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What is clarity in business?

Clarity in business. We all want it, yet we may oftentimes struggle to find it, especially when we’re just starting, we’re pivoting, or it’s simply time to evolve.

When you are clear on your vision and your purpose for your business, it’s makes all your business (and marketing) activities so much easier.

Clarity in your business is the compass that guides you in the right direction. It’s the difference between:

  • Feeling connected to a deep sense of knowing and purpose vs. feeling lost in confusion and spinning your wheels
  • Holding a clear vision for your future vs. going with whatever you feel like in the moment and hoping it all works out
  • Knowing exactly what to offer and vs. creating a million different customized offerings

The problem is, clarity is not always so easy to come by, especially in the beginning stages of starting your business.

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Why clarity in your business can be so elusive

Think about the noise you’re exposed to on a regular basis: Facebook, Instagram, emails, podcasts — all with experts and other business owners telling you what you should and shouldn’t be doing.

If you’re not careful, all of that expert advice can drown out your inner voice — you know, that voice inside that knows what’s best for you.

It’s so common for early stage entrepreneurs to take all of that expert advice and make it fit into their own business. But it doesn’t always work! Just because something worked for someone else, does not necessarily mean it will work for you.

After all, you have your own goals, dreams, gifts, and strengths, and you started a business to use those, right? Not to replicate what someone else has already done!

This doesn’t mean you should never take advice from anyone. But you want to be able to use your own inner guidance system to figure out what’s best for you along the way.

5 types of clarity in business

There are certain areas of your business where clarity is key. They are:

Clarity of purpose in your business.

We’ve all heard we should find our why, and this is particularly important when starting your business. The road of a business owner is filled with ups and downs and your why is the guiding light that keeps you on the path.

Clarity on what your business actually “is”.

New business owners often struggle with knowing what their business is about (i.e., what they do for people). This is a key aspect you want to be clear about, because if you’re confused, your prospective clients will be, too!

Clarity on your niche.

Getting clarity on your niche can be one of the most challenging aspects of starting of pivoting your business. But you want to define who exactly you serve in order to attract and serve them.

Clarity on your offers.

You might have a general idea of how you want to help people, but if you don’t have an actual offer with a specific result, you will likely struggle when trying to market and promote your business.

Clarity in business messaging.

Your messaging refers to the words you use to convey the value of what you do to those you can best serve. The clearer your messaging, the more it resonates with the right people.

If you lack clarity in any of these areas, your business probably isn’t running as smoothly as it could be. But you can find your own business clarity so that you can move forward with confidence.

Signs you have clarity in your business

Once you experience that inner sense of clarity, things change. New doors open up, new paths are available to you. You witness that you can actually create the business you want, in your own way.

When you have business clarity, these things happen:

  • You have a strong sense of purpose in your business. Because you know the purpose behind what you do and why it matters.
  • You have focus and direction. Clarity acts a compass, showing you where to go. You don’t waste time spinning your wheels or exploring options because the path is clear.
  • You can more easily define and achieve your business goals. When you’ve defined the center of the dartboard, you’re more likely to hit it.

Not to mention that having clarity is one of the best feelings in the world! Knowing you’re on the right path helps you feel grounded with a sense of purpose and direction.

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How to find clarity in business

It’s not just about waiting until you have a light bulb moment. Clarity comes through taking action. That doesn’t mean you do all the things until you find something that works. Instead, it’s about taking time to go inward, explore the possibilities, and follow what feels true for you.

Here are five steps to help you find clarity:

1. Explore the possibilities.

Open up your mind, let yourself dream big, and ask yourself: If my work could be anything I wanted, what would that be?  What would I do if I wasn’t afraid? Explore all the possibilities without getting in your own way.

2. Tap into your intuition.

Intuition is a highly underrated business skill. Yet, your intuition knows exactly what is best for you. If you find yourself spending a lot of time in your head — questioning and contemplating — it’s time to listen to your gut.

3. Follow the spark.

What are the things that light you up whenever you do them? What are the activities that put you in a sense of flow, like you’ve lost track of time? Notice the people and activities and groups that spark your interest. What are they telling you about yourself?

4. Clear your mind.

It’s not uncommon to get distracted by what everyone else is doing. But when you clear your mind and shut out the voices of others, you tune into your own inner voice. Seek out ways you can clear your mind, whether it’s shutting down social media, journaling, or meditating.

5. Talk to someone else.

We tend to overcomplicate things in our own heads. This leads to overthinking and spinning our wheels — without moving forward. One remedy is to talk it out with a trusted person — or better yet, a certified coach, who can be impartial as you explore your own possibilities and next steps. 

When business clarity isn’t the real issue

Sometimes, the issue is not that we don’t have clarity, but something else.

So often people come to me saying they don’t have clarity, but inside, they really do. Instead they are held back by:

  • Lacking confidence in themselves that they can actually get there
  • Knowing they are truly worthy of what they want
  • Feeling fearful of actually owning it and taking steps forward

This is where doing the inner work is so powerful to helping you first, get the clarity, but then, to feel worth, confident, and courageous enough to take those next steps forward.

Want support in finding business clarity?

If you’re lacking clarity, confidence, or frankly — you just don’t know what you’re lacking, a Business Clarity Intensive can help. You’ll get clear on what’s been holding you back and define your next steps so that you can move forward confidently.