The Success Center

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I grew up as the son of parents who were missionaries, dedicated to living at low wages and giving much of themselves in return. My father and mother were born during the Great Depression, and they never forgot the lessons that their parents impressed upon them regarding saving money, and the dangers of going broke. I was never taught much about money, except for the fact that we needed to scrimp and save as much as possible, and that wanting money was wrong. Furthermore, there were some unwritten expectations (my own) that true service really was best rendered in full-time Christian ministry.

As a result, as a young adult I was somewhat confused about my desires to be involved in business, building wealth, and being prosperous. I had learned, somehow, to be suspicious of preachers and teachers who stated that Christianity=making lots of money and being happy. On the other hand, I did not entirely agree that a vow of poverty was the only way to make an impact in life.

So, how can a Christian who is committed to following Jesus, the Word, keep her/his integrity while engaging in successful business practices?

The answer is found in Scripture and in the lives of those whose legacies are recorded therein, particularly a young Jewish man who was, in effect, the Vice President of all of Babylon. He had been promoted over all of the rulers of the empire. Therefore, we can assume he was a very successful executive.

Daniel’s underlings were jealous of his success and prosperity, so they first looked for any areas of his conduct of business that could disqualify him before the king. They were unable to do so. Then, they figured it out: he prayed three times a day facing Jerusalem. They would use his devotion to God to get him disqualified from his job. It came down to an edict from the king that anyone who prayed to a God other than the King himself would be put to death. Check out Daniel’s courage and tenacity in the face of death: he continued to pray openly three times a day. In the end, we know he was thrown to the lions, but God shut their mouths, turned the situation around, and promoted Daniel to an even higher position than before. You can read the whole Biblical story here.

Daniel’s life was an example of keeping the main thing the main thing through his motives and his mindset. And it is out of those that his legacy setting actions flowed.

Motive:

Jesus teaches us that we are to put Him and His purposes first and foremost. In Matthew 6.33, he tells us to seek first His priorities in our lives. In other words, “It’s not about me.” This is, perhaps, one of the most subtle temptations when we engage in business. An immature perspective is one that is all about my agenda, versus all about His agenda.

How can we make sure that our motives are pure? By spending time in His Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers. And by deciding that we will conduct our business by the Book.

Mindset:

As Christian entrepreneurs we can be focused on many things in our minds. We can be focused on our circumstances, on our customers’ and employees’ demands, on our families, on ourselves. We can be focused on building wealth, being able to tell others about our achievements, and on our egos. But Scripture commands against letting our hearts get focused on these mindsets.

So what is the solution for attaining the correct mindset? The answer is found in Romans 12:1-2.

“1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We are to totally surrender, on a daily, moment-by-moment basis, our agendas and our businesses to God. We ought to be praying over every business relationship and business decision. And, we need to make sure that our business decisions are aligned with the Word of God.

Do a gut check: Is Your Motive and Mindset conducive to Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing?

About the Author

Stephen Borgman’s mission is to help others reach their full potential through weekly success tips and strategies. He grew up in Brazil, South America, to parents whose legacy of serving and helping others he hopes to carry on. You can find out more about him at his Success Factors blog or his Personal Growth Development website.

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Guest Post by: Mike Holmes
Image Source: soxfirst.com

It’s amazing the amount of people that see business as bad. Even those in business or those wanting to start a business are stuck with the stigma of “business is evil.” But business at its core is not bad. How could it be? God created it.

Huh??!!

You heard me: business is not bad because God created it!

The Bible says, “For everything, absolutely everything…got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.” [1] That “everything” also includes “business.” It may have been distorted by evil men but, at its core, it is not evil. Business began with Him, ends with Him, and finds its true purpose in Him–period!

Business minus God equals Big Problems

For instance, Entrepreneur Magazine recently had an article that spoke about the necessity of having a “moral compass.” AND how the problems we now face stem from a lack of that compass. Ironically, it wasn’t a lack of business that destroyed some businesses–but a lack of business character and questionable business practices.

One of the main reasons (if not the main reason) for the fall of our economy was a willingness to ignore or gloss over principles. By “principles” I mean those timeless, timely, immutable laws of God that endure from generation to generation. In fact, Stephen Covey in an interview with Success Magazine delved even deeper:

“Financial success—prestige, wealth, recognition, accomplishment—will always be secondary in greatness…Primary greatness is about character and contribution. Primary greatness asks, ‘What are you doing to make a difference in the world? Do you live truly by your values? Do you have total integrity in all of your relationships?’ And when correct principles are not followed or ignored, the result can be catastrophic as we have witnessed… in the financial markets.”

