Start With Why is the Secret to Success


Simon Sinek coming to Naperville, May 5th, 2015.
Simon Sinek coming to Naperville, May 5th, 2015.

For those of you that have children, or who have worked with children we know all too well that “Why?” seems like the only word in their vocabulary.  For a parent, the 300th “Why?” can make us crazy, but after reading Simon Sinek’s Book, Start with Why, perhaps  children are way ahead of the game. Instead of questioning them, “Must you ask why again?” we may think about praising them as they simply try to gain a better understanding of the world around them.

I am looking forward to starting our first Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Book Club. The goal is to focus on books that shed light on some of the most challenging areas of business, leadership, management, marketing and effective communication, just to name a few. I selected Start with Why for two reasons, one because we don’t ask why, typically we start with what.  What do I want to do? What do I want to sell? What does my customer want? Second, my goal is to help others ask the right questions so they can discover success.  I have learned, that going back to the instinctual question of why, is really the litmus test of feasibility. In other words, asking why may lead to the realization that your product or service needs changing or is simply irrelevant.

When I started my business back in the early 90’s, I innately asked, “Why?” I knew what I wanted to do.  I wanted to start a fitness business that spoke to the millions of women that were suffering from low self-esteem and unrealistic fitness expectations. But why did I want to start my fitness business?  To ensure that women would have a safe place to learn practical health strategies to improve the quality of their life, because they deserve it.  Because I knew the why, the how and what came very easily. I knew then and have been affirmed by this book, that asking why is simply the best strategy to create allure and loyalty to your product or service.

In Sinek’s book, he discusses something called the Golden Circle. It’s brilliant. The Golden Circle is in my mind, the best way to start a business plan. It should serve as the foundation of any business decision. However, it can be used personally as well which is what I love about it. Whether you’re looking to start a business, grow a business or start a new life for yourself, starting with why will surely assess the relevance and passion of your goal.

I’m very pleased to announce that Simon Sinek will also be coming to Naperville, May 5th at 7:30 a.m. The event will be hosted by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to bring such a visionary to Naperville who has inspired millions of people simply by challenging them to ask, “Why?”

 

Here’s to never wishing for time, rather making the most of it!

Nicki

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