A person who believes that Christ is their Savior. A person who believes that Jesus of Israel was/is the Son of God and was everything He claimed to be.
An entrepreneur who works alone, “solo,” running their business single-handedly. They might have contractors for hire, yet have full responsibility for the running of their business.
An entrepreneur who works alone, a company of one, a solo entrepreneur
I would submit to you that we are NOT “solopreneurs” at all! As a Christian business owner, I am more like an Executive Director of Jory Fisher & Associates, Inc. than a CEO/Founder/President. And, if you will permit me to extend the analogy, Jesus is the chairman of my board.
Sound Business Decisions Result From Going to God in Prayer
Each and every day, we make decisions about our business. How sound those decisions are, how effective those decisions are, how purposeful those decisions are depends on whether we first take them to the Lord in prayer.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6)
Sound Business Decisions Result From Due Diligence
We need to do our homework, ladies.
- Are you considering making an investment? In coaching? A website? A franchise? A mentoring program?
- Are you considering adding a new skill or dimension to your services? A new product perhaps?
- Are you considering hiring an assistant?
Pray. Research. Pray. Research. Pray. Research. Pray. And seek the counsel of trusted advisers.
Only after you have asked God to be with you in your decision-making process…
Only after you have investigated your options and consulted those whom you trust…
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (Phil. 4:6-7)
…are you fully equipped to make business decisions. Fully equipped to make business decisions that are sound.
Sound Business Decisions Are Not Based on Public Approval
If you’re like me even a bit, you have a tendency to be a people pleaser. It’s an annoying/dangerous trait actually, as it can interfere with wholly submitting our life and business to the Lord. Does this sound familiar?
- But if I make this decision, my friends will wonder why I chose to no longer __________.
- But if I make this decision, people will wonder why I’m starting over…again.
- But if I make this decision, my peers won’t understand.
We need to be more like the Apostle Paul:
“Do you think I care about the approval of men or about the approval of God? Do you think I am on a mission to please people? If I am still spinning my wheels trying to please men, then there is no way I can be a servant of the Anointed One, the Liberating King.” Paul’s Letter to the Galatians (Gal. 1:10)
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Paul’s Letter to the Colossians (Col. 3:23)
We can’t control what people think, feel, say about us. If we are taking action of any kind, people will form their opinions and some will opt to share their opinions with us. Prepare yourself for that.
Our compass is the “still, small voice” that the Holy Spirit speaks into our hearts and souls–not the voices of public opinion.
Pray. Research. Pray. Seek Counsel. Pray Again.
We make sound business decisions by remembering we are not alone.
We make sound business decisions by inviting God into our lives and businesses each and every day.
Please bless others by sharing your experiences in the comment box below.
And thank you for being on the entrepreneurial journey with me. Isn’t it wonderful to know we are not alone?
Jory – Amen! I go to The Lord with every decision that I make for my business. Then I get quiet so I can hear the message.
I am a recovering people pleaser. 🙂
One challenge people pleasers make when a decision is in front of them is to over analyze and involve too many people in the decision. I’m not suggesting to run your business in a vacuum, but it is also not necessary to involve slews of people in your decisions either. God blessed you with your business, which means that He trusts you to be a good steward and make good choices.
When you are choosing advisors to consult, make sure they are true advisors with God’s glory in mind.
Here is an example to illustrate:
When I first started my business many years ago, I would consult with friends and family. They were well meaning, but would often talk me out of playing a bigger game because they had fears and their fear was guiding my decisions. In addition, they were not business owners themselves, so they had only the reference of being an employee. As a result, I often would hear my calling and then back away because of who I consulted for advice.
Now, I have an “advisory board” of people that I have hand picked that have diverse skills in running a flourishing business. I always start with prayer for the answer and my “board” helps me figure out how to make the vision happen.
Thank you, Stephanie! Sound, sound wisdom. No wonder you’re doing so well in your service to others.
May your divinely inspired business continue to bring glory to God as you seek His guidance and counsel!
Admiringly,
Jory