Recently we met a company that was asking for our help. During the conversation I remarked about the difference that passion brings to a business. It got me thinking. I have previously written about Passion  (https://asgstrategies.com/passion-critical-to-success/) but wanted to explore another aspect that becomes a part of the overall company culture – which is driven by our passion.  Let’s call it SOUL.

What does it means to be a startup vs. what it means to be a startup with soul.  OR let’s put it this way – what do you want to build “A company” or “A company with Soul”?

Let us take a moment to honor soul—the vital force that gives you and your business a vibe. Soul is the handshake that acknowledges that you believe and that you are present. It is the central tenet of your company culture.

It’s hard to explain entrepreneurial soul, but once you experience it, you know what it means. It’s what gives you purpose. It’s at the core of every sustained business—the ones with heart and emotion and customers who just can’t live without them.

A business without soul? Flash in the pan.

We have seen what has happened in Silicon Valley and the wannabes around the world.  They’re lessons in disruption and the preservation of purpose.

When you examine most tech startups in the Valley. They represent something we call the “dine and dash” model of economics. It can be very lucrative, but it is cold and calculating, and it lacks soul. It’s the accelerated-growth model: Get your value high, make yourself seem important and … cash out. Going corporate—being bland and predictable whilst wearing ties—is a sad byproduct of the binary economy. Sign here, and sell your soul.

We understand that selling your soul does not create a lasting impact on the economy or, more important, our culture as a whole. Soul matters. Bland does not.

When we look at the guiding principles (what is at the core – their modus operandi) you must observe as an entrepreneur to create a brand with an authentic spirit. And we look at individuality and disruption from every angle.

To truly create a unique long term company – that does more, impacts lives, improves local economies, its this.  Soul! Without it you may have a company – but its nothing special.  Soul is what will separate you from the mediocre. It is this that will make you stand out!

What is soul? It’s the emotion you have in the moment. It’s what keeps your pulse, and that of your company, beating. It’s what keeps you kicking chairs out of frustration or joy and keeps you fearless when challenging convention.

Oh and you know when you have it.  It can’t be faked! Its what we look forward to when we work with our clients.

A company with Soul can take on the world ——AND WIN!