God needs businessmen…

But this stigma isn’t new.

R.G. LeTourneau founder of LeTourneau Technologies was a great industrialist and was often referred to as “God’s Businessman.” But in his early years he questioned if he could serve God being a businessman (those awful people). So one night, after weeks of praying and searching, he paid a visit to his pastor. And after another session of prayer, his pastor told him something that forever changed his life:

“God needs businessmen as well as preachers and missionaries.” [2]

And that’s the same thing I want to say to you!

Are you called to business? Good. Be diligent “to make your calling and election sure.” [3]

More than ever, we need a new generation of leaders with the insight to see the Biblical principles for business, the wisdom to use them, and the courage to tell others about them. The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few!

What do you think? Your thoughts…

Scripture References

1. Colossians 1:16 (The Message)

2. Christian Business Legends, p.37

3. 2 Peter 1:10 (King James Version)

About the Author

Mike Holmes is the author of I Shall Raise Thee Up: Ancient Principles for Lasting Greatness. He’s also a blogger that writes on business and leadership development from a Biblical perspective. When he’s not writing blogs or speaking he can be found writing bios in the third person. Check out his website/blog here.

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Archive Spotlight: I thought it would be a good idea to start spotlighting a couple of posts that are buried in the archives. Some of you are fairly new to this site and others are lifelong followers (you are, aren’t you?). No matter what category you fall into, I’m sure there’s at least 1 article here you haven’t read. Enjoy!

The Top Five Tips for Office Fashion

Getting dressed for the office can be daunting when dress code guidelines aren’t clear. With the advent of vague descriptions like “business casual”, “relaxed dress”, and “smart casual”, deciding what to wear can be downright confusing! Here are five fashion tips to help you get out the door looking your professional best:

1. Tailoring counts! I cannot stress this enough: Tailoring makes all the difference. Even a $10 suit from Goodwill can look expensive if it’s properly tailored to fit your body. If you don’t have a tailor, please Google “(Your City) tailor” and find one immediately! Here’s what to talk about when you get there:
Shirts & jackets: The armholes of your shirts and blazers shouldn’t be too high (this makes it difficult to raise your arms) or too low, and the shoulder seam should hit at the point where your arm and shoulder meet.

Pants: Pants should fit your waist smoothly with no gaps. Avoid trousers that create visible “pull lines” from your crotch to your waist–this means they’re too small. Donate them to charity. The pants should be long enough to create a nice “break”, but not bunch at your ankles.

Dresses and skirts: Dresses and skirts that hit at mid-calf are only flattering on supermodels. For us regular folk, just below the knee length is best for the office.

4. Don’t forget the details: Remember to accessorize! The right accessories can add interest to an otherwise plain ensemble. Great shoes are vital to a well-executed look, and the right ones can make or break an entire outfit.

Ladies can also experiment with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, leg wear, and scarves (though not all at once!), while men can play around with ties, pocket squares, and cuff links. I’m a huge fan of scarves for both sexes, and there are plenty of online resources for ideas.

5. Mix classic and unique pieces for a look all your own Have fun with your look! Clothing can be a very effective form of self-expression as well as an indicator of professional status. Wear things that make you feel good, powerful and confident and you’re already halfway there.

About the author:
Tamia Stinson is a Marketing and Operations Specialist by day, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Style Sample Magazine and fashion blogazine The Style Sample by night/early morning/weekend. When she’s not online catching up on the latest fashion and technology trends, she enjoys dancing, traveling and learning foreign languages.

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This is a guest post By David McCleary. If you missed it, listen to my interview with him on Inside the Success. You can also buy David’s new book, Leaving Prisons: Release Your Trapped Value!

“What is corruption?” is the question that began the meeting.

As the discussion ensued, the presiding leader gently kept the conversation focused on “purely definition” at first. At the onset, comments included poetic things such as “violation of virtue,” “impairment of integrity,” “corrosion of character,” “ethical decay,” “bribery – a tangible payoff for wrong”, and “departure from the good”.

