Four Questions To Ask Yourself To Ensure You Make An Impact

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” ―Mahatma Gandhi

Make a difference. Every entrepreneur wants to make an impact—to make some difference that you have lived well. The purpose of business, innovation, invention, is to be useful. Here are the three steps to follow on your path to recognizing and realizing your startup dream.

WHY? Ask yourself, “why am I in business?” Seek other startups and businesses that have the same why. Observe their strengths and their weaknesses. Differentiate your approach to the problem. Make a difference in the environment, education, productivity, or in your industry in a way that improves on that which others are doing to save the same problem.

“I never said to be like me, I say be yourself and make a difference.” ―Marilyn Manson

WHAT? Consider, “what models actually work?” Solve for the outcome, not for the activity. Figure out what you want to happen. Then, with that insight, leverage and scale. Spend time in ways that deliver the greatest impact and the best outcomes for that moment. Take calculated risks. Make deliberate steps.

“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” ―Minor Myers

WHO? Ask, “who are the people making things work?” Learn from them, collaborate with them. Walk beside them in order to sweep another area of the market need or to help them complete the effort. Learn vicariously through the victories of others. Read stories about how others achieved their dreams. Use the lessons to enrich your journey. Study those who have gone before, in your industry or in another. Note the courage they developed as they forged a path to greatness. Then, take steps to carve out your own success story.

“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” ―Robert F Kennedy

WHERE? Get into the right environment. Make a difference in the world—locally, regionally, or worldwide. Define your arena and then conquer it.

“Do I dare disturb the universe?” ―T S Eliot

To be rich, enrich others first. And, enrich your self. Your business is to be useful to someone, or to some group of people. That is the impact that makes a difference. You may not be the only one attacking the problem. Still, your approach is what will bring options to the marketplace and opportunities to you. Be curious and find in your business startup the facets that result in impact.