What Problem Do You Solve?
Rightly so, many of us have been challenged in the last decade to know our why. Knowing our why helps keep us motivated when we don't feel motivated. But what about your what? As in, what problem do you solve for others?
If creativity is problem-solving, then what problem does your creative work solve?
Someone recently asked me this question and I was surprised I struggled with the answer.
I thought I had a clear answer. But when I tried to articulate it, what came out was a jumbled mess of phrases and words—anything but the practical, concrete answer I wanted to give.
That person encouraged me to do something simple: ask my clients what problem I solve for them.
So I did.
And their answers? They were encouraging, inspiring, and honestly, a bit surprising.
Here's What My Clients Said:
"Creating the structure necessary for business growth."
"Creating systems that I know we need, but don't have time or knowledge to create."
"Chief Creative is my systems brain."
"Implement my vision."
"Clear the bottlenecks in operations."
"Increased billables from clearer systems."
The surprising part wasn't just hearing what they said—it was seeing some of my deepest hopes play out in the reality of their words. I wanted to equip creatives to do their best work. And here they were, telling me that's exactly what was happening.
The Relationship Between Creativity and Problem-Solving
Now, the relationship between creativity and problem-solving is relative to what the creative work actually is.
For me, the problem I solve is what my clients articulated: creating structure, implementing vision, and clearing operational bottlenecks.
For you? It may—and should—be different depending on what your creative work is.
But here's what I know: when you can clearly name the problem you solve, everything becomes clearer. Your marketing. Your confidence. Your purpose in your work.
Your Turn
I'm challenging you to do what I did: Ask your clients what problem you solve for them.
Not what you think you solve. Not what your mission statement says. Ask them directly.
You might be surprised. You might be encouraged. You might find your hopes playing out in their words.
And you'll definitely walk away with a clearer, more practical answer to a question that matters more than we realize.
What problem do you solve? I'd love to hear what your clients tell you. Reply and let me know.