Listen Live
Praise Charlotte App Graphics
Praise 100.9 Featured Video
CLOSE

I have often gotten into trouble with my perspective that what I would do in a given situation would be done by someone else. The first problem with that thinking is that we are talking about two different people. Each person is entitled to conduct their lives according to their own decisions. So, for me to expect that just because I would do something a certain way, that it will be that way, is ludicrous.

I own my error in that regard, however, in business, the expectation of receiving what has been offered and agreed to is appropriate.

As I prepared for my daughter’s wedding over these last few months, I had the opportunity to interact with many business owners. Because I am a small business owner, I try wherever possible to support other small business owners through patronization. Some of my experiences were extremely pleasant and others were quite disappointing.

I am reminded of the Song of Solomon 2:15, “Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” The reference there deals with a farmer not just losing the crop, because the vine had been chewed by the little foxes, but the end result being far more disastrous because the vine had been destroyed.

Sadly I ran across a number of little foxes destroying their own vine. My opinion may be that of just one person, but we must realize the value of one in our businesses. How we show up in our work is like our individual trademark. Business has never been built on one transaction, rather multiple interactions and the spreading of the great experience through referrals.

As business owners, we cannot forget Matthew 25:23, “His lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” We cannot assume because our clientele may look like us, that they are any less entitled to a quality customer experience. We don’t want to be prideful, but we want to have pride. We cannot expect to have someone come in our showroom and it reeks of food that we just finished cooking within a junk filled room. We cannot sell one bill of goods, collect the money and deliver below standard product or services and get an attitude when told it is not acceptable.

We have to come correct if we intend to be prosperous and remain prosperous. The current economy gives us an opportunity to launch and maintain our entrepreneur ventures. The need for products and services is tremendous particularly if you can deliver top notch results for affordable pricing. Clients must come correct also; you cannot survive if clients are slack on their commitment to the business transaction. Business is business and while it is important to have solid people skills, we don’t have to be push over’s either.

Philippians 4:8 sums it all up, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Tanya is an inspirational speaker and writer living in Charlotte. You can friend her on Facebook or email her at tw360you@aol.com. Read more columns by Tanya Wilson.

Related articles:

Don’t Talk About Giving Back, Take Time To Do It

A Departed Friend’s Unwavering Faith Is A Reminder To Us All

Surfing In A Hurricane: Why Do We Ignore Warning Signs?

Make Time For The Lord

Local Production Of The Wiz Shows The Lord’s Work