This has been a difficult year for companies of all shapes and sizes. With the economy in shambles and literally billions of dollars being wiped off the books in the last 18 months, this has certainly been a trying time for many. Newspaper headlines tend to focus on stories relating to the struggles of big corporations, but small to medium sized businesses have been struggling just the same. While nobody likes to admit it, challenging economic times provide excellent opportunities for investors. In many cases, the best investment opportunities in this climate may exist right in your back yard.
Currently, a lot of small businesses are struggling to make ends meet. Many of them are successful, profitable businesses in their own right, but the credit crunch has stretched thin their operating resources. In times like these, the natural instinct of many companies is to reduce their spending on marketing and advertising. What they fail to realize is that sales and revenue are dependent, not only on existing customers, but on their ability to attract new ones. Therein lies the opportunity. If you are an investor, why not consider investing in some of these local businesses?
For example, one of our colleagues invested in a local florist last year. They were a traditional bricks-and-mortar flower shop, and they were having a difficult time competing with some of the bigger online flower delivery companies. The only thing preventing them from being competitive was their lack of technology infrastructure and expertise. With a small investment of a few thousand dollars, they were able to build an e-commerce platform that allowed them to provide fresh flower delivery to a market well beyond their traditional reach. They now specialize almost exclusively in international flower delivery.
By embracing technology, they were able to capture market share both in their local market and beyond. It was a small investment in the grand scheme of things, but it made a world of difference for the business owner and the investor has seen an impressive return on his investment. The lesson here is that there are countless investment opportunities out there for people willing to consider non-traditional investments. If you are an investor, do yourself a favor and take some time to explore your local markets for new opportunities. You might be surprised at the opportunities you find.
Martin J. Corrigan has been dabbling in the markets for a number of years. One of the most important investing lessons he has learned is that sometimes the greatest investment opportunities can be found in the least likely of places.
Stewardship is a biblical perspective that can be applied to your business. Stewardship simply means managing possessions and property that are not yours. You may say, “My business belongs to me.” According to Psalm 24:1, the earth and everything on it belong to the LORD. The world and its people belong to him (CEV). Based on this scripture, your business belongs to God; therefore, you are a steward managing his business. He has blessed you with the talents, time, and treasures that you need to properly manage that which you are responsible for.
There are five principles of biblical stewardship: persistence, planning, proportionate, pleasantness, and purpose. Let’s see how we can apply them to your (God’s) business.
Persistence:
Scripture teaches us that faithfulness is a necessary quality to possess as a steward. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (I Corinthians 4:2 KJV). Being persistent and dependable is viewed as being faithful. If you have any doubts, you can’t move forward in your business. You have to believe it to achieve it. You have faith that you can be a successful entrepreneur and small business owner; therefore, you are persistent in making it happen.
Another symbol of your faith is your dependability. Your business is not fly-by-night; you are in it for the long haul. Your clients can depend on you being there and not skipping town. Also, they can depend on you to be faithful in completing their projects and tasks.
Planning:
God wants everything to be done peacefully and in order (I Corinthians 14:33 CEV). Planning goes without saying in any size or type of business. It is highly advisable to have a business plan as entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as a marketing plan. A plan will keep you focused and on track; therefore, your business plans will be accomplished peacefully and in order.
Proportionate:
If God has been generous with you, he will expect you to serve him well. But if he has been more than generous, he will expect you to serve him even better (I Corinthians 16:2 CEV). The proportion of talents, time, and treasures God blesses you with will determine what services and/or products you will offer to your target market. Remember, He gives you what you need to be good stewards. At the same time, you are serving God by providing your clients with excellent service and/or products, which come from your proportion of talents, time and treasures that He has given you.
Pleasantness:
Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don’t feel sorry that you must give and don’t feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give (II Corinthians 9:7 CEV). Be pleasant in your business dealings, especially with your clients. It’s what’s known as providing excellent customer service. Don’t force it, give your pleasantness freely. Your clients would much rather conduct business with someone who is pleasant rather than with someone who is rude. Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31 NIV). When completing their projects and tasks, do it cheerfully. God sent you that client as a way of providing you with treasures.
Purposeful:
When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God (I Corinthians 10:31 CEV). As a steward over God’s business, it’s important to honor Him by operating it with honesty and integrity. I remember reading in “The Prayer of Jabez,” written by Bruce Wilkinson where Bruce was having a conversation with some business executives. One of the executives asked Bruce, “Is it right to ask God for more business?” Bruce responded, “Absolutely! If you’re doing your business God’s way, it’s not only right to ask for more, but He is waiting for you to ask.”
Conclusion:
Biblical stewardship deals with use of your money; however, it is a perspective that covers your entire life, including your business. As I have pointed out, the five principles of biblical stewardship can be applied to your business. This should be our business plan as entrepreneurs and small business owners. From time to time, we need to refer back to our plans to ensure we are on the right track. God has entrusted his business to you by appointing you as steward to manage it. The more God bless your (His) business, the more He wants you to bless individuals, the community and the world at large. This style of stewardship will bring honor and glory to His name. It is also a manner of serving God.
Rita J. Cartwright has been operating RJ’s Word Processing Services for 7 years. She is a professional administrative expert offering virtual assistant services. She has over 30 years experience in administrative support services, and an education in marketing, as well as website development. She is also a member of Virtual Assistant Networking Association and Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce. Rita’s unique background provides her with the necessary skills in order to be able to specialize in online marketing services and word processing.