Make Your Mark Book Summary - Make Your Mark Book explained in key points
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Make Your Mark summary

Jocelyn K. Glei

The Creative’s Guide to Building a Business with Impact

4.3 (42 ratings)
18 mins

Brief summary

Make Your Mark by Jocelyn K. Glei is a guidebook that helps readers find and embrace their creative voice. It offers practical advice and inspiration on how to overcome self-doubt and develop a strong sense of purpose in order to create meaningful work.

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    Make Your Mark
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    Every great, successful business starts with a defining purpose, which focuses on answering a need.

    Though it might sound strange, many start-ups and entrepreneurs struggle to answer a simple question: “Why does your business exist?” Many point to their product’s awesome features, or talk about how their service is cheaper than the competition. Yet these replies don’t answer the question.

    Regardless of what you offer or how it bests the competition, you will never be successful unless you can answer this simple question. Why? Because the answer outlines your purpose.

    Every successful business has at its core a purpose which aims to make society a better place and which its products and services aim to embody. No matter how many features your product may have, if it doesn’t solve someone’s problem, it can’t succeed.

    So, before you even begin your business venture, you need to figure out your purpose: How do you hope to benefit the world with your product or service?

    Nike, for example, is famous for its innovations, connections with sports stars and cool image. Yet behind all this lies a purpose: to help people reach their athletic potential.

    As your business develops you will need to constantly ensure that your actions align with your purpose. One good way to do this is by always asking “why.”

    For example, whenever you want to add something to your product or service, ask: “Why does this matter?” Why, for example, would you want to add a voice command function to your kettle?

    Answers like “because it’s cool” or “no one else has it” are unacceptable, since they don’t relate to your purpose. On the other hand, if you are trying to solve a problem for arthritic customers who want to make a cup of tea, then your development has a clear purpose and you have a reason to proceed.

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    What is Make Your Mark about?

    Make Your Mark features the wisdom and tips of 21 of the most successful entrepreneurs and creatives of the last few years. These artists, coders, developers and writers share the secrets and ideas that have helped them take their respective markets by storm.

    Who should read Make Your Mark?

    • People working in the creative industry
    • Anyone looking to turn their creative skills into a business
    • Leaders, managers and CEOs

    About the Author

    Jocelyn K. Glei is the editor in chief of 99U, an organization devoted to giving creatives a grounding in the skills that don’t get taught at school, but which are essential for making ideas a reality. In addition, she has edited 99U’s previous publications, Manage Your Day-to-Day and Maximize Your Potential.

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