As a Christian, business looks different to me than it is portrayed in books and best practices. I definitely have an infinite number of things yet to learn, but here are three of the top things I’ve learned as a business owner.
Each is important and I list them in no particular order. Though I know there is plenty to be learned through traditional means, I often find the best advice is the unconventional. As a Christian, our work is a reflection of our God so it’s about serving others well, not climbing to the top at whatever means necessary.
Maybe you or someone you know is considering starting a business. I pray these ideas are a blessing and a catalyst to your own exciting opportunities!
Be Willing to Start Small
I’m not one to encourage business loans or going in debt to get your dream up and running. Start small, save ahead what you can, supplement your income by selling unused things around your house or doing odd jobs. If you want to figure out a way around a loan, you can figure it out. It may take a bit longer, or the opportunity may present itself in the most unexpected of ways!
A key difference in running a small business for a Christian is understanding the role God plays in it. Invite Him in and ask for His wisdom, direction, and blessing! A business is a real-life opportunity to live out the parable of the talents – how will you steward the talents you’ve been given?
Incredible things come from being willing to start small and the benefits are incredible! Big loans come with big worries and big debts. Small progress comes with smaller risks and less stress. It’s not your job to keep up with any other business any more than it is your job to keep up with the Joneses. Focus on where God is leading and compare your progress to where you were yesterday, not to others.
Kindness Goes A Far Way
Treat people well, kindness goes a far way. I find that quite a few of my customers that are regulars come for the conversation more than the shopping. Or even when they come in, they will determinedly hunt for *something* to buy. Not because they need it, but because they want to support me. It is the sweetest and most humbling thing.
But here is something important to keep in mind. In much the same way you want to be kind to people and your customers, you also need to be kind to other business owners – even those in your same industry. Life and business aren’t about putting others down to excel but rather doing your best and showing up authentically. Be a peacemaker in business, it will take you far.
But in all your kindness, use your brain and don’t be a doormat to be walked on. Stand up for yourself, have a strong mind (don’t be easily offended), and keep showing up. When you treat others well you will have a loyal, supportive following and God will bless you! Commit to never be a victim – especially in this day and age.
If someone isn’t happy with your products or service, evaluate their point of view, make necessary improvements and then move on. Don’t base your feelings or your outlook on one negative comment. A key thing I have learned as a small business is to sort and file people’s perception of what we do. Some is valid and we do our best to learn and improve. But others are just unhappy people that we simply cannot please, no matter what we do. At the end of the day, if you treat others well they typically will respond in kind – and if they don’t, that’s on them.
Who You Hire Matters
Never hire out of desperation. A key thing I’ve learned is that who you hire matters in an enormous way. They are representing your business to others. Pulling a bit more of the weight upfront while you look for a good employee is far more preferable than doing damage control.
I did not hire anyone for the first few years in business. My sister and I managed between the two of us. And then we were asked about hiring a neighbor’s granddaughter and that got us into the world of employees. I’ve hired a decent number of employees now and have learned some key things along the way. The irony of it is, though I have conducted quite a few interviews, I’ve never been on the receiving end of the interview process. So what do I know now?
Hire a like-minded faith, that is essential. It blows my mind somehow that there are people who don’t believe in God, and I remember the first time it dawned on me that one of our employees wasn’t a Christian. I had never thought to wonder or ask. But then as soon as I realized that key piece was missing, it explained so many other little things with her work. So, first and foremost, make sure that you and your employee have the same foundation, it is essential and will bring so much peace with it!
A grateful employee will work so much better for you than an entitled one. Listen to how they answer questions while you talk with them. Ask them about their life and their family. Read between the lines, so to speak, of what they are saying. Pray, pray pray through the process that God would guide your questions and the conversation and that He would give you wisdom as to how to proceed. If you have questions or uncertainty, I’d pass that employee by. God is incredible at communicating internally with us, but we have to be in tune with Him.
One can’t learn everything about an employee in the initial interview, try as one might. So as you go along and learn something you wish you knew, add it to your interview list. Though you may not be able to ask every question directly, work to ask open ended questions that could reveal the answers you are looking for. The interview is a process, there’s no perfect interview. But with a bit of experience and God’s guidance you can become more aware of what you are looking for and what you want to avoid in an employee.
Are you looking to start a business of your own? There is so much to it and it can feel lonely at times. If I can be an encouragement or help to you, feel free to email me! I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I’m really good at praying and asking God for guidance!
Until Next Time!
Hope.