I’ve watched it happen again and again…
Talented, hard working entrepreneurs who give everything they’ve got to build a profitable business.
They invest thousands of dollars — sometimes hundreds of thousands — on high end business programs, retreats, and top coaches.
They learn all they can about online business strategies, sales and marketing.
They network like there’s no tomorrow.
But they fail, anyway.
Some end up in debt. Some go back to the 9-to-5 world, their spirits crushed.
And, all the while, the solution was right in front of them.
Yes, it’s important to focus on profit (a business is not a business without profit — it’s a hobby) but so often we get caught up with creating income that we forget the ONE thing that will keep the business alive today, tomorrow and for years to come…
I’m talking about the BIG, bold reason why your business exists.
The truth is most people (and this includes me) find it challenging — even impossible — to consistently motivate themselves when it’s just about the money.
That’s why focusing on a greater cause — a cause that’s beyond personal gain — is crucial.
If you want a business that stands the test of time…
A business that inspires excitement, enthusiasm and energy…
A business that gives you fulfillment because you know you’re doing something significant, something meaningful…
You need to think about more than money.
You need to think about impact… about giving back.
You need to think about how you want to contribute and serve on a bigger scale.
I’ve worked with thousands of entrepreneurs over the years and if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this…
You’ll let yourself drop the ball — or even give up — when you know the only person you’re letting down is you.
But when you know you’re playing for much higher stakes…
When you know that giving up on your business means giving up on a bigger cause, you’ll find the drive, persistence and motivation to push through the obstacles, challenges and problems that are a big part of an entrepreneur’s journey.
Finding that bigger meaning — the larger reason why your business exists — isn’t just something you should do, it’s something you must do.
This is a message I share with my students and clients and it’s a message that I’m integrating more and more in my own business.
When we were in the early stages of planning my signature course, Experience Product Masterclass, I decided to give my students “superbucks” if they hit “mission accomplished” within the duration of the program (the mission is to design, market and make $2,000 or more in 10 weeks or less with an Experience Product).
Students who hit the goal received 10% of what they earned — up to $1,000 in superbucks — which they could use as credit towards future work with Live Your Message.
Everyone loved the idea and it worked really well for a couple of years but then something unexpected happened…
I started to realize that getting my students to purchase more products from Live Your Message with their hard-earned superbucks didn’t feel like enough of a “big, bold reason.”
It didn’t feel like I was contributing or giving back all that much.
I wanted to continue offering the superbucks experience but I was ready to make it even more meaningful, more impactful, more empowering and motivational for my students and for myself.
For a while I felt stuck and uncertain about how to move forward… then I had a breakthrough.
What if gave my students more options?
What if they could also choose to use their superbucks to sponsor someone else to go through Live Your Message programs?
Or contribute to the Live Your Message Foundation which is a scholarship fund I’ve set up for people who can’t afford to go through my programs and products?
Essentially, these “pay it forward” opportunities would allow my students to give back and make a difference in someone else’s life.
And I know for sure that the chance to use their superbucks to help others will prove to be far more motivating for a lot of my students than just using their superbucks to help themselves.
Re-designing the “superbucks experience” inspired me to reflect on a deeper question…
How I can go even bigger and bolder with Live Your Message?
Here’s what I came up with…
I want the Live Your Message Foundation to ultimately fund international art, media and entrepreneurship projects…
Projects that ignite our imagination and inspiration…
Projects that allow us to reimagine, re-envision and — eventually — recreate the world we live in.
This is my biggest boldest reason to be in business right now and it inspires me to keep going, keep growing and keep doing what I do so I can make a real difference in the world.
Knowing that I’m moving toward a powerful, potentially world-changing cause gives me a level of drive and inner purpose that’s beyond anything, I’ve ever experienced.
It’s a feeling that gets me through the toughest days.
It’s a feeling that motivates me and fires me up…
It’s a feeling that’s beyond compare.
It’s what I want for you to experience in your business and in your life.
So, let me ask you…
What’s the biggest, boldest reason for your business? The one that’s going to turn your drive, inspiration, creativity and persistence all the way up to the max?
The one that will bring you the success and impact that you desire?
Think about it right now, and share in the comments below…I’d love to know!
