Many businesses are
experiencing a slowdown due to the corona virus pandemic. In such distressing
times, it is easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. However, what the
enemy means for harm, God can turn around for your good.
In the 1860s, Mark Twin
described Palestine–now Israel–as “a desolate country given over wholly to
weeds.” The Negev Desert in Israel’s southern region accounts for half of
the land mass. In 1948, the Jewish nation was born and has since become one of
the world’s leader in agriculture. How can a desolate wasteland become a
thriving nation in which 90% of its food supply is locally grown?
1. Creative thinking. Plato the Greek philosopher said, “Necessity is
the mother of invention.” When we are faced with a
challenging situation, we can either conform or confront. Israel’s success in
agriculture started with innovation. Your brain is the most valuable asset
in your business. You have the freedom to think. You can offer products and
services to your customers in ways that others cannot through creative
thinking.
2. Outsource. One of the keys to Israel’s agricultural achievement
is outsourcing its labor force. Did you know that Israel has a contract with
the government of Thailand who provide laborers to work on their farms? When
they return home, they bring these success methods back to their country. It is
a win-win situation for both countries. Can you identify parts in your business
where you can outsource? Do only what others cannot do and let the experts
handle the rest!
3. Embrace technology. One of Israel’s success secrets lies in the
implementation of high-tech drip and micro-irrigation. If they had continued
using conventional irrigation methods, it would never have worked in the vast
deserts. Likewise, we are living in a fast-changing world. The good news is
that technology can help you better serve your clients. Are there any
areas in your business where you can automate and let technology take over?
4. Find a niche market. If you are not comfortable with high-tech, focus
on high-touch. Do not try to cater to everyone. In 1979, Israel’s
agriculture represented 6% of GDP. In 2017, that number shrunk to approximately
2.3%. Israeli farmers are not trying to drive the nation’s economy, but they
produce enough to cater to their own population. They do not have to import
basic food. What about your business? Can you provide a more personalized
service? Can you reach out to a more specific group of clients?
It was a lazy Friday
afternoon when Diane got a call from a distraught woman who was sobbing on the
phone, “I’m getting married tomorrow. My wedding dress was supposed to be
delivered by noon but it’s 3:30 PM now. Can you please help me?” Diane
comforted the young lady and promised to locate the package. She successfully
found it in Detroit, more than 300 miles away from where the young woman lived.
Her supervisors had gone home for the weekend and there was no one else to ask
for help. So Diane found a Cessna pilot to pick up and then fly the wedding
dress to Wilmington, IN.
On Monday morning, Diane
got a call from the new bride who thanked her profusely while on her honeymoon
to Mexico. Undoubtedly, it cost the company a large sum to deliver that package
but here’s the beauty of the story. At the wedding, the bride told the guests
how her wedding gown arrived just in time. Word spread quickly. There were
high-powered executives in attendance who asked their employees to learn more
about this exceptional delivery service. Soon they began to use them for all
their deliveries. Today FedEx covers 220 countries and thousands of service
centers globally.
It all started because
Diane took a personal interest in one customer, providing high-touch
service, and the rest just followed. If you focus on high-touch customer
service, your business could reach great heights of success as well.
5. Make God your CEO. I believe the main reason for Israel’s success is
because God blesses them. They are His chosen people. You, too, are
handpicked and elected by God to do business. Listen to God’s voice and let
Him guide you. When He leads, you will take new ground. One client can make up
for your yearly revenue. Expand your mindset. If you can see it, you can
achieve it. God is breathing life in your direction. Get ready for a
stimulus package from heaven prepared exclusively for you. Can you thank
Him for it? If so, I believe your business will continue to prosper and you
will become a blessing to others.
"Enlarge the place
of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your
cords, strengthen your stakes”
(Isaiah 54:2 NIV).
Building People. Spreading
Hope.
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