In business, in any other context, the results you achieve are a reflection of the work invested. We work to get things done, achieve our goals, and fulfill our purpose. Sometimes work becomes inevitable and you have to be physically or mentally present to get tasks accomplished. Inventions and technology have made things a bit easier where you can manage and implement most of your tasks without being physically present.
Here's what entrepreneurs had to say about what work means to them.
#1- Finding fulfillment
Work is an opportunity for me to pursue my passion and contribute my skills towards something that I genuinely believe in. As an entrepreneur and business owner, work means being able to create and innovate every day, push boundaries, and make a positive impact on people's lives through my products. It's a constant learning experience, and every challenge only pushes me to strive harder. Work is not just about making money; it's about finding fulfillment in what I do and leaving a meaningful mark on the world.
Thanks to David Zhang, Kate Backdrop!
#2- The pursuit of passion
To me, work is the pursuit of passion materialized through continuous learning, adaptation, and the relentless desire to contribute something valuable to the world. It's about coming up with solutions that actually solve problems, making people's lives better, and encouraging a culture of quality and growth within our team. This outlook on work has shaped not only our commercial tactics but also our ability to encourage and enable people to follow their passions, turning work into a fulfilling rather than merely necessary aspect of life.
Thanks to John VanDerLaan, Deer Hunting Guide!
#3- Making a long-lasting impact
This feeling of empowerment encompasses every facet of my company, from the tools we offer to the individualized care we give our customers. Our focus is on providing individuals with the necessary information and support for success, rather than solely facilitating transactions. Being able to watch a client's business grow from a startup to a successful organization and knowing that our services played a part in that journey makes us very fulfilled. I believe that work is really about having the chance to make a long-lasting, good difference in the lives of people.
Thanks to Michael Benoit, Contractor Bond!
#4- Solving problems
For me, work is problem-solving: recognizing obstacles that companies encounter in their digital marketing initiatives and coming up with calculated plans to get around them. My daily motivation comes from solving problems; it brings me satisfaction to solve a challenging problem and see the results of putting an excellent solution into practice that not only meets but also beyond our client's expectations. Through this lens, work is not just a series of tasks but a continuous opportunity to make a difference in our client's success stories.
Thanks to Vincent Iachetta Jr., Peppermonkey Media!
#5- Making a positive difference
My work isn't just about selling lingerie; it's about making a positive difference in people's lives. Every day, I have the opportunity to completely uplift someone's day simply by providing them with the right fitting bra. Many customers come into the store feeling down and frustrated about their bra hurting, poor posture, and the difficulty of finding the right fit. But through expert fittings and personalized service, I'm able to have them leave the fitting room with a smile on their face, standing taller, and with a better outlook on life.
Thanks to Tracey Cohen, Illusions Lingerie!
#6- Making an impact
Work for me is impact. It's the ability to make a difference in the lives of others through my skills, experience, and knowledge. I handle countless tax cases each year, and every time I can resolve a client's issue, it gives me immense satisfaction. Seeing the relief on their faces and knowing that they can now move forward without the burden of tax debt is what work means to me. I never view it as just a job but rather a privilege to be able to use my expertise to help others.
Thanks to Dana Ronald, Tax Crisis Institute!
#7- Providing value in people's lives
Work means building something from scratch that provides value and solves a problem. It's not just about making money; it's about building something that can make a positive impact on people's lives. If you are passionate about your work, it will not feel like a burden or obligation but rather an exciting and fulfilling journey. Going beyond the traditional 9-5 work schedule which means being in control of my time and decisions, which is a significant motivator for me. However, with this freedom comes great responsibility of the success or failure of my business.
Thanks to Burak Özdemir, Character Calculator!
#8- The pursuit of justice
Work to me is more than just the means to make a living. It embodies service, commitment, and the pursuit of justice. Every case that lands at my desk offers the opportunity to aid others, and therein lies my true passion – being able to utilize my expertise to seek fair and just compensation for those who have been wronged. Furthermore, work provides a platform to effect positive change within the industry, and to set higher standards of corporate conduct and accountability.
