It’s in the air, like spring. Or autumn. You know that moment when you sense the season has changed and it heralds a different experience. The ambient temperature of a room, a fragrance, colour or forbidding sky changes how we are. How we exist in that moment.
Purpose is in the air. It’s everywhere. As if the universe has been tossing it’s massive tumblers randomly about for far too long and they’ve finally settled in a familiar pattern discernible by us all.
As happens when you’re assimilated by your purpose. Purpose, the single reason why you do what you do.
This week the Conscious Capitalism movement hosted a conference in San Francisco. Roy Spence, author of Its Not What You Sell, Its What You Stand For made an address and said:
“The goal for our lives is to play to our strength for the purpose of serving the greater good.”
And, that when your business is at its best, this is what you do. You look for friends, you look for love, you look for hope and truth and you play to your strengths to serve the greater good. When you do that it will set you free.”
Think about that for a while. Do we look for friends in business? Absolutely. We want to meet people who value what we do, partner with us and like it enough to share it with others. Those are the attributes of a good friend.
Love? Yes. When you’re loved for why you do what you do, you’re fuelled by an artesian well of creativity and enough endorphins to run back to back marathons. Or so it feels. People who are being loved while they do their business want to give back and give more.
Hope and truth. The privilege to do what you need to do, by dint of who you are and what you’re good at. And so doing, serve others.
Jesper Lowgren, author of On Purpose and with whom I’m presenting on a two day retreat program in July in Sydney, On Purpose and Community says “being on purpose is the blueprint for achieving your highest potential using the natural gifts you possess. It’s the key to your past and to new and successful directions for your future.”
You see how the cosmic tumblers keep falling in the same patterns?
While we can all learn from the stratospheric icons of purpose-driven business, it is from our peers who are on purpose that we learn the most.
They are the people we need to look out for and connect with. Just observing how they go about their business is our daily school. Even if they sometimes leave you breathless with what they achieve. They’re fun to be around. They are generous in what they share. They get stuff done.
They involve you in big ideas. Like Ludwina Dautovic. Ludwina has pulled together a team of 18 authors, for the book, It’s That Easy, Online Marketing 3.0 in 6 months and orchestrated the launch while she had major surgery.
Driven by her purpose she has engaged us all, corralled, encouraged and connected us. We’re in her team and part of her clan.
Tea Silvestre and The Word Carnival group, a collection of international bloggers who reach out each month to deliver their best learning on a chosen business topic. Every post is on purpose and every post is aimed at serving the greater good. The intellectual property accumulated over the last 18 months is equivalent to a degree in small business marketing.
I have learned more about how to run a purpose-driven small business through my association with these generous, talented and clever people then in many previous decades of being in business.
Here is where purpose and community intersect. Purpose doesn’t have to be about changing the world in one hit. Tea was driven to put a small band of dedicated bloggers together in the interest of helping the small business sector. And she created communities. Small meaningful clans of people. A community of bloggers and a community of followers.
Along the way many people will have learned practical and profound ways in which they can improve their business. For free. And if Tea and anyone of her cohorts improved or gained business as a result, then that is as is should be.
Tea and The Word Carnival bloggers are living proof of playing to our strengths for the purpose of serving the common good.
Recently, I’ve been working with some truly special business people in pursuit of purpose and community. They’re all passionate about what they do, but hadn’t articulated their ‘why’ they do it, in a succinct purpose statement.
Here’s my challenge to you. Beyond these suggestions which may help you in 7 Ways to Shut The Lizard Up, share with us here, your purpose statement.
If you have one you’re living and breathing it already, so sharing it is a joy. When you have your purpose statement, every idea, action and decision is referenced through it. Until you are in that space, you have no idea how liberating it is.
If you haven’t got to articulate it that clearly yet, then use this as a forum to help you get there. Or contact me here directly.
Here’s mine: I teach business owners how to reach the intersection of intent and knowledge. Amplified by their stories, this is where their ingenuity will shine. What do you think? Does it make sense to you?
Surround yourself with the people who make you become a better version of yourself, that’s what I always hear and I’m glad that it’s continued here.