But then the group was encouraged to be more personal with the definition, as if it were going to be applied directly to the organization they led and the leaders within the organization. The comments then shifted to include things such as “the decline of ethical strength”, “the spoiling of truth”, “the quiet departure from the originally pure”, “secret festering scandals”, “extortion of blind obedience”, and “self-protective mismanagement”.

I was asked to observe the meeting and periodically offer observations, comments, and advice on the quality of their group processes and interactions. I do this often, and I was generally quite impressed with the honesty and trust I had observed, but I noted a large pause and significant discomfort in the room when someone who had been mostly quiet said, “corruption is the use of power by the elite few seeking to profit at the expense of the unknowing whole.”

At this point, the stillness was so strong and penetrating that the sound of a pin dropping would have been deafening. After a long silence, and just as a few group members started to get up, I stated my first verbal observation; “I think we have found both the start of a meaningful discussion and the definition of corruption that is most relevant for this group.”

The group regained composure rather quickly and began a solemn conversation of the evil in which they had chosen to be entangled, the cancerous corruption they had previously deemed acceptable. Exterminating corruption as an outsider or as a newly positioned leader is heroic and commonplace. However, dealing with our own acceptable corruption is another matter entirely; facing our evil is the hallmark of quintessential personal and organizational change. Flawless leaders are never more righteous as when discussing their own evil.

Leaders cannot be and are not expected to be perfect, but they are expected to know and deal with their dark side appropriately. They are expected to name and heal their own evil; as the ancient proverb states, “Physician heal thyself.” For this self-attentiveness, flawless leaders gain incremental respect, loyalty, and admiration from followers. Flawless leaders know that being appropriately authentic is the exposure of their own hypocrisy.

Consider Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, where the Emperor walks around naked displaying his “new” clothes while everyone around him colludes in agreement with his self-deception. All around the Emperor already knew of his hypocrisy, as it is with leaders. Discussing and dealing with our hypocrisy is what flawless leaders do. Only then can we authentically and honorably deal with the evil in our own organizations. As MK Gandhi said, “We must be the change we want to see in the world.”

About the author

Dave McCleary is a social scientist working with leaders and organizations. Through his work with hundreds of thousands of leaders across the globe at every organizational level possible, he has collected more than two decades of leadership and organizational change experiences and data from which to draw. His work centers around leader transformation and strategic organization change. He is the CEO of Flawless Leaders, LLC and has worked directly with leaders from organizations around the world including Volvo, Home Depot, Experian, Loblaw Companies Limited, Flextronics, Dell, Multek, and PCH China Solutions. Visit his blog at www.flawlessleaders.com/blog/

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This is a guest post by Ralph E. Plaskett

Do you remember the last piece of mail that you received? Do you remember what it was about? If you are like most people, you don’t. You probably considered it to be junk mail because it didn’t pertain to you or your interests. In the online world, this would be called spam – unwanted or unsolicited mail (or email). This type of mail is what I like to call name, rank, and serial number mailings, otherwise known as traditional marketing.

Traditional marketing is far from being effective because it doesn’t appeal to the wants, desires, and interests of the people. As humans, we often think that something works when we see an abundance of it. Unfortunately, we see even more bad marketing because many businesses owners feel that because they see an abundance of a particular marketing piece that it must be effective. Well the secret is that they are often not effective for the reasons mentioned above.

So how do we turn from marketing that wastes money to marketing that provides a solid return on investment? The answer to this question is quite simple yet difficult for so many business owners and entrepreneurs to understand. If you have ever worked in retail, your manager probably told you “The customer is always right”. Although this isn’t always true, the philosophy behind this popular saying is true. ‘The customer is always right’ takes the focus off of self or
the company and raises the interests of the customer in the employee’s mind. People-focused marketing does just that; makes the marketing about the recipient, not the company or its products/services.

If you have ever spoken with someone that only talks about themselves or their interests, then you know how annoying it can be. Your marketing is no different. The challenge that small business owners face is turning their marketing from self-centered marketing to people-focused marketing. To accomplish this, small business owners need to understand who their customers are. Here are a few questions that will help you figure out who exactly are your customers.

•       What are their interests?
•       What are their fears?
•       What kind of periodicals do they read?
•       Do they have their own lingo?
•       What is their education level?

