What is Your WHY?
As small business, nonprofit and community leaders, understanding your mission, vision and values should paint a clear picture of why you do the work that you do. As this young boy (my youngest son it is!) stares at the photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I can only imagine that he is thinking, why did he fight for justice, civil rights and freedom? Personally, I believe Dr. King as well as other civil rights leaders would simply answer this question, “Because he/they understood their why?” These pioneers, trailblazers, freedom fighters understood the Civil Rights Movement mission, vision and values so that this child and many other children and adults can experience fair treatment and ensure equal opportunity in schools, workplaces, and community spaces.
Reflecting on this picture, inspired me to write this blog post and to be extremely thankful for all of the clients I have worked with over the past few months. Whether they paid or wanted a thought partner for their business, I was filled with gratitude that I was always honoring the mission, vision and values of Anaya Enterprises.
For me, my mission at Anaya Enterprises is transforming vision into funded impact that strengthens communities and organizations.
Our vision is guided by the belief that communities are empowered when we invest in people, partnerships, and purpose through transformative solutions.
Our values are leading with CARE: Community, Access, Revolutionary strategy and Empowerment.
My values provide a solid foundation for engagement and communication, ensuring I remain focused on achieving my mission and vision, even when challenges and doubts surface. This commitment allows for strategic pivoting when the client's needs shift. For instance, while the grant RFP landscape is challenging, I have successfully guided organizations toward diversifying income through finding fiscal sponsors, monetizing speaking engagements, hosting mission-focused events, developing products, and using data for impactful storytelling and grant applications.
So, I ask, What is your Why?
If revenue barriers are causing you to struggle, it's time to redirect your thoughts to your mission, vision, and values. Reimagine your expertise with an innovative, entrepreneurial, and growth mindset to continue providing vital client support. Seize opportunities to grow and expand, improve your brand, create targeted networks, and build a more successful and sustainable business.
To do this, consider hiring an Anaya Enterprise consultant who will:
Conduct an organizational needs assessment and/or a SOAR analysis to find your organizations Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results
Possess active listening skills with CARE that hone in on direct and indirect messages that you are sharing to achieve your organizational goals
Develop a plan that includes your original organizational goals for seeking a consultant, and utilizes the consultant’s expertise to help with additional organizational needs.
Share a plan on how my consulting expertise can reach your organizational goals with CARE.