Why? What? How?

Posted on by Jenny Breakey

Asking Why, What, and How is fundamental when starting or growing a business because these questions form the very foundation of strategic clarity, purpose, and execution. For me personally, the ‘why do I do what I do’, is the most important question of all.

  1. Why clarifies my mission: why my business exists, what drives my business, and what value does my business bring to my clients.
  2. What defines my offerings: what products or services do I provide, and what problems do I solve for my clients.
  3. How addresses my operational model: how I deliver my value, how I differentiate, and how I ensure consistency and impact.

Without clear answers to these questions, my business would drift, miscommunicate its purpose, and struggle to scale. Together, they align my vision, guide my decisions, and connect my team and clients to a meaningful and actionable business framework.

Step-by-Step Guide to help you find your Why, What, and How for your Business

1. Start with WHY (purpose & motivation)

Understand the core reason behind starting your business. This is your foundation.

  • 🗹 Ask yourself:

    • Why do I want to start this business?

    • Why is this important to me, others, or the market?

    • Why now?

  • 🗹 Action:

    • Write a short mission statement that captures your business’s purpose in one or two sentences.

    • Define the problem you are solving for your clients and why it matters.

2. Define WHAT (product/service & value offer)

Clarify exactly what you are offering and who you are offering it to.

  • 🗹 Ask yourself:

    • What product or service am I providing?

    • What makes it different, better, or needed?

    • What value will my clients get from it?

    • What kind of business structure will I set up?

  • 🗹 Action:

    • List your products/services and who they are for.

    • Create a simple value proposition: ‘We help [target audience] solve [problem] by providing [solution].’

3. Figure out HOW (execution & operations)

Decide how you will deliver your idea and make it work.

  • 🗹 Ask yourself:

    • How will I deliver my product or service?

    • How will I be helping my clients with my products, services and value offer?

    • How will I reach, attract, grow and sustain clients?

    • How will I generate revenue (pricing, revenue model)?

    • How will I run daily operations?

  • 🗹 Action:

    • Draft a simple business model (channels, pricing, costs, resources).

    • List tools/platforms/resources you need (website, email, payment, marketing).

    • Set a 3-month action plan with milestones (e.g., launch date, first sale, marketing campaign).

4. Review and Align All Three

Ensure your why, what, and how connect smoothly.

  • 🗹 Action:

    • Double-check: Is your HOW aligned with your WHY?

    • Ask someone you trust to review your answers for clarity and purpose.

    • Make a 1-page ‘Business Snapshot’ with your Why, What, and How clearly mapped out.