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It takes a fearless soul to go after her big dreams and strategic business woman to be a goal-crushing entrepreneur. If you already have both, you've struck gold!
Some of us *cough, cough* had to work tirelessly on the goal-crushing part. You know, the part where you actually manage your business like a CEO and make some money.
I was ALL IN for living my truth (in all ways I possibly could) and stepping into my purpose, but for a while I was stuck on how to monetize it so that I could actually pay my bills and be able to focus on my passion full-time; not turn it into just another side gig. I wanted a real, moneymaking Purpose Business.
That leads me to a serious question I received last week. She asked, how do I decide what kind of business to start, because I know I want a business, but I want it to be something that's me, not just anything?
First, I want to say that I was happy with this question because blindly following money OR passion is not a good idea. It can be disastrous. But wanting to serve a purpose AND own a profitable business that affords you a good life along with a solid strategy is the perfect recipe for a Purpose Business.
Our life experiences play a major role in the type of businesses we start and what we choose to offer. Often, however, we get stuck right there, where we think we have to choose between purpose or a thriving business.
I'm here to tell you, you don't have to choose.
Here's the great news: Your purpose can open doors for a business. What I mean is, your life experiences, knowledge, expertise, and wisdom can be strategically packaged and monetized so that your business resonates with who you are.
The challenge is getting it all sorted out.
If you're stuck on what type of business you want to start or what you want to offer, these 4 simple rules should help:
Rule #1: Teach This
For many of us, our personal lives serve as the sling that propels us forward into the right business to start.
I agree 100% with the saying, "Life is too short. Live a little!" When someone says live a little, they're encouraging you to loosen up, liven up, and experience more in life. It's having more courage to drive yourself forward, even when you can't see what's ahead. But as a woman entrepreneur, you've got to be willing to live A LOT. Go through the test phases, the trial and error, and not be afraid to make mistakes.
Exercise #1: Write down everything you've learned in life and pinpoint the one BIG thing that stands out.
Rule #2: Share This
There is transformative power in cultivating a grateful life. Gratitude can get you places money can't.
Think about all the things in your life that you've been grateful for. You'll discover that you've made it through some difficult situations and life changing experiences.
Now, think about how many people out there are in need of guidance, instruction, motivation, or inspiration to make it through that experience like you did.
Exercise #2: Make a list of everything you're grateful for. Empty out the ink in your pen if you have to. Look over your list and pinpoint the 3 things you were MOST grateful for.
Rule #3: Use This
Inspiration feels like a burst of energy and excitement. It's that little nudge that pushes you in a certain direction. It feels like certainty and clarity. This is what every woman entrepreneur needs.
Looking back, the most important thing I did when I left my career to start my business was create a vision for my life. Once you know where you've been inspired to be or who you've been inspired to become, then you can start aligning your life and business goals accordingly. That's called taking inspired action.
Notice what makes your heart beat faster, then see where it fits in the bigger scheme of things.
Exercise #3: Think about what has inspired you to be an entrepreneur. Who do you see yourself as in that role? Make a To-Be list to help you align your business goals, activities, work, products, and offers with that vision you see for yourself- who you are inspired to be.
Rule #4: Deliver This
Deliver your genius. Your genius is the value you offer and work you do using your natural gifts and talents, life experiences and lessons, things you're grateful for, and the knowledge and wisdom you've accumulated along the way.
That's your genius.
Your genius can be strategically packaged and monetized to help others through coaching, mentoring, or speaking or by creating a guide, course, or workshop that provides the solution they desperately need.
Exercise #4: Think about your set of skills. Do you enjoy writing or speaking? What about designing or creating content? If you had something major to teach, write down the ways you'd prefer to deliver your message and reach people who need to hear it.
Once you've made a list of...
Your key life experiences. The things you learned and worked through. You can teach this. This could be your next course, workshop or how-to guide.
The things you're most grateful for experiencing. Without it, you wouldn't have made it. You can share this.
The things that inspire the vision you have for yourself. This is why you want(ed) to be an entrepreneur. You can be guided by this.
Your gifts, talents, and skills, as well as the preferred way you see yourself communicating with your audience/customers/clients. You can deliver it like this.
...you can create a business for yourself that is both profitable and serves a purpose.
This could potentially be the start of your entrepreneurial journey.
I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful. I encourage you to share it with someone.
If you’re a woman entrepreneur interested in learning more about new business strategies—as well as hearing some other tips around starting a purpose business— Subscribe here!
Have you ever had to choose between purpose and profit? What tips do you have for a woman who’s new to being an entrepreneur or solo business owner?
All the best,
Wanauma
Wanauma Graham is a “do what you love” enthusiast and author of Totally Unstoppable and Her Mark. She’s the founder and creator of BossFreeMedia.com, a personal development brand for women entrepreneurs looking to start and scale a business that's centered on "purpose". Her digital products Shop for Women Entrepreneurs, offering templates, courses, and guides is gaining popularity. Connect with her: