there something you’ve experienced that you want to make sure others don’t have to go through?
• What do you believe is the purpose of life, or your purpose on the planet?
• If you could use just one word to summarise who you are and what you stand for what would it be? This might be freedom, love, peace, security, joy, growth, learning.

Learn The 7 Steps to ‘Yes!’ for Authentic Sales 

If you’d like to learn a sales process that feels much more comfortable for both you and your future potential clients, sign up for my 7 Steps to Yes! FREE video training.  In less than 35 minutes, you’ll learn a 7 step structure for your sales conversation, and the sort of questions to ask to guide your clients to an excited ‘Yes please!’

Sign up for the 7 Steps to Yes! Free training here