One of the things I hear constantly from people I work with is that they want the work they do to have meaning.
Just yesterday I was speaking with a prospective client who told me, “I can’t just make money. I need to make a difference in people’s lives. I need to help people and know that my business has a purpose. Otherwise, it just doesn’t feel right to me.”
Personally, and professinally, I would agree. I, too, want to make a difference in people’s lives. I also want to do something positive for my community and for my family.
Yet, so often the idea of purpose becomes unbalanced with growing a business and making a profit. When I dig deeper into these conversations with clients I can sometimes see the confusion. They want to make money AND they want to make a difference. Yet somehow they just don’t feel like it’s possible. Somehow they feel that if they make a nice living that they’re not really serving the people who need help. The flip side is even more odd in that the believe that need to make less money to help the people less fortunate.
Doesn’t this seem out of balance? Doesn’t it seem odd that we so easily believe that we need to suffer to help others that are suffering? I just can’t get my mind around this one. But maybe you can…
Do you think it’s possible to a have purpose to your business while making a comfortable living? How?
Do you believe that you need to suffer to help those that are suffering? If so, why? And if not, why do you feel others feel that way?
I’d love to chat about this one…
I used to have passion about design and art. That all went bye-bye with desktop publishing.
It no longer seems to be that important.
I think when you are helping people in some way with you’re work, it makes it easier to be passionate about it, even when you are running on empty..lol.
To people who want to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate generally are happier to make less money. They are more happy in giving to others rather than saving for themselves. It is a very good gesture and in this fast world very few people have such feelings left.
Having business with a purpose can really expand a business than having business just to earn money. Money is important. But without a vision for your business, it will lead you nowhere.
digitalnomad,
Why didn’t you move your art to the digital canvas?
Catfish,
I absolutely agree. I go through the same thing. Why do you think that is?
Laser Hair,
It is. Yet I’m of the belief that you can do both. Furthermore, what many people need today is money to help solve their problems. So if you make a good living, you can help in more ways. Wouldn’t you agree?
Living Rooms,
I think that’s definitely the case with corporations – especially those that answer to shareholders. But don’t you think the motivations are different for small businesses and solopreneurs?
No, most certainly not. You do not have to suffer to make a difference in people’s lives. Every business deals with people. Suppliers, customers, employees, the government and share holders. They are all called collectively as stake holders. If you conduct your business ethically and deliver value to all your stake holders, you are making a difference in their lives and you can flourish too.
Often such existential questions are asked by business persons when they are not very sure that the business they are in is ethical or interesting or whatever. There is also the person who has got into business by inheritance or accident and whose heart is really not in it.If such a feeling is deep rooted, it is better that the person finds another calling.
We cannot all be Mother Teresas.
Capitalism can work satisfactorily only with a commitment to deliver value to all the stake holders.
lei,
I agree. But do you sacrifice one for the other?
Home Recording,
Great points. I’ve seen all sides with my clients. Some ‘can’t’ make money because it wouldn’t be serving and others want to make so much money that they get in the way of serving.
I think it all boils down to fear – fear of there not being enough. Enough money, enough of the good in someone to give.
What do you attribute it too?
Perhaps there is a compromise of sorts. Use the profits from the business that does generate money to plough into something that does make a difference.
I am in the process of creating a Business Coaching and consultancy firm. I’ll also be looking to place a proportion of the profits in some sort of trust and these will be available to companies as a grant. I’d be soliciting applications from companies involved in social enterprise or perhaps environmental areas too.
early days re the plan above, however it does prove that with a bit of thought it’s possible to make money and contribute to the world around you.
Mike
Dawud, you flatter me by asking me this question. Knowing you as I do, I am sure that you already know the answer.
In my and many other people’s opinion this is a feeling of inadequacy about everything. Most people do not introspect enough to realize that their lives have been one of abundance. Abundance perhaps not in the sense of all the material things that modern man wants, but having all one’s needs met, plus some.
From my personal life all that I can say is that I have received everything in abundance, all the things that I consider important. I may not have a Rolls Royce or a mansion, but I have a roof of my own over my head, the same good quality food that the rich eat, reasonably good clothes to wear and be comfortable in, and so much love in my life that sometimes, I feel embarrassed. I have also been blessed with sufficient resources to be independent and live a life of dignity. How can I possibly be afraid? The same power that has given me all these things will take care of any emergency that may arise in the future. I do not have the slightest doubt on this score. The fear is absent because I look back at my life and see that the pluses have been far greater than the minuses.
Every time, I come across someone who feels otherwise and I help him look back honestly, he too comes to the same opinion but somehow some of them are unable to drop the sense of want despite their valid personal experiences. Possibly due to some sort of conditioning that has taken place in their childhood, I do not know. I am not a psychologist, but common sense would indicate this to be probably the reason for such a feeling. It is a feeling, mind you, not a thought. That distinction is important.
I think few people think like”I should help people”,most think money or their benefits more than doing a favor.
Have fun.
Mike,
Absolutely – on both accounts. I think it’s possible to do good for people in business and make a nice living doing so. Then, turning some of your profits back to do even more good. Wouldn’t that seem to be the ideal?
Home Recording,
I couldn’t agree more. You know, success really is in the eye of the beholder – as is wealth. I, for instance, feel quite abundant with our three kids – regardless of how much money I make. I sit back sometimes and look at my kids and I can’t help but smile and feel such joy at just watching them. So I definitely think it’s all a matter of perspective.
usa newspapers,
Funny, I don’t see helping people as doing a favor at all. I see it as a responsibility of being human. So, for me personally, I don’t know how to separate the two. That’s why I wrote this post. Any chance you would agree? Do we have a responsibility to care for the people we can help?
I’ve written about this topic also. In my opinion, if someone is passionate about a topic/activity, the money will follow.
The Smith,
I think that’s true to an extent – you certainly need to have passion for what you do to put in the effort to become successful.
But planning, positioning, and target audience are just as important. Without them – no business.
Hi Dawud – I read your profile on StumbleUpon and I guessed you’d have an interesting blog.
I used to think the way some of your clients do. And I was so wrong.
You can’t possibly help others by suffering yourself. It would be just like running out of oxygen and trying to put masks on 100 people before you put on your own.
Owning a business gives you the opportunity to distribute wealth; and eventually frees up more of your time so that you can help others. So it can’t be a bad thing. But, I’m guessing you already knew that.
CatherineL,
Yes…yes…yes. Whether I know it or not, it’s great to hear.
There are many ways to have purpose in your business. I just believe that you can’t live a truly enriched life unless you’re helping others. Could be the source of your business or the byproduct – no matter.
Thanks for your great point.
Of course you can make money and have a purpose. It is even better to have a purpose.