How to answer the deepest of deep questions, What's your "why"?
What’s your “why”? If you’re a creative entrepreneur you have probably heard this question before. Even though it seems like a simple question It is the number one stumper for most business owners. If you were presented with this question, how would you answer? Would you proudly state it, or shy away from the question all together? No matter your reposes this post will help you deeply examine your” why” statement.
Why ask why?
Your “why” is like your origin story and can a driver in a marketing strategy. Imagine yourself two years from today after teaching the same content day in and day out. You’d likely grow bored with the monotony however, knowing what you’re working towards and what is important to you, helps to drive your passion. In moments when you question the existence of your business, or what you are doing, you’re “why” statement is there. It helps you to remember the mission of your business.
Knowing the why helps your business
They didn’t teach are marketing in grad school, so we are going to learn today… I already stated above, knowing the “why” helps build motivation and creates storylines. Those storylines help you connect with your audience. This is the perfect marketing tool because it naturally draws your audience in. People begin to resonate with your business’s brand causing interest and connection. Answering this question will drive your marketing strategy. Essentially when you can clearly state the reasoning behind why you’re doing this work, it’s easier to create content. Plus, your business flows better.
How to find your why
This is the part where people get stuck. It feels like one of those on the spot questions where, often, people don’t know how to answer it. But, I can guarantee, you already have a “why.” There is a reason why you became a therapist and there is a reason why you started a private practice. We are going to go deeper than just, “I’ve always felt like…” because this needs to be a connected statement.
Essentials for finding your why
Let’s keep it simple. You don’t have to write an essay nor do you have to journal for days upon days (although this may be helpful if you have the time.) This is a foundational exercise that may grow overtime. You want to examine it, but not get stuck at this phase. When you find something that feels good, write it down and keep it moving. Don’t get stuck at this phase!
Start with a goal statement
To determine what your “why” is, start with a goal statement or objective. It should be very simple. A good example of this is “I want to open a private practice because I want to work for myself. It’s a good idea to monitor your energy as you do this practice. When you are talking about your business you don’t want to carry an unsavory mood into this work. Your business is your baby, don’t want it exposed to bad vibes when completely these foundational exercises.
Break down your goal statement
Next you are going to break down your goal statement by asking why from the second half of the statement.
Example. “I want to open a private practice because I want to work for myself.”
I want to work for myself because I would like to set my own schedule
I want to set my own schedule because I want to be able to have more time with my family
I want to have more time with my family because I want for them to feel loved and appreciated
I want them to feel loved and appreciated because I believe that is the foundation for a long a prosperous life
You can ask this questions however many times you need to. As you can see the more you ask the more you start to uncover some deep rooted values.
Consider what brings you joy
There are many things that can be considered when thinking about your “why.” When you think about your work, what brings you joy or what lights up your heart? Other questions to consider, What keeps you up at night and what drives you to do this work?
Think about any issues or problems that you have witnessed that you want to solve. Also consider what you may have personally experienced that you know others have too.
Arriving at your “Why”
You may find at the end of this, you have arrived at many answers. As long as they are specific and indicative of your work then that is okay. This may take several days or weeks before you find a conclusion that you feel settled with. However, finding your why is the foundation of your business marketing strategies. Many times in coaching therapist will focus on making more content but find themselves at an impasse and not sure what to talk about. Once you find the “why” you are able to derive several things to talk about. In the upcoming blog posts we will talk more about business marketing strategies for your therapy private practice. For now, contemplate on your “why” statement(s).
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