Purpose or Lacking Purpose?

 

Everything in your business should have a purpose.

Why?

Because if you’re doing something that lacks purpose, you’re wasting time, energy, and money that could be better spent on things that actually matter. Things that move you forward. Things that add VALUE to your business. Let’s not even mention the extra plates it adds to your spinner, which you’ll probably forget about until one goes smashing to the ground during a really busy week…usually the one before a holiday.

We’re all busy. We’ve all got lists, reminders, email chains, voicemails, and various different systems to keep on top of, but if what you’re doing doesn’t have a purpose? What if it doesn’t get you closer to your goals, or give something back, then what’s the point?

That’s why two of my all-time favourite business mottos are:

1. What’s my payback?
2. What will this give me / where will it get me?

Let’s break ’em down! Don’t worry, this won’t be a motivational PowerPoint presentation with rainbow slides and fairy glitter (althought that would look kinda pretty…in my opinion 😉). Just some honest thinking, and hopefully a few lightbulb moments for you too.

What’s my payback?

This one applies to almost everything! Time, money, energy and people.

Let’s say you’re considering spending £10,000 on a marketing campaign. It sounds impressive, sure. The branding’s beautiful. The agency’s wearing really nice trainers and using words like “engagement metrics” and “pipeline velocity.” But… what’s the payback?

  • Will it generate £30k in sales?

  • Will it REALLY help your brand reach the right kind of audience?

  • Will it REALLY boost your reputation in an industry you want to grow into?

  • Will it give you brilliant content you can use over and over again?

  • Will it attract clients that actually get what you do and respect your value?

Or is it just a lovely-looking campaign that makes someone else feel good while you’re left wondering what exactly it achieved?

Same goes for clients. Yes, you read that right, clients! Not every client is worth your time, energy or emotional bandwidth.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this client aligned with your values?

  • Will working with them open doors to more of your ideal clients?

  • Are they easy to communicate with and pay on time?

  • Or are they draining your resources, your patience, and possibly your will to live?

The payback might not always be cold hard cash. It could be exposure, portfolio building, learning something new, or earning credibility in a new area. But there has to be a return, otherwise it’s just busywork dressed up as progress.

What will this give me / where will it get me?

This one is about direction.

Before you sign up for a course, subscribe to that latest must-have tech platform, or spend four hours tinkering with the font on your Canva graphic, ask yourself: Where is this taking me? or What will this give me?

Let’s say you’re thinking about investing in a £3,000 training course.

  • Will it equip you with a skill you’ll use regularly in your business?

  • Will it qualify you for a new type of work or client?

  • Will it help you serve your existing clients better?

  • Will it get you closer to that goal of scaling your business or building passive income?

Or is it a panic purchase because everyone else on LinkedIn seems to be doing it?

It’s the same with networking events. I’ve lost count of the number of events I’ve been invited to where, if I’m honest, I’ve asked myself halfway through, “Why am I here?” If the answer is “free biscuits,” that’s probably not the kind of purpose we’re aiming for.

Your time is precious and as business owners, that often gets overlooked because no one’s writing you a payslip at the end of the day. But it’s the most valuable asset you’ve got. If you’re giving your time to something, it needs to give something back or at the very least, take you closer to your long-term goal.

It’s not about being ruthless, it’s about being smart

Having purpose doesn’t mean saying no to everything that isn’t directly billable or productive. It just means being more intentional.

Maybe that client meeting doesn’t bring in direct revenue but it builds trust that turns into long-term work. That’s purpose.

Maybe writing that blog doesn’t lead to immediate sales but it educates your audience, shows your expertise, and helps your SEO. That’s purpose.

Maybe spending a few hours setting up an automated email system won’t feel thrilling but it’ll save you weeks of admin in the long run. Purpose.

Are you getting the idea?

So the next time something lands on your desk, or pops into your inbox, or wanders into your calendar uninvited, ask:

  • What’s my payback?

  • What will this give me, and where will it get me?

If you don’t have a clear answer, maybe it’s time to stop doing it. Or at the very least, park it until you do, because a business with purpose runs smoother, feels better, and makes decisions that actually mean something.

And who doesn’t want that?

If you would like some help setting your business goals and aligning purposeful activity with an Accredited Business Mentor (International Authority for Professional Coaches and Mentors), get in touch!

With Appreciation

Kayleigh Bishop

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