Christian Business Woman

I’m Not Done Yet

2010-10-13T23:41:00.002+01:00

It’s so good to be back here in my place on this blog. I have been away busy with various tasks, projects as well as everyday ups and downs. But thank God that He is faithful and when we get “busy”, He gives us a gentle nudge, reminding us of the things we ought to do. We now have a group on Facebook known as Christian Business Women where we encourage women to share tools and advice that may be beneficial to others, please join me and the other ladies here.

I am really happy to be back here where I can share my thoughts and ideas and connect with my readers in a different way. Welcome to a new chapter at the Christian Business Woman blog, I’m not done yet...

I Prayed for You Today

2010-02-15T09:03:00.002Z

I said a prayer for my blog readers today.

That God will surround you with favour and give you divine wisdom. I prayed that your needs will be met and you will thrive inspite of any challenges you may be faced with. I asked God to bless and keep you and your loved ones in good health. I requested that He keep the vision He has planted in you alive and give you the right people, strategy and tools to work with. I pray that this week will be a week of testimonies in your life.

In Jesus name.

Amen

If You Want to Influence Others...

2010-02-14T20:49:00.001Z

....don't try to impress them says John Maxwell. Read more here.

Its a New Day - 2010

2010-01-01T14:38:00.002Z

May God guide and keep you through this new year. May He keep you in good health and in perfect peace. May you walk in His favour and love. May this year hold lots of great testimonies for you and your loved ones.

I wish you greater success than previous years.

Happy New Year!

The Perfect Gift

2009-12-28T11:51:00.002Z

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas giving extra thought and focus to the true meaning of Christmas. God so rich in grace and mercy gave us the most precious and perfect gift in His son Jesus Christ.

What Is In A Name

2009-11-29T20:48:00.008Z

Selecting the right business name is crucial to getting positive attention and remaining memorable. While big businesses have the resources to ensure the success of their name, small businesses running on much smaller budgets need to be more careful in the selection of a name since a poor choice can greatly reduce your chances of getting a referral if people simply cannot remember what your business is called.

There are several businesses similar to yours so you need to find a name that will stick in the minds of your contacts as well as convey your intended image. It is also important to keep your name before potential and current clients so that you are not easily forgotten.

In order to re-enforce your name and ensure that you are on top of the name game here are some tips.

Don’t pick a misleading name. For example calling your virtual assistance business “Office Architects” will greatly confuse prospective clients about what you do if they were reading your listing in the yellow pages.
It should distinguish you from the competition.
Ensure that it is easy to pronounce and remember.
Easy to spell. Having a name with an unusual or complicated spelling while being unique, has the drawback of not being found in business listing. A graphic design business called "Imajeenation" may not be easily found by in a business listing.
Consider using your own name. If you have an uncommon name and you are well known and respected, this option works well. Because of your reputation, your business gets instant recognition, as such, is easily remembered.

5 Areas I Want to Work on This Week

2009-10-25T23:55:00.004Z

Prayer

My prayer life has suffered immensely recently due to distractions resulting from family issues, moving homes and a host of other things. I realize that I am nothing without God and I need to tune in to His Spirit in order to get a grip and deal with all that is before me. We really should never get too busy not to pray. By His grace I want to work on getting back on track and spending more time in prayer as well as in the Bible.

Emotions

I need to stop reacting to everything I experience with an outburst of some kind of emotion or the other and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. I have been under a lot of pressure lately and I know that the Lord would never give me more than I can bear.

Authenticity

I used to have an approval addiction but thank God that I have been set free to live my life to the fullest according to His purpose and not that of any other.

Focus

I am working on clarifying my personal objectives (you may call it decluttering of objectives) and determining what I ought to be focusing more time on. I want to accomplish what I am here on earth to do.

Kiddy Time

My time just laughing and having fun with my kids has dwindled due to all that I have had going on and I certainly miss reading to them, telling funny stories and conducting experiments.

It is interesting that the last four points are all tied to the first, prayer. Its plain to see that things are a little out of whack because my prayer life is not where it should be. We really are nothing without God.