Purpose is absolutely vital to understanding a business and its role in the community; it’s the very first thing I attempt to suss out from my clients – tell me about your business. Tell me why you do what you do. Not only does it help me understand the business owner better, and their motivations, but it helps me understand how I can walk along side ’em instead of stepping on their toes when it comes to new ideas.
Great post, great purpose.
Nick Armstrong recently posted…There’s No Such Thing As Free: Pay People What They’re Worth
So true Nick, we are greatly enhanced by who we spend our time with. How often do you talk to a business owner and find they have no concept of their purpose (as separate to a mission statement which in old parlance used to be so turgid, your eyes would want to close before you’d read it all).
I like that you talk about walking along side people who are clear on their purpose. It signals collaboration and with that, so much more can be done. Thanks for coming by!
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything
Such an interesting post with much to digest Sandy. Thank you.
My purpose is to set people free from the limitations of their past so they can unlock their unlived potential and experience peace and self-self. This has been my journey in life and I share what I learn along the way.
That is a very powerful purpose statement Margaret, especially working with people to unlock their unlived potential. How many people on the planet would benefit from that? Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything
The teachers I liked best in school, Sandy, always prefaced their lesson plans for the day with:
The “purpose” of this assignment is —-
The “purpose” of this experiment is —-
The “purpose” of this field trip is —-
The “purpose” of this group project is —-
Knowing the purpose of a club or organization you’ve joined, an activity you’re involved in, the business you’re building, volunteer work you’re doing, etc., is the “why” fuel that keeps those fires burning.
In my way of thinking, “purpose” is the foundation of life. I believe we were put on this earth for a purpose. We didn’t just randomly show up for no good reason to do useless things.
I’m so pleased you mentioned Tea’s Word Carnival group. Everyone in that dynamite group of bloggers is living and working “on purpose”. 🙂
What a good reminder that is Melanie. It was if purpose disappeared for a while there, and indeed you are so right. When a situation is put in context of its purpose, it is just so much clearer what action you must take and why. My friend Jesper, would love what you have to say up not just randomly showing up for no good reason. The Carnival group is a firm testament in mind to purpose driven community at work. Thanks Melanie for coming by 🙂 and a hug.
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything
Oh holy howdy, Sandy, YES. I have often said in the productivity context that “your WHYS are so much more important than your HOWS.” Meaning that the method – the “productivity program” you’re using, or app, or tool or what-have-you – is absolutely nothing compared to the REASONS WHY you’re trying to make a change in your life. Great post – Thanks for the Carnie love!
Annie Sisk recently posted…Spring Forward Into a Brand New Biz+You
V special carnie Annie 🙂 Thank you for your validation that it’s ‘why’ first. So many folk go for the how and then wonder why things are not panning out quite as they’d hoped. Actually so many make money their raison d’etre. Needs must have for sure, but nor as your ‘why’.
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything
I tie it purpose with mindfulness and intentionality, Sandy – being in tune with what’s happening around you and deliberately setting goals for what’s possible – often, things fall into place. And I agree with you about the Word Carnival group – I have learned a ton from all of you. 🙂
Sharon Hurley Hall recently posted…Blogging Update – Q1 2013
Being in tune is essential to both get to your purpose and implement it. And without implementation it is worthless. Just words. Great point Sharon. And us from you!
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything
So I was going to comment and then I read both Melanie and Nick’s comments and they said exactly what I was going to, but much more eloquently. So please refer above!
Great post Sandy, one to read often 🙂
Its just lovely to have you here Laura and so pleasing to think of you reading the post often!
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything
Sandy, you made so many inspiring points that i can’t even pick a favorite…
“The privilege to do what you need to do”… how much more inspiring and what a perspective-changer than “I have to work today.”
“Purpose doesn’t have to be about changing the world in one hit.” Every change we affect matters, however small, so why not make them the best we can?
“When you have your purpose statement, every idea, action and decision is referenced through it.” Ok, I think that’s my favorite! There are days I struggle with this and change my mind and get discouraged and wonder what I’m doing and WHY. Those are worse than the worst of the busiest, craziest days because once the doubt gets in there, it changes everything. For me, it’s important to keep reexamining my purpose, recommitting, refining and rethinking if necessary.
As always, you’re an inspiration!