As you can imagine, this isn’t even close to a complete list of questions that small business owners can ask to gain a better understanding of their customers. Each industry, product, and service has its own questions that can be asked to become familiar with customers who may be inclined to purchase. Far too many small business owners do not do the necessary research to truly know their customers. It is much easier to put their name, rank (years in business), and serial number (street address) than to do the hard work of understanding who is the customer and how that relates to their product or service.

Once a solid understanding of the customer is discovered, the creation of a message that is tailored to that ‘ideal customer can be created. This is known as message to market matching. What many small business owners don’t understand is that their product or service is a solution to someone. They also don’t understand that everyone isn’t their customer (which is a totally different article). Your product solves a problem that the customer is facing. The challenge of the small business owner is to discover how many solutions/benefits their product or service provides. This is why it is critical to understand who the customer is.

Making marketing that is centered around the customer and the benefits they will obtain from a product or service is admittedly difficult, time-consuming, but very rewarding. Not only are you providing benefits and solutions to your customers but your will also increase your revenue 10-fold.

Proverbs 13:4 (NIV) says The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. So which one will you be, the sluggard wishing and hoping for greater success in your business or the diligent who is fully satisfied and seeks greater achievements?

———————–
About the Author
Ralph E. Plaskett is known as the Peculiar Marketing Expert for peculiar people, the go-to resource for action-oriented information where readers can take the words right off the page and put them to work immediately! His effective strategies develop, grow, and expand businesses for Christians. Visit his website at
http://www.PushingKingdomBusiness.com

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As a people we all have hard times and struggles. Some may seem like your world will end, but what does not kill you only makes you stronger.

Were you the kid in school who couldn’t afford the name brands like everyone else, you came from the family that lived in the trailer park or the projects, or the girl who had children early and was considered a failure. Then you thought you would never amount to anything and didn’t have any trouble believing it, because everyone around you told you the same thing. Then one day you decided to stop letting your circumstances rule you life, and become someone that actually makes it. It doesn’t matter what your situation is, everyone can make it.

The next three points will give you a brighter view as to what you need to do in order to make it. Self confidence is KEY. If you are not confident in yourself, who else will be? It’s not easy to be self confident when you’ve been torn down and belittled, but you can gain it. Whatever it is that you want to do, work hard at it, do something that brings a smile to your face and butterflies in your stomach. Once you gain your confidence, it will be hard to lose it again. People will notice and like the fact that you believe in yourself, but the best reward is the happiness you will feel.

Have you ever heard someone say “he or she is DRIVEN!!!” It’s the determination, motivation, and will to do something wrapped up in one. When you have drive, you won’t give up on anything you put your mind to. Drive makes you get up in the morning and start your day, study an extra hour, or run that extra mile to prepare for a race. Drive is the core of a successful individual.

You may have done all the work to maintain, but when times get hard you may feel the urge to give up. That’s when your faith in God really should come into play. When times get hard and pressure builds up, a lot of people buckle. As long as you keep your faith in God to bring you through your struggles, know that he will.

Remember no matter what you have ever been through, whether it was having children young, an illness, or living in poverty, know that some of the most intelligent and accomplished people came from these same situations. With these three simple tools and a few of your own, you too can make it regardless of your circumstances.

About the Author

Relatively Speaking offers, freelance journalism consisting of press releases, event coverage, bio’s, e-book writing, and much more. Springing off the company of Relatively Speaking is Yolanda’s very own custom journal line, Words 4rm Me.  She believes that writing heals the soul. Feel free to contact Yolanda at relatively_speaking89@yahoo.com, follow her on twitter, www.twitter.com/words4rmme.

You can also check out her blog, Relatively Speaking by clicking here.

About the Author Rod is the editor-in-chief of The Success Center, Producer of "Inside the Success," and a Success Coach. For more information, tips, and advice on being a successful Christian-preneur subscribe to Rod's "Success Tips!" weekly newsletter.

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Many small and mid size businesses are struggling during this rough economic time. I have witnessed some really great mom and pop businesses call it quits after years of getting by and just living comfortable. I have wondered how, they endured so long. When one decides to become a entrepreneur it takes much research, determination, personality, effort, hard work, finances and solid business practices.  Well, I took all those qualities and spoke with folks all around to find out the single most important trait that was their foundation.

You are going to be amazed with the responses  I share with you, the summation of about 20-30 conversations which took place via phone, emails, and face-to-face meetings over a 3month period. I have listed the top comments many business owners have lived by for many years and  have remained in business for so long.

