If you are like many people you tune into NBC to watch the popular show The Shark Tank. Season 10 Episode 2 features the story of Keisha Jeremie. The Founder and CEO of Sanaia Applesauce faces the Sharks asking for $150,000 for 15 percent. In the course of the interview the business woman from New York, New York is on point in a impressive way. She knows her evaluation and all the information that the Sharks normally ask when they are being pitched. One by one the Sharks give their reasons and drop out just as Barbara Cochran’s deal is rejected by Jeremie, Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O'Leary gets straight to the point with his loaded statement. “We’ve been through this. We’ve all looked at food products and I am not saying your wrong but it is risky...and your not full time.Which I gotta tell you really bothers me, if you really believe this you’d quit your job and be telling me that you don't sleep on weekends.” By questioning Jeremie on her commitment to her product O’Leary draws blood to which she responds “I am the breadwinner for my family.” Almost immediately Cuban chimes in “Look you have a presence about you, you know this, you have a power about you, what I have not been convinced of is that you're an entrepreneur.” This statement brings an uproar of conversation amongst the sharks. Robert Herjavec states that Jeremie not being all in is not an deal breaker. Meanwhile Jeremie becomes emotional and tears fill the corners of her eyes. Home Shopping mogule and Shark Lauri Greiner sees what is happening and ask “ Why are you tearing up.” “ I financially take care of so many people financially, this is the first thing I have ever done for myself.” Jeremie says through her controlled sobs. “ I would never squander my responsibilities to them but I am committed.” Once the amazing story of Jeremie’s personal story is uncovered Cuban speaks and offers $150,000.00 for a 25% stake in Sanaia. It all unfolded beautifully and the ending was sweet like cake but the lesson that people do not just buy products but they also buy the stories behind the products is powerful. The drive behind the story, the passion, the why is as important and valuable as the bottom line in many cases.
I want to discuss some important tips to help you identify and develop your Why.
TIP 1 - Clear Your Mind and Get Clear Don’t worry about the rest of what needs to be accomplished until you are clear about your Why. It is the foundation of the business you will build on it. Your true purpose will support the work you build on it so it is worth the wait.
TIP 2 - Escape the Comfort Zone - The comfort zone is where people that are planning on never changing go to cash in their best life for the status quo! If you are planning to live here then you may very well not be an entrepreneur. Embrace the dissatisfaction of staying where you are for the temporary pain of growth.
TIP 3 - Keep It Authentic - What makes a “WHY” so attractive to people is not how incredible it but rather it is the level of authenticity and relatability that the story contains. To this end keep it simple, keep it real and the authenticity will be undeniable.
TIP 4 - What You Already Do Is a Clue - Don’t be bamboozled into believing that your “WHY” is a dramatic quest on scale of the quest for the Holy Grail. I do not believe that your why is hidden in distant lands, it is simply not that hidden in your life. In fact many of us that are still on the search for said purpose are missing the clues that are underneath our very noses. People already seek you out for the thing you do well. We often act out our values everyday. We move by what is most important to us. We just need to think is this a passion? Is it something that I would love to do for others? Is it something i would do for free?