Carol Lynn recently posted…On The Bookshelf: Networking Is Dead By Melissa G. Wilson And Larry Mohl
You bring another perspective to what I wrote Carol Lynn. There has been so much written about purpose that is ephemeral. I wanted to bring the discussion back to something we could each grasp and work with. Your description about how it goes on those manic days is so true. When purpose escapes! But you also point out that it is dynamic and not static and while it acts as a reference point it also needs to be put under the microscope regularly. No point in having a purpose statement if on a daily basis you are doing something completely different. THe exercise of articulating your purpose itself is dynamic. It took me all of last year. The words are changing, but now the gist remains the same. THank you as always for your insightful views. x
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything
Sandy what a wonderful, compelling and yes challenging post. Challenging us to find and pursue our purpose. I will be forever thankful for the day Tea asked me to join the Carnival. It has been a wonderful gift, blessing and community.
My purpose, my passion, is to help others find the fun in finance. Without the numbers an entrepreneur can’t succeed over the long term. I’ve seen talented, smart people fail when they lack this. With my own success I’m giving back to Kiva to help those who can’t access capital get the money they need to start their own business. Sharing fun and finance while making new friends – is that enough alliteration for one sentence?
Nicole Fende recently posted…Star Trek Voyager Small Business Lessons On Going it Alone
Sharing fun and finance while making new friends. Best alliteration I’ve heard for a long time. I know someone who will do a happy dance when he reads your reply Nicole. And he recently introduced me to fun and finance, a previously repellent idea like the opposite sides of a magnet, but no longer! You are so right about the numbers and that they are sorely lacking in many entrepreneurs’ lives. We need to replicate you.
And you are doing exactly what I wish to inspire in others, being successful, building a community and then giving back. Giving to Kiva in your case is perfectly aligned and it is a fantastic organisation. Thank you Nicole.
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything
Sandy, Sandy, Sandy…you are a true gem on this planet. Thank you for sharing your wisdom yet again (and I’m honored to be a part of your clan!).
When I started the Carnival, my purpose was really to create a circle of talented colleagues whose enthusiasm and writing skills could collectively capture the attention and imagination of the small biz owners. I had no idea then that we’d become so much more: friends and trusted peers. Sometimes I think we (the carnies) get more out of just being in our group than perhaps those who read our posts…and that’s okay. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
Okay my purpose? To help people see and reach their true and most beautiful potential — so they can fulfill *their* purpose. 🙂
Tea Silvestre recently posted…Am I Doing My Marketing Right?
And I yours! Just the intention of the Carnival is inspiring, Tea. Small business needs caring about. How many people are out there in the world are working ridiculously hard and often with passion breathing from their every cell, with so little acknowledgement from any quarter? And so many of them are making a fundamental difference in someone else’s life. So the thoughtful, helpful and often inspiring topics of the Carnival aimed at supporting them in every way is truly a fine purpose.
I love your purpose. It fits precisely with the Carnival and everything else you do. I am as always an unashamed fan!
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything
Gorgeous post from a sparkling woman. Thank you Sandy.
Purpose, sometimes it seems so hard and fast. I like to call it your superpower. What is the thing you do that can really and truly benefit everyone (including you). Or also…what is your excitement? What is your light? What is your love? They all mean the same thing, and so few make the trip down to the answer.
My purpose? To spread joy and help people realize they can do whatever they want to. Mostly I do that through words, words are really exciting to me right now. But the medium is inconsequential; it’s just a means to get there.
I feel blissed to have met you, and look forward to knowing you more.
Ashley recently posted…Sorry, Water-Aerobics Does Not Make You An Athlete
Loving “my superpower, excitement and light”, Ashley. What a way to describe your purpose!
It’s challenging and sometimes really frightening for many to really dig down and find their why. What if, as I recently observed in a business course I was doing, they find what they’re doing is so not what they want to be doing. That’s a hard place to be in. And denial would perhaps be their first port of call, rather than facing that they have to throw the baby out and the bathwater too and start again.
Although, often the reality is that they are just reworking their existing knowledge and experience into a better offer for them. Thanks for coming by Ashley.
SandyMc recently posted…Purpose changes everything