Finding The One Word That Makes Your Business Shine

 

I’ve recently read Evan Carmichael’s ‘Your One Word’ and have already adopted the philosophy of having one theme word that runs through my whole business.

 

As a solopreneur, when you ARE your business, this theme word is generally the same word that is the theme of your life.

 

This one word is the guiding principle that directs your decisions, shines a light on the reasons why your dream clients should choose you, and inspires you to keep going even when it’s tough.

 

Having your word makes it easy to write copy for your website (especially your ‘about’ page, which can be one of the hardest to be happy with), and it also gives you a focus for your marketing and social media posts.

 

For some people it just comes to them, but if not, there’s a way to figure it out.

 

For me, I had some ideas, but I knew I hadn’t quite landed on the one word.

 

So last weekend, I followed Evan’s structure and spent time percolating on my word to find the right one.

 

Here’s how I did it, and how you can too.

 

1. List out what makes you happy and why
2. Reflect on significant moments in your life that make up part of your story
3. Then, think about what makes you unhappy, or traits you despise
4. Finally, give your one word it’s unique meaning

 

1. What makes you happy?

 

Start by writing a big list of all the things you love and make you happy.

 

Think about your hobbies, favourite songs and movies, people you love, what parts of your work you enjoy most.

 

Write down WHY they make you happy, and the feelings attached.

 

Each thing is going to highlight different reasons, but the idea is that you’ll start to see a common theme running through them.

 

For me, some of my list included:

 

• The song ‘This Is Me’ from The Greatest Showman, because it’s about being brave and showing yourself
• The author Jen Sincero because she writes so hilariously, honestly and positively about mindset and the universe
• The call centre job I had – I was really good at my role because I was efficient and quick and hit all my targets.

 

At first glance, these don’t seem that similar, but when I think about, all of these are about being authentic and standing out in a positive way.

 

2. Tell me your story…

 

This is another way of finding the common theme, if you haven’t discovered it with your happy list.

 

What are the moments in your life that formed your character? What do you remember with emotion? What do you tell people about?

 

Several parts of my story were:

 

• Being bullied at school for being too different (I loved wearing brightly coloured socks and “funky” hairstyles)
• Heading off at 19 to travel Europe, and then ending up staying in London for 12 years
• Making the decision to divorce my first husband because I knew there was more to life

 

All these stories have a common thread of individuality, being unique, and doing what I want, even if it’s against the norm.

 

3. What’s the common theme among things you despise?

 

Another way to cross check your common theme is by doing the opposite.

 

Sometimes it’s easier to figure out what we want by first understanding what we DON’T want.

 

Write a list of the all negative stories you’ve got. Think of the activities you hate doing. What about the characteristics you despise in others? What boils your blood?

 

I get really pissed off with slow people, and with hesitation. It really irritates me to see a grown adult being afraid of something simple like dogs, or jumping in the pool. And drivers who give way when they’ve got right of way!

 

Haha, best not to get started on a rant here…

 

Anyway, the common theme for me is that I can’t stand seeing people waiting for others to give them permission, and it triggers me because I know it’s something I overcame.

 

Now that you’ve worked out what you DON’T like, the opposite of that is usually linked to your theme word.

 

The opposite of my negative theme was more around doing your own thing, having a go, just do it. Be yourself, don’t hide away.

 

4. Give your one word it’s unique meaning

 

Underneath your one word are 3 other words that strengthen and embellish the meaning of your theme.

 

Even though other people and businesses might have the same powerful word as yours, the way you give it meaning will be unique to you.

 

The more powerful the word, the more people will have used it. And that’s ok. Don’t shy away from your word just because it’s been used, or because you think it’s too powerful.

 

It’s meant to be strong and inspiring. It’s a guide for your whole life. Be as big as you can be.

 

My One Word

 

Even after that whole weekend, I still couldn’t land on my word. I had some ideas, and I had plenty of 3-word options, but nothing was standing out.

 

I liked confidence, positive, independence, authenticity, energy, happy… and I’m sure you’ll agree all these words resonate with my brand and my personality.

 

My final course of action was to discuss these with Phil. You don’t want someone else to TELL you your word, it’s got to come from inside you, but sometimes it can help to get an outside perspective, especially if you feel like you’re too close to it.

 

I had pretty much settled on “independence,” but I felt the word was too long and wanted something catchier. Thesaurus was no inspiration for me, so I solicited Phil for his input.

 

After some conversation over breakfast by the beach on Sunday morning, he agreed that all the words matched my theme, but he didn’t see independence as the main one.

 

And then be brought up a word that I hadn’t considered.

 

He called me “shiny.”

 

Which is true – I am like a magpie, attracted by shiny things (or should I say “distracted’).

 

I kind of let it settle, and we kept talking, but in the back of my mind, this little word was growing brighter.

 

After we left the restaurant, I felt even stronger about it, and I declared to him,

 

“My word is SHINE!”

 

Shine is about having the confidence to stand out, being yourself, and being positive and bubbly. The idea of shine fits everything in my list of happiness and stories, and is a real reflection of my brand and my personality.

 

I realise I’ve always had the desire to shine, right back to school when I wore colourful socks and got picked on for it. As I’ve grown, I’ve learnt how to shine with purpose, and to encourage others to shine.

 

My biggest passion is getting stuck into a conversation with someone about their new business idea, or about heading off traveling, and the usual outcome of the conversation is a whole lot of motivation, excitement and occasional plane tickets.

 

To me, following your dreams, doing something you love, and going against the norm, are all ways of shining, and I’ll encourage that in anyone!

 

I would love to know if this has inspired anyone to find their one word, and if you have your word already, please share it with us here!