Breakthrough #3: Finding Purpose for Profit - The Fire That Transforms Business

Central Asian business leaders whose purpose-driven enterprises are transforming communities - their childlike joy reveals the power of finding purpose for profit beyond mere financial gain

The bitter taste of regret filled my mouth as I sat across from my pastor, my voice cracking with emotion.

“I’ve squandered 40 years in business,” I confessed, the weight of my recent trip to Central Asia crushing my spirit.

For 14 days, I had traveled through three countries ending in “STAN.” What I witnessed there SHATTERED MY UNDERSTANDING of business purpose. 

I encountered business leaders who were intentional about bringing positive impact into the lives of everyone associated with their businesses. They were lifting entire communities through their enterprises.

Returning home, I felt lost in our business.

My pastor’s response changed everything.

“Before you beat yourself up,” he said, leaning forward with intensity, “recognize what you are already doing in the business now to show Christ; then, double down!”

 THE HIDDEN PURPOSE ALREADY WITHIN YOUR BUSINESS

Our breakthrough wasn’t about creating something new. It was about RECOGNIZING OUR BUSINESS PURPOSE ALREADY HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT.

My business partner Randy Harvey grew up tough. While other companies rejected people with troubled pasts, Randy hired them. Ex-cons. Recovering addicts. Society’s castoffs.

If someone we hired had been beaten up in the ring of life, he pulled them back to our corner and helped them get what they needed. If they needed shoes, we helped them get shoes. If they had bald tires that weren’t safe, he would help them get new tires. For the first time, many had 401(k) retirement opportunities.

SUDDENLY, THE FOG LIFTED.

Our purpose for profit wasn’t just making money. It was providing livelihoods to those who had been rejected and marginalized.

70% of businesses FAIL to make it to their second generation of leadership.

WHY?

Because they never discover their PURPOSE FOR PROFIT.

I am talking about the difference in the hollow echo of a bank account growing versus the rich symphony of lives being transformed.

Or the stale taste of success without significance versus the sweet flavor of profit with purpose.

 THE CRIME AGAINST YOUR LEGACY: PROFIT WITHOUT PURPOSE

The greatest crime against business isn’t failing to make money.

IT’S MAKING MONEY WITHOUT KNOWING WHY.

THE ENERGY RELEASED WILL BE PALPABLE as you train your people not just on the job but also in developing their minds, helping them serve their families better, and shaping them to contribute to their communities. 

THE BREAKTHROUGH SECRET: ARTICULATION AND DEMONSTRATION

People won’t believe your purpose until they SEE IT DEMONSTRATED.

The business leaders I met in Central Asia were living epistles of their values in places where it was illegal to speak it.

I was envious.

THEIR PASSION WAS CONTAGIOUS.

Their passion to be a blessing extended not just to their employees but also to helping their vendors and customers succeed! 

THE FIRE THAT TRANSFORMS BUSINESS

When we realized that helping others was the unique purpose of our business, we began to see lives changed for the better just by showing up to work each day.

THIS WAS OUR BREAKTHROUGH.

An inspired and energized life flows from profit so you can bless the community. 

THE BREAKTHROUGH FORMULA: CLARITY + ARTICULATION + DEMONSTRATION

The breakthrough comes when:

1. You RECOGNIZE your purpose (Clarity)

2. You can ARTICULATE your purpose (Vision)

3. Your team DEMONSTRATES your purpose (Action)

WHEN THESE THREE ALIGN, BUSINESS BECOMES UNSTOPPABLE.

Our team found breakthrough and fire by realizing a purpose for our profits. It flowed out of seeing what was already there. Once we got clarity, we could articulate a vision that matched what we were already doing.

IT GAVE US A REASON TO MULTIPLY.

Today, the passion for giving away what I have learned drives me! Helping other business leaders who don’t realize their business’s divine potential gives my life tremendous purpose.

Ready to discover your business’s purpose for profit? Email Sunshine@cultivatingimpact.bizwith “PURPOSE” in the subject line to learn more about our next Breakthrough Mastermind group.

Your legacy is too important to leave undefined.

Harry T. Jones

P.S. Do you know a business leader who could profit from this story? Forward it now! If you have received this email from someone else, you can CLICK HERE to receive weekly encouragement from me.