1. Building a solid business relationship

2. Critical networking

3. Understanding the value of connections and referrals

4. Being honest in business practices

5. Having a great personality that shines

6. Willing to give

These are some great tips to incorporate with any business. It’s important to make sure people understand who you are and what you represent. Branding is an idea or concept: which also encompasses image. Be mindful people are watching, talking, listening and deciding who they are going to trust with their money. Let’s make sure it’s you!

About the Author

As Founder and CEO of Sharen Rooks Agency and Rooks Enterprises, Sharen Rooks is a trusted public relations officer. Her impressive roster of clients includes Donald Jenkins (creator of Alphabet Soup), Majestik Entertainment, Christie B. Taylor (Living Life Seminar, facilitator, screenwriter, and actress), Tony and Michael Elliot (Soulsville Grille), Gregory Blanchard (Favored Financial Services), Apple Jack Trans, LLC, Teacher’s Pet After School Tutorial, Lesslie Clark Enterprises (Oprah’s Big Give), and author Shelia E. Lipsey.

For more information on Sharon and the Sharon Rooks Agency, visit her website here.

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1. Know who YOU are and what you BRING.

2. Sell your message, NOT your product.

3. Develop your market, KNOW your niche.

4. Build your “BRAND” and your audience.

5. Develop your network BEFORE you need it.

6. It’s not who you know but who KNOWS YOU!

7. Build your ALLIANCES…carefully.

8. Protect your REPUTATION at all costs.

9. Act as if…become the EXPERT.

10. Know your COMPETITIVE EDGE and deliver more than promised.

11. Believe NOTHING that’s said, believe EVERYTHING THAT’S DONE.

12. Stop SETTLING, position yourself to SELECT.

** Bonus  -  Know that, ALL things are possible if you only BELIEVE.

Francina R. Harrison, MSW “The Career Engineer”, is a nationally recognized, author, speaker/trainer, career development & workforce expert.   For speaking request or consulting information, contact the motivator at info@thecareerengineers.com or call 757-420-1109.

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Turn on any news program or involve yourself in any conversation and I
guarantee one topic of discussion will be the state of the economy.

You just cannot escape it and with good reason. Think about it. The economy dictates many things like mass hiring trends, consumer spending and other factors that largely affect societal growth. Its up again, down again antics even delve into our mental spaces of peace and surety.

Let’s face it, the economy and its condition are important and until
it is repaired, we should just sit back and ride it out – or not!

Contrary to the beliefs of many economists, there is actually no time
like the present to acquire wealth and cash in on investments. You see,
seasons like this not only allow us to get back to the basics and
recognize the things that matter most, but it also lays the groundwork
for substantial fortune-building. For that reason, look at this period
of uncertainty as a period of renewal. It’s out with the old and in
with the new – a new attitude, new ideas and a new outlook on life.

What is important to you? Is there something that you have always wanted to do, but could never take that leap of faith?

On today, I encourage you to dust off that old safety deposit box and find your wealth – your purpose and your passion!

When you discover your wealth and build on a solid foundation, society’s views on financial stability will not sway you from your path. This type of gain is absolutely fail proof. Now, use this time, this “so-called” recession to discover your riches!

Undoubtedly, you cannot ignore the dire circumstances surrounding the economy. However, I have learned that there is great power in optimism.

Sometimes things have to “rock the boat” before we are able to move into the positions and points in life we most desire. As author of the motivational book, “No Box,” my aim is to stress the importance of action, positivism and resiliency. Written to inspire career enthusiasts to aggressively pursue their passions, this journal-inspired work proves that anything is possible when you are passionate and proactive about it. Remember, Purpose + Passion = Prosperity!

About the Author

After graduating college, Candace experienced a period of career stagnation and began questioning the very achievement she felt would promote her. As a release, she dealt with these disappointments by documenting them in a journal. After a series of events brought on by ill-preparedness and total career change, she finally reached a point of professional enlightenment and decided to help others toiling over similar frustrations. Her selfless goal in sharing this journey is to prove that nothing dreamed is ever out of reach. For more information about the book, her bio, blogs, and
pictures please visit her website at www.candacespicer.com.

Further Reading – Get your copy of Candace Spicer’s book, “No Box” now!

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