Spirit and Soul

Spirit and soul - two words that I don't think are used enough when talking about business building and being an entrepreneur. There's a million "how to" guides out there and anyone who has a business minded brain can likely figure out the logistics to building a company. They can probably even find some serious success in doing so but what is behind it? What is in the guts of that business that draws customers in and that makes you excited to get up each day and work on it?

If you pay close attention and are a conscious consumer, I'd suspect you can tell the difference between a company focused on logistics, products and dollars and ones that have a deeper mission, purpose and drive. Even if you don't cognitively know it, most people are unconsciously drawn to the later. It's no different than relationships with individuals. We're intrinsically drawn to those who have depth. It's often not even something we can put into words, just a feeling and connection.

So what is the spirit and soul of your business? What is at the heart of what you are building? Are you focused on the money you can make and how this business serves you? Or are you focused on what you are providing others and the impact you can leave on this world? The first step is figuring out what your own spirit and soul are searching for and what values are important you as an individual. I don't believe anyone can find true joy and success if they are running something that doesn't align with who they are as an individual. (One of the first exercises I do with my coaching clients is meant to help figure this out). Many of those I see touting their "success" on social media are not joyful and aligned and it shows. They may have a nice bank account and lots of followers but they are not living a truly content and joyous life.

Once you figure out your core values and what resides in you soul, it becomes a lot clearer as to how to do the same for your business. Finding the balance between the spirit and soul of your company and the logistical, financial and product based processes is not an easy task, but you need both. If you're better at one of those than the other, bring in someone who has a different set of strengths. Maybe you know exactly what is at the heart of what you are building but not how to build it. So find someone else who excels at processes and logistics. Remember, those things can be learned. Spirit and soul need to be felt.

This isn't just for smaller start ups. Companies like Patagonia, Zappos, United by Blue, Ben and Jerry's and Beautycounter are all great examples of LARGE organizations who haven't lost track of their roots and who operate from a very deep and soulful place. There's something not tangible and unmeasurable about them that draws people in and keeps them there for the long term.

Keep this in mind next time you're scrolling through social media. If you really pay attention to how you feel as you look at a post or picture, you'll start to notice what you are drawn to and now maybe you'll have a better idea why.