GET WISDOM

…  and whatever you get, get wisdom.    Proverbs 4:7

There’s nothing new today, just a review of things we all know, but by the time you get to the bottom I am sure you’ll agree this review was worth the 3 minutes.

Occasionally I am asked, “What are the key ingredients for succeeding in B4T.”  There are a couple of ways to answer this, but for starters, three key ingredients to a successful business in descending order of importance are: people, product and profit.  Here are some reminders I keep in each.

PEOPLE
Wisdom comes from having many counsellors.
Surround yourself with people smarter than you.
A life centred on relationships is JOY – Jesus, others, yourself.
Top-notch talent can turn a good product and opportunity into greatness.
Surround yourself with good people, if you do – good things will happen.
Take responsibility for your failures and give credit to others for your successes.
Follow the golden rule – treat your customers and employees like you want to be treated.
A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.   John 10:11

PRODUCT
Work hard. Good things don’t come easy.
Building a great company is an endurance event, not a sprint.
Plan for the best-case scenario, and prepare for the worst-case scenario.
To achieve things you never have before, you must do things you’ve never done before.
If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening the axe.
Most people do not plan to fail, but fail to plan.
Try many things, and keep what works.
Fail fast. Failure is a good teacher.
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings…    Proverbs 22:29

PROFIT
Watch and learn to recognize change in your business and your customer base.
It takes about 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.
Focus on what you do best, and perform beyond people’s expectations.
You score more points on offense than on defence.
Develop a core competency and stick to it.
Cash flow is king! – Watch it! Protect it!
You can’t pay rent with receivables.
Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.