What Mary & Joseph Knew About Parenting

2009-09-27T22:44:00.004+01:00

I absolutely love the book What Mary & Joseph Knew About Parenting by Rick Osborne. It is a guide offering biblical insight into parenting, advice for raising Godly kids as well as practical tips for handling situations. The chapters are short (approx. 3 to 5 pages each). Chapters include:

Giving your child a purpose driven life.
Teaching your child how to get along with others.
Helping your child get to know God.
Teaching your children to be wise.
Peer proofing.
Trusting God when parenting hurts.

A must read for every parent; you will read it over and over again.

FYI: I am not selling or advertising this book. It is simply a great read and I am keen to share.

What Are You Asking For?

2009-09-03T15:39:00.005+01:00

On second thought, perhaps I should have titled this post “What are you not asking for?” A lot of us go through life hoping for much yet asking for nothing. We have high expectations yet refuse to initiate contact. Some ask amiss; You want a mansion but are praying for a bungalow.

God knows we have needs even before we ask but why do we refuse to ask? Do you think He is incapable? Do you think you would be bothering the Creator of all things or disrupting His already full schedule?

The bible tells us to “ask that we might receive”.

Go the Extra Mile

2009-05-05T16:14:00.012+01:00

In the current economic climate, maintaining a competitive edge is essential to the success of businesses. Why should people spend their hard earned money on your product or your service and not the next guys? Not only do consumers have far more options with price wars amongst businesses owners but letting go of their money means they have to be convinced of the value doing business with you brings.

Having a good product or service with a catchy name just isn’t enough. Having an exceptional product and creating a good customer experience will set you apart.

Protect Your Most Valuable Business Asset

2009-04-09T12:04:00.004+01:00

I previously refused to commit any post to the current economic climate, for the simple reason that everywhere I turned there was a headline about the gloom and doom of the recession and what it brings with it. Where does a Christian business woman draw strength in these times?

As a child of the Most High I refuse to give up! I am well aware of the economic climate but I refuse to accept a downturn in business as my lot. In spite of the recession, there are businesses out there thriving and experiencing growth. New businesses are still being started and established.

I encourage you to in this time keep your focus on God, no one who puts their hope in him will be pu to shame (Psalm25:3). Do not neglect time with Him in prayer and bible study. By spending time with God you are building and protecting your most valuable business asset, you. Maintain your focus on your source trusting Him to keep you and your business and see you through. You will find encouragement, direction, favour, provision and inspiration. When your mind is going in the right direction everything else will be impacted, including your employees, agents and clients.

You must begin strengthening and protecting yourself by taking time with God.

Spotlight: Jennifer Nordin

2009-03-16T07:39:00.004Z

Jennifer Nordin is a massage and aromatherapy practitioner and the owner of At Peace, a Christian wellness studio for women in Hudson, Wisconsin. With close to a decade in the healing arts, she mentors and educates people on the benefits of pure therapeutic essential oils through her blog Oils for Wellness. Aromatic medicine is her passion, compelling her to invest hundreds of hours training with Young Living Essential Oils and The Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education. She is currently working toward her Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner certification through the R.J Buckle Associates program for health care professionals.

CBW: What made you decide to go into business?
JN: I had a strong desire to be a blessing to the lives of others in a personal way through my profession. Herbs and natural remedies have been a part of my life since a young age, so when I discovered aromatherapy, it captured my interest and continues to fascinate me. Massage and aromatherapy appealed to me because it wasn't just a business, but also could be an active expression of my faith as a Christ-follower by ministering with hands on care and compassion.

CBW: How long have you been in business?
JN: I started very part time in 2000, mostly giving friends and family massage therapy and sharing the benefits of essential oils here and there whenever I had the opportunity. My family owned and operated a housecleaning service at that time, so I was committed to a full schedule and didn't have much time to pursue my endeavors in the healing arts. In 2003, I rented my first studio space and began to build clientele. I took a few years off to get married and then take an extended maternity leave. My blog was born in July of 2008 and propelled me back into another passion, writing! It has been very fulfilling to combine all of the things I greatly enjoy-educating, essential oils, writing, and business networking!