Thanks to Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys!
#9- Staying ahead in the changing industry
For me, work entails establishing bold objectives and organizing a group of people to realize those goals. It entails negotiating the market's complexity and coming to smart judgments that not only secure the expansion of our business but also help to mold the gaming industry's future. Staying ahead in this constantly changing industry requires adaptability, flexibility, and an ongoing state of preparedness. Our drive to craft distinct experiences, our profound respect for our community, and our steadfast dedication to excellence fuel our progress.
Thanks to Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, Online Games!
#10- Two things
My work is the cornerstone of individual fulfillment and organizational success. The meaning of my work is in the opportunity I have to create an area for professional growth, diversity and inclusion, and collaboration. Work is a means of earning a living and a platform for my employees' professional development. Being a PEO president embodies the essence of teamwork, accountability, continuous learning and improvement, and ensuring the well-being of my team.
Thanks to Mitch Chailland, Canal HR!
#11- Doing something meaningful
To me, work means having a sense of purpose, and doing something meaningful with my time. I was inspired to start my company after seeing aspects of the moving industry that I wanted to change. It gave me a sense of satisfaction, even on less fulfilling days. It also helps me to stay on track and prioritize effectively. Gaining a sense of purpose through the job itself, our impact on the workplace, or our connections with colleagues. There are lots of ways to find meaning in our work, and it’s essential to do this if we want to maintain our energy and enthusiasm.
Thanks to Ryan Carrigan, MoveBuddha!
#12- Making a positive difference
Work, for me, is more than just a means to an end. It’s a chance to make a positive difference in the world. I relish my home life and getting to put my feet up at the end of a tiring day because I know that I have achieved something good. My work challenges me, inspires me, and excites me. It helps that ours is a family business, as this makes it even more meaningful. It’s a legacy I will leave to my children. Not just in terms of the business, but also the ethics, knowledge, and experiences that accompany it.
Thanks to Jan Brandrup, Neurogan!
#13- Working to my true potential
The work that I do means way more to me than just a means of making money – it's about chasing my dreams, using my talents, and fulfilling my true potential. As a business owner, work unleashes my creativity, harnesses my determination to succeed, and challenges my resilience. It's about finding solutions to problems, building great relationships with clients and my team, and making a positive difference in people's lives. Work is not my whole life- but it's where I find purpose and fulfillment; joy and connection; and meaning. Love my work. Love my life!
Thanks to Marianne Page, Marianne Page Ltd.!
#14- Providing for myself and my family
Work means providing for myself and my family. But it also means providing for my staff and our customers. When you’re in a leadership position, it’s about more than just yourself. You want your company to succeed for the benefit of everyone. You want to make sure you’re able to attract quality talent and give them a place to grow their careers. You want to make sure your customers are taken care of and getting what they need from your products and services. These are all motivators that are always on my mind when I’m at work.
Thanks to Thomas Samuels, Cardinal Expo!
#15- A continuous quest for growth
I've redefined what work means to me. It embodies a continuous quest for growth and improvement beyond mere professional achievements or financial gains. Work is about challenging oneself, expanding personal boundaries, and nurturing a sense of accomplishment and contribution. For me, work transcends the mundane; it's a chance for self-improvement and making a meaningful impact, however small it might be. Everything broadens my viewpoints or deepens my self-awareness and understanding of others.
Thanks to Meg Tibayan, Bright Sprouts!
#16- A journey of constant learning
Work embodies a profound journey of constant learning, personal growth, and making a tangible impact. Entrepreneurial endeavors are a canvas for innovation, where the blend of creativity, strategy, and resilience paints the picture of success. Work ethic lies in the passion to empower others, be it through mentoring budding entrepreneurs, enhancing client businesses with cutting-edge SEO and digital marketing strategies, or contributing to the community. It is about creating value that fosters a legacy of inspiration, excellence, and transformation in every venture he undertakes.
Thanks to Deepak Shukla, Pearl Lemon Group!