Almost every day I read or hear the question “What’s your WHY?”
I hear a variety of replies too. And it’s a question the vast majority of business coaches seem to ask but it’s a question that doesn’t sit so well with me.
I don’t know if it’s just me that struggles with this question or whether you do too.
For me, I tend to ask what are you passionate about?
What’s your why?
Okay, let me answer this honestly. My bottom line why for doing what I do here on this blog and in my business is to make money.
Okay, no hate mail please.
I told you I was going to be honest. At the time of writing this post, I’m a single mum with rent to pay, bills to pay and food to put on the table as well as all the other essentials like clothing, haircuts and yes doing and having some nice things.
This is not a hobby for me, it has to pay.
That for me is my why. I want to be able to provide for myself and my son.
Now, of course, there is more to it than that, but this is MY bottom line why?
Is it anything to feel embarrassed about?
I’ve talked about this whole “What’s your why?” question a fair bit over the years. And I’ve heard some really noble replies I can tell you.
I’ve heard people say, I want to make a positive difference in the world, but they’re broke and up not being able to carry on with their business and follow their heart.
More than a few times I’ve felt embarrassed to say “My why is that I need to make money.”
Of course, I’ve seen as many people, who just do what they love and the money rolls in.
I’ve heard things like, I don’t do it for the money and I’ve had people tell me I shouldn’t focus on the money, as if it’s something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of.
Well I for one am not embarrassed or ashamed. I’m 100% proud of myself for being able to provide for myself and my son.
This is a WHY I can be extremely proud of and I can tell you, it’s pushed me on more than anything else could have done.
My why is personal for me and your why needs to be personal for you.
What’s your why? Your real bottom line why?
Now let’s talk passion
Okay so we’ve already established what my why is. The reality is I could make money doing all kinds of things, but I wouldn’t go out robbing banks or doing things that I didn’t believe in.
My passion is what get’s me out of bed day in day out, it’s what allows me to work when others are clocking off after 7-8 hours, it’s what has me awake at 2am in the morning writing down the latest fantastic idea.
My passion is helping people, learning from others, sharing business tips, social media tips, talking about things that I come across that I love that help me in my business, talking about other fantastic businesses and supporting business owners through my blog, YouTube channel, social media…
My passion is writing, so my blog is always going to be something I absolutely love doing.
I’m passionate about supporting genuine people and helping them build a business they love.
I’m slightly obsessed with social media, especially Pinterest, Facebook and twitter.
I’m passionate about having my own voice and doing things my own way.
I’m passionate about always being around for my son and being a great role model for him.
I really want to hear from you on this subject. What are you passionate about? What’s your bottom line why?
Wendy
P.S I really don’t think there are any right or wrong answers here.
Thanks Wendy for your honesty. You are always honest and I so appreciate that! My bottom line is making money doing what I’m passionate about. Absolutely nothing to be ashamed about!
I am passionate about living an online lifestyle that frees me to work and go where I choose.
In doing so I am developing 2 ways to do so that can be entwined with each other somewhat
.
1. I sell Forever Living products to those who highly desire natural products with Aloe, Bee products and other botanicals as well an opportunity for those who desire to have their own business sharing/selling this products. My business in Forever is very much wrapped around building relationships and growing people. It seems so wrong to sell products and promote business for others and only pretend to care about them.
2. Home and Hearth is also in progress, focusing on those who choose a simpler lifestyle. Maybe homesteaders, on/off power grid living, etc.It involves products, articles and helps for home, garden and family that make life easier. ie..DIY recipes & instructions, articles, fragrances for home,prepper supplies, such as fire starters, blankets, clothing,etc.
I will be using social media, blogging, groups and membership sites a lot more as time goes on.
I am highly passionate about creating and playing with digital images and selling them but think for now will just incorporate that into my current work. 🙂
This is good for me to share this as I’ve been challenged to get each business down to being able to tell someone in one sentence what I do. Obviously I’m not there yet. LOL
Excellent post Wendy and I love that you point out that money is often a big Why for people and that it is NOT something to be embarrassed about. We all have to make money somehow, it is how we choose to make it that should be the focus. I am passionate about writing and this passion allows me to make money creating website content for others. I am doing what I love to do, and getting to help other people too. Helping others is so important to me and by creating quality content for them I am leaving them free to focus on the parts of their business that they excel in.
Thank you so much for sharing this Cindy. I love Forever Living products. The Aloe lips is my magic item for so many things (lips, burns, bites, spots…).
Your Home and the Hearth project sounds very interesting. I always quite like the idea of living off grid. I definitely like a simple lifestyle.
You’re doing great. My business is certainly a work in progress. You did a great job of telling me and anyone else reading about it.
Are you utilising Pinterest? If you like creating the images, it’s definitely the place to be. Most of my blog traffic now comes from Pinterest.
That’s so wonderful Amanda. You are such a wonderful writer. Can I ask. Are you still offering Ghost Writing services?
Hi Wendy, thanks for your encouragement. I did forget to mention using Pinterest and Instagram. I haven’t began to use them as much as I’d like but their in my plans. 🙂
I’m going to be doing some posts about Pinterst over the next few week Cindy. I absolutely love it and it’s paying off big time now. So I’ll add a post soon on what I’ve been doing. I haven’t really got into Instagram that much.
I’m going to be doing some posts about Pinterst over the next few week Cindy. I absolutely love it and it’s paying off big time now. So I’ll add a post soon on what I’ve been doing. I haven’t really got into Instagram that much.
Definitely looking forward to your posts on Pinterest and if you are doing paid or just posting strategically. 🙂
Thanks for the compliment Wendy. Yes I am still offering Ghostwriting services but I am a little picky about the projects I pick. I prefer to write in the self help genre as I feel I can relate some of my own personal experiences and I tend to know the area the client is working in. Saying that, if a project sounds exciting I will look into it.
It always blows my mind as to why people react so negatively to the thought of individuals blogging for money. If blogging/coaching is what you are truly passionate about, then why not be paid for it? Artists are paid, musicians are paid, teachers are paid, and the list goes on and on. Just because it is not your typical 9-5 job doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve compensation for the extensive amount of time and effort that goes into it. Great post!
Well Cara, If you were here with me I’d hug you :). I think so many people don’t understand the work involved in creating an active blog. We all have bills to pay and I for one want to have a nice life. Thanks for commenting.
We had a brief discussion about writing books on the Morning Business Show the other day and I mentioned the option of having a ghost writer for people who wanted to write a book, but either didn’t have the time or skill. I wanted to check in case anyone comes back and asks for a recommendation.
We had a brief discussion about writing books on the Morning Business Show the other day and I mentioned the option of having a ghost writer for people who wanted to write a book, but either didn’t have the time or skill. I wanted to check in case anyone comes back and asks for a recommendation.