(Like videos? Watch this video on YouTube RIGHT NOW!!!)
Introduction
Hey there, fellow small business owners! It’s Sam, from Thencan Designs! Today, we’re going to tackle a topic that’s close to my heart: finding motivation to grow or start your small business. Motivation is the key to your small business success. My mission at Thencan Designs is to help your small business reach its big goals. In this blog post, I’ll explore some powerful insights from Amy Porterfield, Chris Wilson, and Viktor Frankl. These insights will inspire you and help you stay motivated on your entrepreneurial journey.
Let’s dive into the first part of our discussion, where we’ll focus on Amy Porterfield’s concept of “What’s Your Why?” This simple question has the potential to unlock your true motivation and drive your business forward.
I. Amy Porterfield’s “What’s Your Why?”
A. Introducing Amy Porterfield
If you’re not familiar with Amy Porterfield, she’s an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and author of the book “Two Weeks Notice.” Amy has built an 8-figure online business on her terms, and she’s made it her mission to help others do the same. She’s the host of the top-rated podcast Online Marketing Made Easy, where she shares her experiences and advice on growing a successful business.
B. Understanding “What’s Your Why?”
So, what exactly does Amy mean by “What’s Your Why?” In a nutshell, it’s all about having a clear and unshakable reason for doing what you do. When you know your “why,” it helps you set priorities and make decisions that align with your values and ultimate goals. This powerful concept is a game-changer when it comes to staying motivated and focused on your business growth.
Think about it for a moment. When the going gets tough, and you’re faced with challenges, setbacks, or even just the daily grind, it’s your “why” that keeps you pushing forward. Your “why” is the fuel that drives your passion and keeps you committed to your goals.
C. Applying “What’s Your Why?” to Your Small Business
Now, let’s see how we can apply this concept to your small business. Start by asking yourself, “What’s my why? Why am I building or growing this business?”
1. Examples of Potential “Whys” for Small Business Owners
Your “why” could be anything that genuinely resonates with you. It might be providing a better life for your family, making a difference in your community, or pursuing a passion that you’ve always wanted to turn into a career. The key is to be honest with yourself and dig deep to find the real motivation that’s driving you to succeed.
2. Identifying and Defining Your Own “Why”
To identify and define your own “why,” take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your core values? What do you hope to achieve with your business? And most importantly, what kind of impact do you want to make?
Grab a notebook or open a new document on your computer and jot down your thoughts. Don’t worry about making it perfect – the goal here is to gain clarity on your motivations and aspirations.
3. The Role of Your “Why” in Driving Your Business Forward
Once you’ve identified your “why,” it’s time to put it to work. Use it as a compass to guide your decision-making, both big and small. When you’re faced with challenges, remind yourself of your “why” and let it inspire you to keep pushing forward.
Keep your “why” front and center by displaying it in your workspace, setting it as your phone wallpaper, or even incorporating it into your daily affirmations. By regularly revisiting your “why,” you’ll stay motivated and focused on your business growth.
In the words of Amy Porterfield herself, “If you are willing to push past your immediate desire for security, comfort, and certainty, you will experience the ultimate freedom of creating your own kind of security, on your terms, in your own business.” Let that sink in, and let your “why” be the driving force behind your small business success.
Now that we’ve discussed the power of knowing your “why,” let’s move on to the next concept that can help you find motivation for growing your small business: Chris Wilson’s “What’s Your End Game?”
II. Chris Wilson’s “What’s Your End Game?”
A. Introducing Chris Wilson
Chris Wilson is an entrepreneur, artist, and author of the book “The Master Plan.” After being sentenced to life in prison at the age of 17, Chris transformed his life and now dedicates his time to inspiring others to do the same. In his book, he shares the importance of setting long-term goals and having a clear vision for your future.
B. Understanding “What’s Your End Game?”
“What’s Your End Game?” is all about focusing on your long-term goals and aspirations. Chris Wilson started asking himself this question to himself while facing life in prison. Then, as he started mentoring his peers, he began to ask his students this question. And now he asks people all over the world this question.
So, “What your end game?” It’s essential to know where you want to go in order to chart a course to get there. By breaking down your ultimate goals into smaller, achievable steps, you create a roadmap to success that keeps you motivated and on track. (Or you can create a Master Plan – read Chris’s book to find out more!)
C. Applying “What’s Your End Game?” to Your Small Business
Let’s explore how you can apply this concept to your small business journey.
- Examples of Potential “End Games” for Small Business Owners
Your “end game” might be to expand your business and open multiple locations, sell your company for a substantial profit, or create a legacy business that you can pass down to your children. Whatever your vision for the future, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what you’re working towards.
