Last week I taught Intro to Entrepreneurship at Atlanta Tech Village’s Startup Summer School. My session touched on the need to know your why. Since then, I’ve been in touch with a few of the people who attended, helping however I can. This morning I received a Slack message from one of them. He asked a great question: “So what was your why with CCAW, and is it changing as you start your next chapter?”

This entrepreneur’s business is in its early stages but making great progress. He built a working MVP and then signed twenty or so paying customers within a few months of launching. All during a pandemic. He’s on to something, in my opinion.

When I started CCAW, I was a few years removed from being an undergrad. I had some corporate experience and no real responsibilities. A car enthusiast for years, I had automotive parts relationships. As a parts consumer, I knew how difficult acquiring the right part at a fair price could be. In high school and college, I had a company that developed and executed plans to customize customers’ vehicles (think Pimp My Ride). Having worked with parts manufacturers and distributors, I knew their struggles well. My why was simple: I wanted to help consumers easily connect with parts companies. This would help two groups I was familiar with. There was also a financial motivation, but it was secondary.

Now to part two of his question. What’s my why for my next chapter? I’ve thought a lot about this and it’s simple, too: I want to make life easier for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized business. Especially those with big gaps in knowledge, relationships, or capital. (In other words, people like me in CCAW’s early years.) I know their struggles. I’m one of them, and I’m passionate about helping them. If I’m successful, I’ll accelerate their success. I’m hopeful they’ll give back to someone else when they’re able to.

My whys were born of my personal experiences. That makes me credible and able to relate well with the folks I seek to help. And it drives the passion behind my why.

What’s your why?