Whether you’re a coach, player, parent, or volunteer, football is more than just a game—it’s a way of life. It instills discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the thrill of chasing a goal (both on and off the pitch). But when it comes to starting a business, especially as someone deeply rooted in the football world, there’s one crucial principle to embrace: Start With Why. Ask yourself, What is my why? What’s the deeper purpose driving you to take this leap? That’s where it all begins.
Defining your “why” is the foundation of any successful business. It’s the driving force behind your decisions, the fuel that keeps you going when things get tough, and the reason people will connect with your brand. Without a clear “why,” you’re just going through the motions—and let’s be honest, that’s not how champions play the game.
In this post, we’ll explore why defining your “why” is so important, especially if you’re a football person looking to start a business, whether it’s in football or outside of it. We’ll also introduce you to the Start, Grow, Streamline (SGS) Coaching Programme, designed to help you turn your passion into profit and build a business that works for you.
What Does “Start With Why” Even Mean?
Your “why” is your purpose, your reason for being. It’s not about what you do (e.g., coaching, selling football gear) or how you do it (e.g., through online courses or a physical store). It’s about why you do it. As Simon Sinek explains in his book Start With Why, people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Your “why” is what inspires loyalty, trust, and connection.
For example:
- What: You run a football academy.
- How: You offer high-quality training sessions for kids aged 8-16.
- Why: You believe every child deserves the chance to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of the game.
See the difference? The “why” is what makes your business meaningful—not just to you, but to your customers.
Why Your Why Matters in Business
Let’s break it down. Here’s why defining your “why” is absolutely critical, especially for football people:
1. It Keeps You Motivated
Starting a business is like playing a 90-minute match—it’s exciting at first, but when you’re 70 minutes in, down a goal, and running on fumes, you need something to keep you going. Your “why” is that something. It’s the deeper purpose that reminds you why you started in the first place.
Example:
Imagine you’re a grassroots coach who’s started a side hustle selling football training equipment. Your “why” might be to make high-quality gear accessible to kids in underfunded communities. On the days when sales are slow or logistics are a nightmare, remembering your “why” will help you push through.
2. It Helps You Stand Out
The football world is competitive, both on and off the pitch. Whether you’re launching a coaching business, a football-themed e-commerce store, or something completely unrelated, your “why” is what sets you apart. It’s what makes people choose you over the competition.
Pro Tip: Share your “why” in your marketing. Tell your story on your website, social media, and in conversations with potential customers. People connect with stories, not sales pitches.
3. It Builds Trust and Loyalty
When people understand your “why,” they’re more likely to trust you and stick with you. This is especially important in the football community, where relationships and reputation are everything.
Example:
If you’re a parent starting a business to help other parents navigate the world of youth football (e.g., managing fees, finding sponsorships), your “why” might be to make the journey less stressful and more enjoyable for families. When other parents see that you genuinely care, they’ll be more likely to support your business.
4. It Guides Your Decisions
Your “why” acts as a compass, helping you make decisions that align with your values and goals. This is crucial when you’re faced with tough choices, like whether to take on a new project, partner with another business, or pivot your strategy.
Example:
Let’s say your “why” is to promote inclusivity in football. When deciding whether to sponsor an event, you’ll choose one that aligns with your values, like a tournament for underprivileged kids, rather than one that’s purely profit-driven.
How to Define Your Why
Now that we’ve covered why your “why” is so important, let’s talk about how to define it. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you uncover your purpose:
Step 1: Reflect on Your Passion
What excites you? What gets you out of bed in the morning? For most football people, the answer lies somewhere in the sport—whether it’s coaching, playing, or supporting the community.
Exercise: Write down 3-5 things you’re passionate about. For example:
- Helping young players develop their skills.
- Making football more accessible to underprivileged communities.
- Creating a business that supports your family while staying connected to the game.
Step 2: Identify the Problem You Want to Solve
Great businesses solve problems. What challenges have you faced in football (or life) that you want to help others overcome?
Example Questions:
- What frustrated you as a player, coach, or parent?
- What gaps do you see in the football industry?
- How can your skills and experiences make a difference?
Step 3: Connect Your Why to Your Business
Once you’ve identified your passion and the problem you want to solve, think about how your business can bring it all together.
Example:
If your passion is coaching and the problem you want to solve is the lack of affordable training for kids, your “why” might be: “To make high-quality football coaching accessible to every child, regardless of their financial situation.”
Why Your Why Applies to Businesses Outside Football Too
Here’s the thing: your “why” isn’t limited to football. The skills, values, and experiences you’ve gained from the game can translate to any business. Whether you’re starting a fitness brand, a digital marketing agency, or a bakery, your “why” will still be your guiding light.
Example:
A former footballer might start a fitness coaching business with the “why” of helping people build discipline and confidence—values they learned on the pitch.
Introducing the Start, Grow, Streamline (SGS) Coaching Programme
If you’re ready to define your “why” and turn it into a thriving business, the Start, Grow, Streamline (SGS) Coaching Programme is here to help. Designed specifically for football people, this programme will guide you through every step of the journey, from finding your purpose to scaling your business.
What You’ll Learn in the Start Phase:
- How to define your “why” and align it with your business goals.
- How to identify your niche and validate your business idea.
- How to create a simple, actionable business plan.
Why SGS Is Perfect for Football People:
- It’s tailored to your unique experiences and challenges.
- It combines practical business strategies with the values you’ve learned from football.
- It’s designed to help you build a business that supports your passion and your lifestyle.
Ready to get started? Join the SGS Coaching Programme today!
Pyramid Footballs ‘Start With Why’ Final Thoughts
Defining your “why” is the first and most important step in starting a business. It’s what keeps you motivated, sets you apart, and inspires trust and loyalty. Whether you’re launching a football-related business or something completely different, your “why” will be the foundation of your success.
So, football people, what’s your why? Take the time to reflect, dig deep, and uncover the purpose that will drive your business forward. And if you need a little help along the way, the Start, Grow, Streamline Coaching Programme is here to guide you.
Let’s turn your passion into profit and build a business that works for you. Ready to take the first step? Sign up now!
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