Passion in business is necessary for business success. To illustrate this point, I’d like to introduce you to Joanna:
Joanna inherited a real estate company from her father who passed away unexpectedly some years ago. She left behind a job she enjoyed, (working for a non-profit dedicated to helping low-income families find affordable housing), to take over running the small company; thinking that she could make a lot more money and feeling as though she owed it to her Dad’s memory to carry on the business he spent a life-time building.
Joanna had a lot to learn and the stress of running the business took its toll on her. She threw herself into her work, losing touch with her friends and family. After a tough couple of years and many mistakes, Joanna was relieved to see that she was finally able to reach the monetary goal she had set when she took over.
Instead of feeling good about her achievement, she found herself stressed, anxious and a bit depressed. She set some new, bigger money goals, thinking this would help. She worked hard and was able to exceed these goals by the end of the following year. Although she attained some notoriety in her field and had a profitable business, -the anxiety and depression continued.
Joanna ran into an old friend who owned a small holistic health center in town. Liza was happy, energetic, motivated and enthusiastic; she had truly found her passion in business. She bounded out of bed in the morning, excited about what the day would bring. What a contrast to the life Joanna had been living!
What made the difference?
Liza was passionate about what she did. She knew that when a client left the center they would feel better, and helping them gave Liza a sense of fulfillment and purpose, so that even the most mundane tasks had meaning.
Joanna realized that she had been passionate about her old job too. And this passion, this purpose, was what has been missing from her business. She thought about how she could use her passion in business to improve her attitude and help others to boot…and came up with an idea that worked.
Joanna decided to lower the rent on 5% of her apartments and make them available to low income families. And, she used her influence and connections in the industry to convince some other building owners to do the same.
Today, Joanna jumps out of bed in the morning with the same enthusiasm she saw in Liza. She’s making money of course, but the real joy comes from helping the families. She has found her purpose and it changed her life.
Is there a missing ingredient in your business?
Learn how my Small Business Leadership Program helps business owners find their passion in business.
