What’s Your Mission?

I attended a workshop for entrepreneurs and would-be business owners that attracted a wide variety of people. The folks in attendance came from all walks of life, different races and ethnic backgrounds, all age ranges and with various levels of education and business experience. The one thing they had in common was a desire to own their own business or take their existing business to the next level. I was there for that reason as well.

Some of the more obvious topics discussed were the tax benefits available to businesses that aren’t available to individuals, the ability to have more control of your time, schedule and earning ability. One of the questions posed to the attendees that especially caught my interest was “What’s Your Mission?” The presenter wanted to know how many of us actually took time to think about our purpose in starting a business and what things we planned to do with the fruits of our labor.

The reason the question piqued my interest was the rationale behind the question. Most of us are familiar with companies saying they want to be the biggest, fastest provider of widgets or services in their market. But then what? What’s your reason for wanting to become the best or most known – what good are you going to do with the money made, the fame and recognition received?

We were instructed to think beyond money alone for when money in and of itself is your goal; your focus is just that – the pursuit of money. All of your time, your actions and your expectations of those working with you are geared to getting more money. Therefore, your biggest disappointments and disagreements will be about money. It becomes too easy to lose sight of enjoying the accomplishments already reached, too easy to forget to share your rewards with others, or too cumbersome to teach and mentor others. You no longer take the time to be thankful for all that has been achieved because you’re too busy worrying about the next dollar to be made.

Again, the workshop attracted a diverse population that day and there’s no telling if that one tidbit affected even one other person as it did me that day. But I ask you, have you thought about what your mission is and how your mission can positively impact others? I know I have.