CBW: Do you have any lessons to share from your start-up days?
JN: Be charitable in business, but don't run your business like a charity. I had to learn to value my time and expertise and not be too quick to give products or services away for free if I thought I may get a "no" from a client or customer.

CBW: What key services or products do you offer to your clients?
JN: Private aromatherapy consultation, educational ezine, workshops, aromatherapy business building/product training, home spa parties, and on site seated massage for workplace and events. In my wellness studio, I also offer integrative massage services which combines Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Acupressure techniques. My specialty is the Raindrop Technique which incorporates 8 essential oils, hot towels, and heated stones into a deeply therapeutic 60 or 90 minute session. Each essential oil performs a specific therapeutic action in the body, such as supporting the immune system, enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting bone, ligament, and muscle health.

CBW: Completing your Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner certification will undoubtedly enhance the services you provide, can we expect new dimensions to your business anytime soon?
JN: Having a clinical certification (CCAP) would definitely would give me credentials to teach community health classes at area hospitals. I also would like to take the exam to be a Registered Aromatherapist (RA). Both of these certifications may enable me to teach at community colleges and healthcare facilities. My long term vision is to provide aromatherapy consulting for healthcare professionals in an effort to educate them on integrating essential oils with the care at their facilities. I am trusting God to provide the money needed to complete these certification programs, as it does not seem financially possible according to our budget at this time. This is my current lesson in faith. Believe me, I am very excited and eager to see those letters appear after my name!

CBW: From where or whom do you get support and encouragement?
JN: Prayer and God's Word are the most powerful support and encouragement resources in my life. I am blessed with a supportive husband and a few authentic friends who cheer me on.

CBW: Do you have a favourite scripture or one that you find particularly uplifting?
JN: 2 Corinthians 2:14 "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." As an aromatherapy practitioner, this verse has special meaning for me. It helps me keep the question in my mind--am I spreading the aroma of Christ by how I am living, serving, speaking today? It also gives me encouragement that we will always triumph and overcome when we are IN CHRIST.

CBW: How do you stay focused?
JN: By trusting in the purpose, plan, and timing God has for me and my business. I focus on running the race well with His strength (instead of my own). This enables me to avoid getting bogged down by my own shortcomings and stumbling.

CBW: How do you balance running your business with being a wife and mum?
JN: I am learning to prioritize what needs to be done each day so I am not consumed by my To Do list! I work three evenings a week at my studio, then on the computer during nap time and often at night after my son goes to bed. Weekends are usually designated for just family, friends, and church time unless I have an occasional class or event on a Saturday. My husband cares for our son when I am at the studio so I am blessed to be able to enjoy my little guy all day and work a few hours at night knowing that he is having fun with daddy.

CBW: What do you find most challenging about being a business owner?
JN: Having patience when things don't seem to be progressing like I hope they would!

CBW: What 3 nuggets of wisdom would you offer to someone just starting out?
JN: Be passionate about your purpose and love what you are doing. Trust God and surrender your plans to His guidance. In all of your efforts, strive for the words "Well done, good and faithful servant" above all promotions, accolades, achievements, and monetary gain.

Please visit Jen’s website to learn more about her services. Her blog is highly recommended as it is filled with lots of (no cost) information and inspiration.

Fight Like a Girl

2009-03-01T22:40:00.002Z

Calling All Christian Business Women

2009-02-07T10:04:00.004Z

Are you a Christian woman? Do you run or aspire to run your own business? Calling all Christian ladies (single, married, young or old). I would love to hear from you, learn about your experiences or read your comments? What would you like to see hear?

Don't forget to take advantage of the no cost listing on my directory page.

Link to me by copying and pasting the code at the bottom of this page.

Boost your business in 2009

2009-01-29T10:11:00.003Z

The current economic environment makes people just want to pack it all up, throw their arms in the air and give up. As children of The Most High, let us walk in faith trusting in God’s word, standing on His promises. Apart from prayer (that’s a given) here are a few things to give your business a boost:

Talk to your customers
Find out what they like about your service more importantly find out what they would like you to improve on. Are there additional services that you could provide? Encourage them to talk to you by being accessible and approachable. Ensure that you offer them various ways of contacting you if/when they choose to.

