Starting An Online Business:  Finding Your Personal "Why"

Many of you have seen or read about people who have been making thousands per month online and want to do that too.  Many people start an online business to make money and that is understandable.  We all need money to pay the bills and to buy our basic necessities.  Of course we all want to make money, but if that is the sole motivation for wanting to start an online business, then you may be headed for disaster.  Let me explain…

Not every online business does well at first.  That statement is not intended to try and bring you down, I just said it because sometimes it takes a little time to pick up momentum and get the word out about your business.  This may mean a little bit of overtime on your part in doing research about marketing strategies and social networking.  Then there’s time spent implementing your marketing strategy and getting to know what your customers want and need.  Furthermore, everyone has different learning curves and every person has only so much time that they can devote to this new venture. 

If what you’re selling doesn’t interest you or you are only motivated by money, pretty soon you’ll be wondering if all this time and energy is worth it.  You’ve spent countless hours trying to promote your business, but it doesn’t seem like you’re getting anywhere as far as sales go.  However, if you feel passionate about your product or service and feel inspired to help people, any perceived obstacles you may face will not slow down your mission to help your customers. 

“Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.” -- Denis Waitley

It’s All About Helping People
You see, what most entrepreneurs fail to realize is that when they start a business, their sole mission above everything else is to help people.  They’re vision becomes short-sighted with the promise of riches when in actuality the vision should be about making a contribution to society.   How will your product or service make life easier for other people?  What are the benefits of doing business with you?  Do you have something that is unique that will make your customers’ lives better?

If you start your online business with the mindset of helping others, you’ll be more inclined to go the extra mile for those people.  Customers like to see your passion and willingness to help which will more than likely bring them back to you again and again for your product or service. 

When it’s your mission to help people instead of just “making money”, you’ll begin to find more meaning in your business and your life.  I’m sure many of you have heard that saying “Do what you love and the money will follow”.  Well, it’s absolutely true!

Find Your Why
So, have you figured out why you want to start a business?  I would recommend sitting down and writing down your reasons for starting an online business.  Who do I want to help?  Why do I feel compelled to help them?  What kind of difference do I want to make in the world? 

It is only after answering these questions can you start thinking about the money aspects of starting on online business like how much you want to make each year and the things you will do with the money you make.  Being motivated by money is fine, but being driven to help others is much more fulfilling. Trust me, you’ll become more successful going that route! 

This article was written by Maria Palma, to which I am truly grateful. You can find out more about Maria and her inspiring writing by visiting her website: The Good Life