Find your why. Have you heard that before? Ever wonder why it’s so important to have that driving reason behind your business? Check this out to find yours.
If you have ever been blessed to have a conversation with a small child, you have heard this before:
“But, why?”
Two simple words, but one of the most annoying phrases they can say. They always want to know “why”.
You may be thinking, “What does a child’s conversation have to do with my business?”
A lot.
It is the most important question of why you are in the business or have the desire to be in the business.
Farming and ranching is a business. It may be something you have done for years, or it is something you have longed to do. Either situation requires you to think about why:
Why are you still in this industry?
Why do you want to be in this industry?
Check out these tips to find your why and build a solid foundation for your business to grow on.
Why you need a WHY
Ag business is a tough industry to be in. Things will happen that are out of your control. Drought, floods, rain, market crashes, and financial loss will be obstacles you have to overcome. Remembering the reason you started will push you to keep going.
Let’s do a little brainstorming. Grab a piece of paper and let’s think about this.
It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or you have been in business for years. Getting in touch with your why will help you put your business into perspective for you.
Do you want to retire from your full-time job?
Will this agricultural business make extra money for your family?
Do you want to build this business for your children?
Are you ready to get out of the city and back to the farm and ranch life?
Is there a strong desire to improve your family’s food source?
There are so many reasons to have a farm and ranch operation. What will be the story you tell about why you started your business?
Write it Down
You will be intimidated by owners who are further along than you are. Keep in mind, you have no idea what they are trying to accomplish. Your version of success will be different from someone else’s in the industry. The reason they started their business will be different from yours.
Write down your why. When you think about something in your head, it’s not as real. It will be mixed in with all of your doubts and fears. This will make it harder for your business to come to life.
Now, let’s take it one step further.
By starting or having this business, what will be the direct effect of your business?
a little INSIGHT
For example, here was my why behind Texas Farm & Ranch Solution, LLC on January 1, 2019:
“I want to have a business that is flexible. A business that I can control so that I can be there for my girls without having to be at the mercy of a boss. I want to be the one at the front lines of customer service, giving my clients the best, and gaining their trust.”
I know. It’s really deep, right? At the time, this was my driving force for creating my business.
As your business progresses, you will notice your why will start to shift. You may have started your business for vacation money. Later on, you realized you could pay for college for your children or invest in another business. Maybe you just want to be able to pick up your kids from school or be home for the important things on your schedule.
Since TxFRS has progressed, my why now looks like this:
“I want to help micro farmers and ranchers get the information and tools they need so that they can be successful and profitable in their business.”
That is the answer I give to people when they ask me why I left my job as a nurse to return to agriculture. This phrase is what I read every morning when I sit down to type out new posts. It’s in my planner when I make appointments with clients to help them set up or rework their business.
My why isn’t about me. Your why can be whatever you need it to be.
LET YOUR Compass BE YOUR GUIDE
The purpose of your why is to guide you in your business decisions. Along with your goals, this simple reason should be at the forefront of every business decision you make.
For example, your why is to supplement your income to help pay bills. Spending money on unnecessary “investments” will cut into your business profits and decrease your profits you are relying on to live on.
But, if your why is to make money for a vacation, the way you view your business money will be less intense.
Before I make a purchase or a change to my business, I refer back to my why and ask: Will this help me help my clients and readers? If the answer is yes, then I go through with the purchase.
Refer to it Often
Look back at your why as many times as you can. Display it in your office. Put it into your planner. Share it with your spouse or business partner. Make sure it is something you use to guide you.
People start businesses for all kinds of reasons. The agriculture industry will always be in demand but it won’t always be easy.
Before you start researching and buying supplies and livestock, take a moment to craft your why. Write it out. Read it over and over. Does it feel strong enough to pull you through the tough times?
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