Say thank you

Reward Referrals
Encourage people to send you referrals by offering incentives for recommendations. And as much possible, acknowledge the source of each referral by saying thank you.

Provide Added Value
Educate your clients about new and existing services. Customize your product or services if applicable.

Recycle
Reduce unnecessary spending by re-using office stationery.

Form Partnerships
Join forces with complimentary businesses as this allows for cross referrals. Forming an alliance with a similar business with a different specialty could increase your chances of winning projects as it enables you to tap into diverse skill and resource reservoir.

More coming soon….

Business Women's Symposium

2009-01-19T16:47:00.002Z

Don't miss the 2009 Business Women's Symposium, visit http://www.bwsym.com/ for more details.

Thank you

2009-01-11T17:58:00.003Z

I have learnt the true value of expressing ones heart felt thanks. Everyone wants to be appreciated, acknowledged and valued; it really is an innate attribute of mankind. On the receiving end, a show of appreciation makes us feel all gooey, and for some reason we are even swept with a renewed feeling of wanting to repeat the cause of thanks or completely going overboard with acts of kindness.

In your business, particularly in your marketing efforts, take the time to thank people who have been supportive, provided you with invaluable information, referred a new client or simply taken the garbage out for you, just so that there was one less thing for you to concern yourself with.

That being said I'd like to thank everyone that stops by to read my posts here. To all that drop me emails with questions and little words of encouragement. And of course all those who have recommended this blog to their friends.

Spotlight: Sandra Hersey

2009-01-05T09:13:00.000Z

Sandra Hersey is a Christian Life Coach for Women, Author, Motivational Speaker, and the Founder of G.I.R.L.S (Girls Inspiring Real Life Success). Sandra believes that everyone has a purpose in life and should pursue it with passion. As a life coach and minister Sandra’s primary focus is helping women discover their gifts, strengths and inner power, and to lead more successful lives.

CBW: Why did you decide to start your business?
SH: I really was already "coaching" women even before I started my Life Coaching for Women business. I had already been mentoring women, and as a minister I knew that I could help women in all areas of their lives. So my Life Coaching for Women began.

CBW: How would you describe your ideal client?
SH: My ideal client is any woman who wants change in her life, whether it be change in her body, change in her relationships, change in their careers, or change in their spiritual lives.

CBW: What advice would you give someone going through change (business, family, relationship etc)?
SH: No one likes change; change is hard. However, change can be very rewarding if we learn to see the good in what is happening. Everything that is bad can have some good in it. There are life lessons in everything. Change no matter how difficult is good!

CBW: How important is getting the right support when going through change or entering a different phase?
SH: Support is essential! Whether that support is a loved one, or a professional. As we go through changes in our lives, we need a support system in place to keep us on track and to spur us on through the "scary stuff."

CBW: Do you have any tips on how one can discover their life's purpose?
SH: Discovering one's life purpose is one thing that both as a minister and a life coach I can help with. I believe we all have a purpose in life. We just need help in being steered in the right direction to find what our purpose is. For me helping women is my passion and therefore, my purpose.

CBW: What do you consider a challenge to being your own boss?
SH: I have been my own boss for over 25 years. I have owned several businesses both with my husband and by myself. Challenges come every day. It is important to look at those challenges from every angle to get a grasp of what is really happening; then take action. Discipline is very important when being your own boss, especially if you are working from a home office as I do.

CBW: What words of wisdom would you offer someone just starting out in business?
SH: Perseverance! Learn it and live by it. Hard work brings about rewards. When things don't happen like you expect, persevere.

Please visit Sandra’s website and blog to learn more about her.

Write the Vision

2009-01-03T22:39:00.004Z

In trying to move our businesses and personal lives forward, it is important to not only set goals but to put pen to paper and write them down. It makes us accountable to God, ourselves and possibly others and serves as the yard stick by which we can measure our achievements. Writing your plans and goals is an evidence of your commitment towards your goal. Taking the time to write them down takes some soul searching and possibly research; it should be a well thought out process that causes us to define what we are aiming for and critically determine the resources required to get us there.

