August 28th, 2015

Author - Andrew Callard

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I’m in business because….. Everyone in business has a why. Every successful business person is able to explain why they are in business and what they want to achieve to fulfil that why.

So take time today and think about your why. The immediate wrong answers are:

·         I’m in business for the money.

·         I’m in a job.

·         I haven’t got time to answer this as I’m far too busy!

Recent research into characteristics of successful entrepreneurs show that most have higher missions (eg saving the world….) or really love what they do and inspire others. It’s not about money; it is about taking responsibility and it is about focusing their time on what really matters.

Why have a Why? Rarely are people in business for the money alone. Do you need money so you can retire in 5 years’ time to the holiday mansion in Spain and/or with the Ferrari outside. Or just enough to not work for 20 years. Or to put your children through university/college.

The old photo of the family on the desk has now moved to the computer, but for many it is there as a reminder of their why; not because they’ve forgotten what their family looks like. Or it’s the family having fun in the sun, which is the motivation. Or the image of a boat or car.

If you are able to know what your why is, you can create an image of that success to motivate when times get tough or celebrate another success achieved on the road to that why. A visual image of the why is a powerful means of focusing yourself on your goals and a reminder to keep you on track.

And it can also stop you doing something stupid. The old joke is why do bank robbers rob banks? Answer because that’s where the money is. So if you’re in business solely for the money why aren’t you robbing banks as that’s where most of it is?

So why are you in business then….?