When you’re starting an online business (or even a blog, for that matter) it’s important to get started with the right perspective. We do know the importance of planning ahead, but often gloss over the planning phase and get right down to the actual work.
I too am guilty of charging full steam ahead, wanting to get things done without actually thinking them through!
Let’s look at the three important questions you can ask yourself to straighten your business perspective.
Why?
It is essential to start an online business/blog that has a “Why?” attached to it. Why do you want to start it? What is the purpose behind your business? Your reason has to go beyond just making money for yourself, or keeping you occupied. You’ll have to think about ways your business can make a radical difference in the world.
When the answer to your why is focused not just on yourself, but on those you’re trying to help, your business will truly be one that matters to your target audience.
But what if you already have a business without a vision? It’s never too late to get your ducks in a row! Identify why your business/blog exists and bring the vision back into your business.
How?
They second question builds upon your why. How will you materialize your why? How will your business be set apart from others similar to it? For example, let’s say you want to start an online kids clothing shop.
Your “why” will be:
I am starting a kids clothing shop to help parents shop for their kids clothes from the comfort of their own homes.
Your “how” will be:
I will start designing and selling modest, comfortable and inexpensive clothes for children.
Your “how” will give you more direction on how you want your business to proceed.
What?
The “what” question also builds upon your previous two questions. What services/products will your business provide in order to realize your “how”?
Taking the same example as above, your “what” can include specific products such as:
- Capris for girls
- Boy shorts
- Woolen wear
By answering these three questions, you will get better clarity on how your business will proceed. You can then break down each of the items listed under the “what” section into goals, and start working on them.
When you get started with the right perspective, your business will last longer and will be an inspiration. Even if you already have an established blog/business, spend a few minutes to answer the Why? How? and What? questions for yourself.
Note down your answers, so you can always refer back to them for inspiration. They will actually come to your rescue at times when you feel stuck, if your business reaches a standstill or if you start feeling overwhelmed.
Today’s Challenge: Answer the Why, How, and What questions for your own blog/business.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your answers! One person who comments on all the posts in this series will get to win a $25 Amazon gift card!
Click on the image below to access all the posts in this series!
Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Your questions have helped me pinpoint my direction. I really appreciate your experienced advice.
The why, how and what questions are really important.
Thanks for the advice and motivation.
Fortunately the “why?” was answered before I started my business and blog. The other two I need to spell out a little better for myself.
I started without clear direction several years ago. It’s taken time to figure out what direction I want to go and I’m looking forward to implementing the why, how and what in 2015. Thank you for sharing.
I am definitely getting a clearer vision as to what I should expect as I begin this journey
My vision for my blog is so others can see our journey & know what we went through in case they are looking to do the same. My husband is not from the US, so we will document what we must do for this to happen legally, show how we must sell our household items, find tickets to the US, etc. We are just in the beginning though.
This was really helpful. I started my blog 7 years ago as a creative outlet before I saw the potential of blogging. Now I want to take what I’ve built and develop it into a business. I think these questions will give me a starting point.
I’m enjoying your format, it all makes sense and provides a great roadmap for creating a business the “righ” way. Thank you 🙂