Praise the Lord, 2009 is here! I stopped making new year resolutions years ago, instead I critically and prayerfully look at things I want to change or achieve in my life at intervals and when/where necessary set a goal.

Irrespective of whether you are for or against new year resolution, take this time to critically assess your business and determine what it is you want to improve on or change and set some defined goals for yourself. When you’re done writing, keep it where you can read and reflect on it every day. This will serve as your motivation, give you some focus and be a constant reminder that you are on your way to bigger and better things.

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” - Habakkuk 2:2 (King James Version)

Wish you success, favour and joy!

2008-12-26T11:31:00.001Z

2008-12-25T10:00:00.000Z

Amidst the love laughter, tummy filling and gift giving, lets not forget the true meaning of Christmas. Wishing you God’s blessings and favour!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T02:49:00.002Z

He who works his land will have abundant food,
but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

- Proverbs 12:11 (NIV)

What If Starbucks Marketed Like The Church?

2008-11-17T10:39:00.008Z

My friends (FYI, they are not yet aware of our friendship…lol!) at Inside Work posted this video from Beyond Relevance. I could not resist posting it here. It certainly gets you thinking. It made me consider the church and the way we try to reach out to people in our immediate community and beyond. As a business woman it really makes me question how I am perceived by potential clients. Could i possibly be coming across as trying too hard? Check it out!

What fruit is that?

2008-11-13T00:32:00.002Z

I walked into a health food store I visit ever so often this morning. When I got to the checkout it was the same guy that had served me several times before. I am always so taken by the way he deals with all visitors to the store. He is always very pleasant to everyone which is probably why he is extremely popular amongst the regular customers. He advises clients about products with such keen interest genuineness and goes well out of his way to ensure that customers are satisfied. He is not the store manager or owner but he always has a happy and helpful countenance and personifies the phrase service with a smile. During a brief chat with him this morning about how well he deals with everyone that comes into the store, I hardly allowed him to complete his final sentence before I interrupted him with my repetition of the words “I knew it”. It turned out that he is a Christian, living his beliefs and ministering by his actions.

This made me take stock of my business practices. What do my clients say about me? As business owners are we able to provide more than a service or product? Do we leave positive lasting impressions in the minds of potential and existing clients? Is it all about the money or are we affecting lives by causing people to wonder why we are the way we are or do the things we do? Do we set good examples? Do we cause people to doubt our integrity? Are we marketplace ministers? Good fruit or bad fruit, what are you producing?

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. - Matthew 7:16-17 (King James Version)

Spotlight: Amber Vlangas

2008-11-06T22:26:00.014Z

For my first feature interview, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amber Vlangas Owner/Principal Consultant of A.Vlangas Consulting, a management and development consulting firm for non-profit organizations. Amber is a Christian mom of three beautiful children; 11 year old Timothy, 8 year old Deborah, and 3 year old Lilliana. She has been married to a wonderful Navy Musician, Christopher for 12 years.

CBW: When and why did you start your business?
AV: I started my business earlier this year, after spending years working in the areas of management, marketing and development for nonprofit organizations. I had been taking freelance consulting jobs on the side for some time, but finally felt led to break out on my own.

CBW: What obstacle(s) did you face in getting started? How did you overcome it/them?
AV: I think the biggest obstacle that I faced starting out was transitioning from a stable paycheck to contract work. Having a background in marketing and management made startup easier, but it is always scary making a big change. I overcame this obstacle through faith. God always came through, giving me the wisdom and strength that I needed to move things forward.

CBW: We sometimes loose sight of God's ability to give us all that we need to bless us. Do you have specific habits that help you stay focused?
AV: The truth is that having faith is hard-especially when we do not understand God's time table or methods. We need to try to differentiate wants from needs. There were times for me that were harder than others, financially and otherwise. I found myself giving concerns to God and then taking them back, trying to do it on my own. Keeping a prayer journal has become invaluable to me. It is a place that I can write down not only my concerns but also the things that I am thankful for. It is fun to look back in the journal and realize how good God has been. It truly helps me understand that he will not forsake me. The history, coupled the reading of scripture, refreshes my spirit and helps me stay focused moving forward.

