Simon Sinek, author of Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action (2009), says, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Aspiring entrepreneurs often state that they are creating the next best product, the next best service, the next best business and expect their company to be a success simply based on what they will to provide. As business owners, ourselves, we know that isn’t the case. In order to have a successful business, we know it must be a substantial oneー one that is fully fleshed out with a purpose. Not only do you need the what or how to have a successful business, but you need the why.
Establishing a solid why, or a set of values, of your business is important to motivate others to be involved in your company. Not only does this idea apply to attracting customers, but it also applies to attracting employees. Having motivated people surrounding your business makes for a better product or service, a better reputation, and a better leader. If you want to be a better leader, you have to focus on what you find to be most important and search out others that believe in your mission. Once you’ve established a foundation based on your company’s beliefs and find people that share your same values as a business, you’ll be able to begin the process of becoming a successful firm. The set of principles that you’ve built your business on will also serve as a reminder to remain accountable to your vision in regard to company values and goals.
For example, here at Gineris & Associates, we say that “your success is our business,” and we have found people that believe in our mission. From accountants to managers to business owners, our firm has found a way to inspire everyone involved to help our customers become better entrepreneurs themselves. Since we prioritize things like service, commitment, and communication, it isn’t difficult to find others that also share our same values. The base of a successful business is solid principles. Once you as a business owner establish foundational principles that others will believe in, you will begin to be able to motivate those around you to support the success of your company.
Strong leaders and business owners always have a firm why to explain what they are selling. A business without a purpose is not a successful one. People are motivated by a strong purpose, a strong set of values, a strong why. When building your business, think about the reason you really want to provide a product or service and find people that believe in it, too. This thought process is the key to having a successful business.