- Setting Long-Term Goals and Developing a Plan
Once you’ve identified your “end game,” it’s time to set long-term goals that will help you achieve it. Break down your ultimate goal into smaller, more manageable steps, and set milestones along the way. This will make your long-term goals feel more achievable and keep you motivated to continue pushing forward.
For example, if your end game is to open multiple locations, start by setting a goal to open your second location within a specific timeframe. From there, break it down even further by identifying the steps required to achieve that goal, such as securing funding, finding the perfect location, and hiring staff.
- The Impact of Focusing on Your “End Game”
By focusing on your “end game” and setting long-term goals, you’ll find motivation and inspiration to grow your small business. This forward-thinking mindset will help you make decisions that align with your ultimate vision and keep you moving in the right direction.
Remember, growing a small business is a marathon, not a sprint. By keeping your “end game” in mind, you’ll stay focused on the big picture and be better prepared to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the importance of finding meaning in your small business, inspired by Viktor Frankl’s message.
III. Viktor Frankl’s Message: The Importance of Meaning for Your Business’s Survival
A. Introducing Viktor Frankl
Viktor Frankl was a renowned Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. He is best known for his book “Man’s Search for Meaning,” in which he explores the idea that finding meaning in life is the key to overcoming even the most significant challenges. Although Frankl’s work focuses primarily on personal struggles, his message can be applied to the world of small business as well.
B. The Role of Meaning in Business Success
In his book, Frankl emphasizes the importance of having a sense of meaning and purpose to help individuals persevere through intense struggle. Think about it! Small business owners can use this message, too! For small business owners, having a clear sense of meaning in your work can be the driving force that helps you overcome obstacles and maintain the motivation to grow your business.
Your business’s meaning may come from the products or services you offer, the impact you have on your customers or clients, or the way your business contributes to the community. Whatever it is, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of your business’s purpose and the difference it makes in the lives of others.
C. Applying Frankl’s Message to Your Small Business
Here’s how you can apply Frankl’s message of meaning to your small business journey:
- Identifying Your Business’s Meaning
Take some time to reflect on the meaning behind your small business. What impact do you want to make? How does your business contribute to the greater good? Understanding your business’s purpose will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when times get tough.
- Infusing Meaning into Your Daily Business Operations
Once you’ve identified your business’s meaning, find ways to incorporate it into your daily operations. This could be through your company culture, the way you engage with customers, or the decisions you make regarding your products and services.
Infusing meaning into your daily business operations will create a sense of purpose. This will not only drive your own motivation but also resonates with your employees, customers, and community.
- The Impact of Meaning on Business Survival
Having a strong sense of meaning in your business not only fuels your motivation but also strengthens your resilience. When you’re faced with challenges, setbacks, or uncertainties, remember the meaning behind your business and let it guide you through tough times.
When we start a small business, we are not suffering from the same dire state that Frankl persevered during the Holocaust. However, our business’s life is tenuous – it could end at any moment! With a clear sense of meaning, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and ensure your business’s survival.
IV. Tying It All Together: Applying the Insights from Porterfield, Wilson, and Frankl to Your Small Business
Now that we’ve explored the concepts of “What’s Your Why?”, “What’s Your End Game?”, and the importance of finding meaning in your business, let’s tie it all together.
- Start with Your “Why”
Begin by identifying your “why.” Reflect on your motivations, values, and aspirations, and use them as a guiding force for all your decisions and actions.
- Define Your “End Game”
Next, establish your “end game” by setting long-term goals and developing a plan to achieve them. Break down your ultimate goals into smaller, more manageable steps, and set milestones along the way.
- Infuse Meaning into Your Business
Finally, embrace the importance of meaning in your business. Understand the impact your business has on others, and find ways to incorporate that meaning into your daily operations.
V. Conclusion
Incorporating the insights from Amy Porterfield, Chris Wilson, and Viktor Frankl into your small business journey will help you stay motivated, focused, and inspired to grow your business. By understanding your “why,” defining your “end game,” and finding meaning in your work, you’ll create a strong foundation for success.
Remember, at Thencan Designs, my mission is to help your small business reach its big goals. I do this through personalized web design services. My why is creating connections with my clients. My end game is living the life I want to live and working for myself. And my meaning is taking joy in watching my clients succeed. I genuinely want to see all of my clients’ lives get better.
By applying the insights from the thought leaders in this post, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your small business and achieving the success you’ve always dreamed of. Stay focused on your “why,” keep your “end game” in sight, and never lose sight of the meaning behind your business. With these guiding principles, you’ll be better equipped to overcome challenges and stay motivated on your journey to small business success.
Happy growing, and until next time, this is Sam from Thencan Designs, signing off.
0 Comments