Make Your Mark

“Defining Your Purpose”

As you leverage your creative work into a commercial venture, remember that a successful company does not exclusively seek profits or focus on products. A “purpose-driven” business wants to solve problems and “change the world” for the better. Pinpointing your firm’s purpose requires answering four questions: What does the world yearn for? What are your organization’s specific abilities? “Who has the company timelessly been? And who must it fearlessly become?” Use these questions to role-play, tell stories and become introspective.

These questions are equally relevant to seeking your personal purpose: What do you contribute to the world? What can you do that no one else can? Who are you at your finest? “Who must you fearlessly become?” Forget the ideas you have about yourself. Finding a purpose is not for ego building, but for identifying your core concerns. Use this exercise to arrive at a clear personal statement. A purpose reveals “emotionally intelligent stories” that communicate your goals.

“Why?”

As businesses evolve they must avoid remaining stuck in their established beliefs and patterns. Ask “why” your audience members...