Do you think about the “why” that runs your life? Most of us don’t. We’ve bought into the American way; Capitalism, Individualism, Exceptionalism.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with contentedly moving through life, accomplishing much or little, depending on your own “ism”.
However, I want to address the phenomenon of who are “aware” of what they are doing. I call this Intention; the self-knowledge of why you do what you do. When you understand your endgame, your subconscious puts one foot in front of the other and takes you to your ultimate goal. Its crystal-clear which decisions to make and which options to avoid.
I always ask prospects and new clients what their intention is. Most can’t answer the question. With prodding, they may get to something obtuse, but rarely sublime. Let’s look at some options by exploring the possible philosophies.
- I want to change the way people eat: a popular mantra among food entrepreneurs. Anti-establishment, change the world, enemy of big-ag. Their audience is typically 45 and under and wants to connect with the brand.
- Free-of: this philosophy is born of a personal health challenge with food allergies. Difficulty with mass-market food, this entrepreneur can’t eat gluten, soy, cow’s milk or other common foods and wants to make a difference to their brethren.
- I want to work for myself: tired of answering to others, starting a business sounds like the perfect solution. Freedom and/or replacing income is the goal.
- I want to build a company and sell it: work hard and fast and a bigger fish will reward me for my vision.
- I want to provide a job for my son, daughter, wife, etc. A family member is struggling to find themselves so the more established person puts up the money to provide a job.
I’ve purposely avoided being judgmental about these, but I will say that many people who start a business are ill-equipped to manage the many facets of running it well. I always suggest getting professional help with budgeting, production, sales and marketing to supplement the individual’s skill set. Setting a budget and the timeline for success constitute good advice. Working in a small business first is like being paid to go to school and learn on someone else’s time.
Get in touch with your reason for becoming an entrepreneur; understand your philosophy and take steps to ensure your success by being grounded and seeking assistance.
