What’s Holding You Back?

Lots of people have great ideas but are unable to bring them into reality. There are inventors that this world hasn’t known, real estate investor’s, retail chain owners, etc. lounging in the hall of mediocrity instead of taking their places in the hall of fame. They’ll give a thousand reasons why they cannot venture out to build their idea and refuse to recount the reasons why they can. Blinded by their own weaknesses they do not see how God wants to use them, how He perceives them or the many gifts and strengths with which He has blessed them.

We all have and will experience “holdbacks” in some form or the other, but we have to be willing to deal with them in order to attain what God has for us in our businesses as well as our personal lives.

1. Like all things, a good place to start is prayer.
2. Study the Bible to learn what Gods says and thinks of you.
3. Consciously think good thoughts and watch what you read, watch on TV, listen to, etc
4. Remember that the bible says that “Faith without works is dead”1, so after you have sought a strategy from God,2 and done the required preparation, take action.
5. Realize that it may not be easy, but hang tough, knowing that God will see you through.
6. Through your victories and challenges, stay focused and continually give God the glory.

I highly recommend Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind by Joyce Meyer, it changed my life.

In the words of one of my favourite authors John C. Maxwell, "For most people, it's not what they are that holds them back, it's what they think they are not."

Wishing you great success!

1. James 2:14
2. Jeremiah 33:3

Christian Women in Business Together

I came across a blog post today that expresses the reality of having a friend as a business partner and how one should seek to manage a business relationship with a partner while maintaining a healthy friendship.

“My faith is very important to me. But, my dear friend, Kim, is as well. So, I would like to learn how to be a good friend and business partner, grow our business and do it all in a way pleasing to God. (I welcome all advice! Or a book you have found I did not know about.)”

It’s the delightful blog of Princess Bubble, check it out.

A Business that's Part of His Plan

I see running a business as part of God’s plan as well as part one's purpose and ministry. As such, I think it is important to seek God’s guidance on the type of businesses we should run as well as all the seemingly fine details of our business. And like a pastor or preacher, we need to know where God wants us to take our business as well as how to positively impact the lives of those we come in contact with while conducting business. So my prayer today is, Lord reveal to us how our businesses fit into your master plan. Amen.

Success

I just had to share this article I came across that explores how to be a success based on the word of God.

"A look into God’s Word quickly reveals that material blessings were given because God loved His people, not because His people deserved those blessings. They were withdrawn from those who used them foolishly and transferred to more faithful stewards. "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures" (James 4:3). "

Read How to Be a Success here

Who Needs A Mentor?

Finding a business mentor is great way to jump-start new and seasoned businesses. Having the input and support of one who has walked the path that you intend to, or has accomplished goals similar to the ones you want to achieve can be really beneficial. But finding a willing mentor can be a little tricky. Understandably, there is a time commitment involved and unless your proposed mentor is someone who really wants to sow into the life of another, this may not be top priority for them, amidst a busy schedule. I know of people who have been mentored by people they do not have established personal relationship with; by reading their biographies, books they have authored etc. and learning from their experiences; but that still does not beat having a one-on-one where you have an opportunity to ask pertinent questions and rub minds.

When looking for a mentor, consider the following:

1. You should have a clear idea of what you hope to achieve or benefit from the relationship.
2. Do they possess relevant experience and knowledge in the area in which you require growth?
3. Proposed mentor’s ability to relate to you and communicate effectively and vice versa.
4. Commitment and availability to the mentoring relationship.
5. Objectivity and ability to provide constructive feedback.
6. Their ability to encourage and support when necessary.
7. Find a mentor who is enthusiastic about the mentoring relationship and process.

I am commited to supporting 5 women in getting their small businesses off the ground between now and October 2008. If you are interested, please email me at cbizwoman at yahoo dot co dot uk or leave me a comment.

A Prayer for Endurance

Lord, give me the endurance to hold on during tough times in my business; when things look hopeless and I feel the need to throw in the towel; when I feel unable to handle the pressures that come my way help me to keep my gaze on you. Help me to hold on when I can’t seem to find new clients; help me to know when to accept closed doors of opportunities, as a sign that it isn’t the right one and help to know when to refuse to accept “no” for answer. Give me continued strength so that I do not faint (1) instead teach me to wait on you (2). When I am discouraged because things don’t seem to be going my way, or the way I expect them to, remind me of your promises. But through all the ups and downs and many windy roads of building my business uphold me so that I may stand strong and come out victorious.

Amen

(1) ...O my strength , come quickly to help me." Psalm22:18

If you fail in the day of adversity your strength is small." Prov24:10
(2) "They that wait upon the lord shall renew their strength..." Isaiah 40:31

I am commited to supporting 5 women in getting their small businesses off the ground between now and October 2008. If you are interested, please email me at cbizwoman at yahoo dot co dot uk or leave me a comment.

Love Song to the Lord

I just stumbled across this fantastic worship song. I listened to it for the first time and absolutely loved it...you be the judge.



Found it at Empowering Christian Women