Wendy Harris
Running a business can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain without a map. There’s no signpost that tells you exactly what to do next, and most of us are figuring it out as we go. That’s why I believe every business needs a compass: a clear set of values and direction that helps you stay grounded, focused, and on track, even when the path gets rocky.
At Konpasu (which, fittingly, comes from the Japanese word for “compass”), I help businesses navigate the ups and downs by focusing on something that never goes out of style: conversations. Not gimmicks. Not hacks. Just real, confident conversations with the right people, at the right time, for the right reason.
So, what does a business compass look like in practice? Let me walk you through the guiding principles I’ve used, and taught, for decades.
Know Your ‘Why’
This might sound like a cliché, but you’d be amazed how many people in business can’t clearly say why they do what they do. And no, “to make money” isn’t the answer.
Your ‘why’ is your True North. It’s what drives you, guides your decisions, and makes you stand out. Whether you’re a one-person business or leading a growing team, having a clear purpose gives you something to come back to when things get messy.
Apply the 4R Formula
This is my signature framework and it’s as useful on the phone as it is in your marketing or networking strategy:
• Right People
• Right Reason
• Right Time
• Right Results
It keeps your conversations focused and purposeful – no fluff, no wasted energy. When you stop trying to talk to everyone, and instead focus on those who actually need you, everything becomes easier.
Realign When You Drift
I recently worked with a new Business Development Manager who felt lost. She was mimicking others in the office and could tell she didn’t sound like herself. It wasn’t that she lacked skill, it was that she hadn’t found her voice.
Together, we adjusted her compass a few degrees to help her speak with clarity and confidence. The shift was dramatic. She started getting through on the phone, receiving call backs, raising quotes, and booking jobs. That’s what happens when you stop performing and start connecting. That’s my why.
Build Real Relationships
Whether online or face-to-face, connection is everything. People remember how you made them feel, not what you said. Be human. Be helpful. Be present. That’s how you move from being “just another business” to becoming the one people trust and recommend.
Final Thoughts
If your business feels like it’s stuck in a fog, maybe it’s not about working harder – it’s about checking your compass.
When you lead with purpose, speak with clarity, and put people at the heart of what you do, the path often reveals itself. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need direction and the confidence to walk it.
