The Time Has Come!
The Time Has Come! Today more and more people are going into business for themselves. It’s currently reported that over 25% of all adult Americans are self-employed, with many more considering going into business for themselves.
People work out of their homes today because technology has brought us to a place where we no longer need an office environment to be productive. A wide variety of jobs can can be worked from remote locations. The computer, email, and cellular telephones have changed forever the way businesses operate. And with the low cost of equipment and technology it has become more affordable to go into business for yourself and compete with the big corporations.
I believe there are three main reasons why people go into business. First, some just want to create a job for themselves, especially in this uncertain economy. Either they were unable to find a job or they were tired of working for someone else or they were terminated, which is a common scenario these days.
Second, some people go into business to get rich. Greed is their motivation. There is nothing wrong with making money, but going into business just to make money is selfish and self-centered and rarely, if ever, works.
And third, some go into business because they have a desire to be in business, to offer a better product or service. They have a vision, they’re on a mission and they won’t be stopped. These people see themselves as servants. These are the people who will succeed.
Most of the people who go into business for one of the first two reasons will fail. It’s a fact that nearly 62% of all businesses dissolve within their first six years and only 20% of all businesses survive ten years. Why do most businesses fail? I see four main reasons.
First, the owner(s) lacked sufficient knowledge. They lack knowledge of God’s Word; knowledge of legal, accounting, and financial principles;and of marketing; purchasing; employee relations and the business side of business.
A second reason is that the owner entered the wrong business either by entering an overcrowded market or offering something people didn’t want to buy.
Third, the owner failed to keep pace with a changing marketplace.
And fourth, they didn’t have enough capital to complete what they’d started.
All the reasons for failure listed above can be avoided if you know how. For Christians the keys to success in business are:
- You must know that you have been called by God to be in business. Without that knowledge, you’ll not be able to withstand the tests that are certain to come. We’re all tested.
- You must have a vision of what the Lord has called you to do.
- You must be committed to being the best. You must have a servant’s heart, one that is customer oriented and values your employees.
- You must be a wise steward and a good overseer.
- You must be realistic as to what you can and can’t do.
- You must be consistent and self-motivated.
- You must learn to persevere and trust the Lord.
- You must learn as Jesus did, not to “make decisions based on what your eyes see and your ears hear” but rather on what the Lord tells you.
- You must learn to let the “joy of the Lord be your strength.”
My desire is to help Christian Business Owners and Christian “would be” business owners navigate the often rough and uncharted territory of business ownership. So, if you’re thinking of starting a business, or if you have a business that’s struggling, this website is for you. This website will not make you a success, but listening and relying on Jesus will.
May the Lord richly bless you as you follow the path He has called you to.
Richard Fox
