business Archives

Businessman Chooses God Over the World

I read an interesting and encouraging article about a businessman, Pat Gelsinger, firmly setting his priorities.  The article stated, “Where most might allow worldly demands to get ahead of their responsibilities to family and God, Gelsinger said he chose God first, then family and finally work as his priorities.”

Pat Gelsinger is a senior vice president at Intel Corporation and co-manager of the company’s largest division.  When speaking to a group of 500 people, Gelsinger explained, “If you’re a Christian, you are a full-time minister.  We are all called to be full-time ministers for the lord, Jesus Christ.”

When you take the position that Gelsinger does–that we are in full time ministry for Jesus–it makes it easy to set your priorities.  It’s refreshing to see someone in his position make a clear stand for God.  You can read the entire article here.

Is Starting a Business a Last Resort?

I recently read an article on SmartBrief.com about the Wharton Entrepreneurship Club.  It stated, “[T]wo-thirds (of the club members) either already have plans to start a business or are open to starting a business if they find the right idea.”  The article went on to quote the co-president as saying, “the surprisingly high numbers reflect the dreary state of the economy.”

The implication is that starting a business is something done as a last resort when you can’t find a job.  I don’t believe a entrepreneur would view things that way.  In fact, for me, it’s just the opposite, finding a job is the last resort and only temporary until I could start my next business.

What do you think; is starting a business really a last resort?

Creator of Your Business

I attended a Business Expo a few weeks ago and a speaker made the statement, “You are the creator of your business.”  That statement got me to thinking about how God created the universe.  The Creator created the entire universe one day at a time, pausing between each day to see that what He’d done was good and, when He made man, very good.

Take a look at the sequence in which things were created and parallel that with how you can use this same pattern to create your business:

Day One:  God created light.  Light is representative of vision or planning.  God also separated light from darkness.  As you plan, your business vision will become more and more clear and the actual business will begin to come into being.

Day Two:  God created the sky.  The sky represents your business goals.  What limits are you placing on your business?  The sky is the limit.

Day Three:  God created land.  Land represents your foundation.  What are you building your business on?  Is it reputation, brand recognition, service, or integrity?  What will you be known for?

Day Four:  God created stars, the sun, and moon.  These are representative of your customers or clients.  The number and size of your customer base will serve as the benchmark for how well you’re doing in your business.

Day Five: God created fish and birds.  I see these as partners and mentors.  The partners could actually be business partners or they could be joint venture partners. Whichever the case, these are the people that are going to help you along the way and take you to a new level of business.  The mentors are higher or further in their business tenure, so they can help you see things that lie ahead so you can anticipate and make adjustments.

Day Six: God created animals and man.  The animals represent employees and man represents proteges.  As you grow, you will need employees to help you in your business.  God made man in His image and trains them and guides them to do things His way.  Similarly, as employers we should find proteges within our group of employees to guide and train so that they can eventually be able to run your company or a company of their own.

I encourage you to be the creator of your own business!