CBW: What is your favourite scripture?
AV: That is a very hard question, as there are so many that I hold dear! Galations 5:1 is definitely one of my favorites. It reads: "Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and don't submit again to a yoke of slavery." In modern days slavery can be so many things...sin, anger, disbelief, fear, or doubt. How great it is to know that when we trust in Him, he releases us from the "slavery" of all those things!

CBW: What is your favourite business tool/resource?
AV: By far I would have to name the web as my favorite tool/resource. It is a great place to get a business out there, learn new things, and connect with people that share the same interests as yourself. Social Networking (myspace, facebook, linkedin, twitter, blogging forums, etc) really takes traditional "word of mouth" advertising to a whole new level.

CBW: How do you balance running your business with managing your family?
AV: Every woman constantly struggles with this question- it is difficult to juggle it all. In this age of technology, clients can reach you at all hours of the day and demand more work in shorter periods of time. For me it has been important to set boundaries and schedules, even if it means saying no to a client or sending them to voicemail. I have had to train myself to live for God and family first, then let everything else fall into place. I have even had clients comment on how much they respect me for that! In my experience, the key has been to be responsive and clear with my clients, setting boundaries in the beginning of the relationship.

CBC: What words of wisdom would you offer an aspiring business woman?
AV: The best advice I can give to any business woman is to set up a time with God on a daily basis and keep it like it was a business meeting! The busier you get, the more you will need this (though we all will have our moments of weakness). Prayerfully ask Him to reveal what the focus of the day should be. Then be still and listen! Don't make business decisions without consulting Him. He so much more equipped to handle everything than we are.

To learn more about Amber please visit her website and blog. Please let me know if you have been blessed by this interview, I certainly have.

Business Startup 2008

2008-11-05T14:40:00.003Z

I recently found out about Business Startup 2008, an event taking place in London England. It’s promising lots of great exhibitions, workshops, seminar, networking opportunities and more. And best of all it is free! For further details click here.

What...Failure Can Be Good?

2008-10-28T22:52:00.006Z

I love Seth’s blog and books for the simple reason that he gets you thinking and possibly causes a shift in your attitude or actions. This time, he is talking about failure and how such an experience can work in our favour ultimately if we learn from rather than dwelling on it, we can sharpen the saw and emerge better.

"I try hard not to keep a running tally of big-time failures in my head. It gets in the way of creating the next thing. On the other hand, when you see failure as a learning event, not a destination, it makes you smarter, faster.”

Read more

Why do you do what you do?

2008-10-24T13:07:00.002+01:00

A friend of mine recently asked me why I created this blog and why I decided to call it Christian Business Woman? My response was that this blog allows me to fully express my interests and the very things that are important to me. For me Christianity is not my religion but my way of life and when speaking to people in the business realm its often quite tricky or considered outright inappropriate to bring up ones spiritual beliefs. I am also a woman (as well as a wife and mother) which means I’m often wearing different hats. Here on this blog, I can express all those different elements without appearing unprofessional or inappropriate. Why do you do what you do?

Spotlight

2008-10-19T23:54:00.002+01:00

Are you a Christian business woman? Would you like to be featured/interviewed here? Do you know someone that will? I would love to hear from you. Please leave me a comment here or send me an email at cbizwoman dot yahoo dot co dot uk

Small Business Week 2008

2008-10-12T23:03:00.003+01:00

BT’s Small Business Week commences Monday, 13th October 2008. It promises lots of free information and advice through daily, webinars, competitions, face to face events and opportunities to be marched with mentors. For further information, visit the website.

Don't Know What Business to Start

2008-09-20T23:12:00.004+01:00

I received an email last week, which I would like to share for your advice and input. I NEVER publish emails sent to me, but the writer stated that in addition to my opinion she would like to hear from other Christian women and asked if I would post it on my blog. Here goes…

“I have toyed with the idea of contacting you for a while but finally just feel I really need some support. I have wanted to start my own businesses for ages. I am stuck on the fact that I do not know what kind of business to start. I have read lots of books and sought the Lord but after several years I have still not made any progress. I continue to work in positions I do not like which adds to my misery. I do not seem to have any clearly defined passions or interests and the fact that I am a quick learner adds further mystery to my strengths; I seem to be a jack of all trades but master of none.

