It’s All About The Money!

Yesterday, I heard someone say very definitively that ‘if you’re in business, you’re only in it for the money’. I found myself a little perturbed by this very definite statement as whilst this may be the case for some people, there are others (including me) who are in business for a bigger reason.

Now money is a primary driver, there’s no doubt about that and it will always be a driver but it’s not the only thing. I was recently talking to someone who had a very successful business but she knew she needed to start a new business as she wasn’t passionate enough about it. She was passionate enough to make it a success but after that, it felt hollow.

So regardless of whether you need the money or not, it’s important to make the business bigger than you. This is where your imagination can really start to fly….here are some questions to ask to help you:

What does your business stand for? What is its mission? If you’re an accountant, is it your mission to help demystify finances for small businesses? If you’re a massage therapist, is it your intention to help make the world a calmer place by providing amazing massages and a space for people to clear their heads?
How is your business a force for good? (You don’t want a business that’s a force for evil, do they? Unless you are Dr Evil!)
Do you have a big hairy audacious goal for your business? (your B.H.A.G., a coin termed by Collins & Porras). Do you have visions of going global? Do you have a dream of reaching thousands/ millions of people, all from the comfort of your own home? Do you dream of creating a business which helps you to provide everything your family and loved ones need and beyond?
Asking yourself these types of questions means you can look up from what you’re doing and see the big picture. It can be really easy to get busy doing and fire-fighting that you forget to look at the big picture and make sure you are happy with the direction you’re heading in.

In my business, I have had moments of really difficult introspection when I felt like it was going in the wrong direction. What I have learnt to do was listen to my intuition, get coached and correct my course so I’m back on target. I’m always looking to check if I’m on the right track.

So, my question for you today, when did you last look up and think about what your big picture is? There’s nothing more compelling than a big vision and it will propel you massively and help you get through the difficult times.

“All successful people men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose.”

Brian Tracy