Do you know other women that have experienced anything similar and know how they overcame it? Do you have any advice? Please support me in prayer.”

Please offer your opinion, support and advice.
p.s. I respectfully ask that you do not post any ads.

Blessings

When the going gets tough – Part I

2008-08-28T20:09:00.003+01:00

As though the challenges of starting and running a business aren’t enough, we have everyday personal challenges to further complicate our lives. How do you deal with difficult and serious situations in your various non business relationships, sickness, personal losses etc. and keep your businesses running without your business grinding to a halt under the strain of your personal challenges?

My mother is seriously ill (even though I am thankfully believing God for her complete healing) and it can be pretty challenging updating this blog and keeping up with my other commitments under the strain. But I thank God for encouraging me and keeping me strong. I have drawn so much strength from reading His word and worshipping him. I recently read a comment on a blog (don’t remember the name) that overcoming challenges in life is 95% our reaction and 5% finding a solution, and I find this to be so true. Bearing that in mind, everytime I feel a little discouraged I get into the Word of God (even when I’m not feeling quite like it) to re-align my focus and I find so much strength in this. I encourage you to find scriptures applicable to your personal challenges and meditate upon them even when things look bleak. God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19), let His word work in your life

£20,000 Grant up for Grabs

2008-08-06T10:59:00.003+01:00

Visit Essence of the Entrepreneur for more details

What’s Holding You Back?

2008-07-28T21:40:00.008+01:00

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.

Like all things, a good place to start is prayer.
Study the Bible to learn what Gods says and thinks of you.
Consciously think good thoughts and watch what you read, watch on TV, listen to, etc
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.
Realize that it may not be easy, but hang tough, knowing that God will see you through.
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

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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

2008-07-14T21:56:00.003+01:00

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

2008-07-12T23:45:00.004+01:00

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?

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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:

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

2008-07-04T11:03:00.010+01:00

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

Love Song to the Lord

2008-07-03T23:01:00.004+01:00

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

Christian Business Woman

2008-06-30T14:51:00.006+01:00

With the many hats we have to wear and the added demands of everyday life, more women are striding out to create the kind of work life balance that they want by creating their own businesses. Starting out in business takes courage, hardwork and the grace of God. But even for the Christian woman, this is no small feat.

This blog has been created for you and I; for me as an outlet to relay my personal experience from time to time as well as share the knowledge I have acquired; for you, you'll be assured that you are not alone and find ideas as well as encouragement.

My prayer is that through the words here you will find some inspiration, tools and resources that will support you in your endeavours. Should you have specific questions or concerns, please leave me a comment. I encourage everyone to leave me comments to let me know what you would like to see here, your opinions and experiences and how I can further support you.

2007-10-27T23:56:00.000+01:00

Links

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Inside Work

Rich Woman

Woman Alive

Christian Women Online

Christian Work At Home Moms

Seth Godin’s Blog

Events

2007-10-27T23:46:00.018+01:00

If you are hosting or know of free events, seminars, conferences, networking or training/development opportunities that you think will be of interest to my readers, please contact me with the full details of the event, your full name email address and URL and I will be happy to post it here.

____________________________________

Business Startup 2008

Date: 28th & 29th November 2008

Location: London, UK

Contact

2007-10-27T23:44:00.004+01:00

Ladies (and gents?) please feel free to contact me. I love reading from you and learning of your successes as well as other things going on in your lives. I also would like to know of topics that may be of interest to you.

To contact me, just click here.

About

2007-10-27T23:43:00.003+01:00

I am mum to 2 wonderful boys and wife to a very loving man. In addition to my business endeavours I enjoy helping small business owners get up and running by providing support and advice. Most importantly, I am a proud bible believing christian. My pseudo name Tirzah, means favoured one in hebrew. Tirzah was 1 of 5 daughters of Zelophehad (see Num 36:1-10)

My mission through this blog is to provide tools, resources and food for thought for christian business women. Helping them achieve the success they desire while managing their primary responsibilities effectively. Read this post for more...

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