How to Increase Your Audience

No matter what we do, we all want more people in our lives that will contribute to our growth and well-being and vise versa. The more people we can reach the better our chances of winning.

Today we’ll look at increasing our audiences/customers from a business point of view but these principles will work in every industry. It will work if you want to grow your friends circle, church membership or even better your relationship with family.

Let me make something clear. God wants you to have a bigger influence. There is no if, but or maybe about it! He wants you touch more people with your products and services. Your business is bound to succeed because God’s DNA is in you. Everything He does, He succeeds and so can you! You must get this winning attitude deep in your spirit. There must be a champion in you before you can see it happen in the natural realm. God wants you to have a bigger impact. Here are some thoughts and ideas to guide you.

Set aside time to think. Your brain is the most valuable asset God has given you. Average people use less than 10% of their brain. You and I should be the most successful people in the world because we not only have a brain but His Holy Spirit of creativity lives in us. When we set aside creative time to connect with God and His ideas, we’ll draw in a bigger audience. Remember, the devil drives but God guides. Spend less time on your business plan and more time with your Creative Genius!

Focus on customer satisfaction. Don’t start from what makes you more profit. Instead ask yourself, “How can I best meet a need?” When your desire to serve is greater than your hunger to make money; you’ll have more customers than you’ll know what to do with them! Recently, a friend went to eat at Chic-Fil-A and she was served the wrong food. Immediately the associate apologized profusely, she brought her the correct food and returned her money for the inconvenience. You know what my friend did? She came home and wrote about her experience on Facebook. A dis-satisfied customer may tell their friends but a satisfied customer will tell it to the world!

Offer something valuable. The scripture says, “Give and it shall be given to you.” Before you ask for their business, offer something valuable to your audience. For example there are many free email services that you can use to send out helpful information regarding your industry to build an audience. Something practical, something interesting and something valuable that will improve the quality of people’s lives. When you add value; you build a bigger audience. That is what our Master did. Jesus didn’t have a product or services but He deposited value in people. Is there any wonder crowds followed Him everywhere!

Give your audience a sense of belonging. I don’t watch TV but I remember a show from the 80s called, “Cheers!” Their tag line was, “Where everybody knows your name.” Anyone can market to the masses but it’s your specialized and custom made care that will build you the biggest audience. If you’re willing to pay more for a tailor-made suite, people will be willing to pay you more for your tailor-made services. Napoleon Bonaparte was French political and revolutionary leader. He was an expert at making people feel important and included. It is said that he wandered through his camp greeting officers by name and asking them personal questions about their family and hometown. Give your audience a sense of belonging. A loyalty program, recognition, a stake in the company can all keep people more loyal to you. What makes you feel committed? Offer the same to others.

Friend, God wants you make a bigger impact. He will aid you with everything you need if you simply make up your mind to serve more people. Don’t ask WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) rather ask yourself, “What Can I Do For Them?” Take time to think. Aim to please. Offer something valuable. Give them a reason to come back to you. Soon you’ll build an audience that will touch the globe. I’m praying for you!

“Don't be concerned for your own good but for the good of others” (I Corinthians 10:24 NLT).

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Ride on God's Favor

Life can be hard at times. Things don’t always go the way we want. When we have God’s anointing or favor in our lives, we can go through a hard thing in an easy way. A mature Christian knows how to operate in favor.

The Bible says God has surrounded us with favor for a lifetime. That means we’re to go around looking for favor. The rules and policies may say one thing but when we operate in favor, we can anticipate special privileges.

God’s favor upon our lives is like a well-oiled machine. The task may look hard but because of God’s favor everything becomes easy. I’ve had favor ever since I was born. My mother died when I was one year old but God had already prepared two other ladies who brought me up in an orphanage. I found favor again when I got admitted to a very prestigious college without much of my own merit. Serving God in the ministry has been an ongoing saga of God’s favor upon my life for the last twenty seven years! I expect preferential treatment every day. The more I expect the more I find favor.

If you want an anointing of ease upon your life, you too must be favor-minded. Most of the time favor is unmerited. It comes as a gift from God. However, there are principles in the Bible that can bring us favor. Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor.” Love, respect and honor your wife and it will bring you favor. Proverbs 22:29 says, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” When we as Christian becomes top producers in our jobs, we add value to the company and it will bring us favor. Mary the mother of Jesus lived a righteous life and that brought Mary favor from God and had a supernatural birth of our Lord. Favor is out there but you have to go after it. When you seek favor, you’ll find it.

When you’ve found favor, be grateful and ride the favor as long as you can. God sends special people in our lives to believe in us, give us strength, support and confidence we need. People we have favor with today may not feel the same way about us tomorrow. Therefore, it is imperative that you ride the favor as long as possible. Recognize and be thankful for God’s favor in your life.

A great mistake we often make is to continue to seek favor when it’s gone. I’ve had many instances when people have shown me great favor and then as suddenly as they came into my life they’re gone. I’d call, invite them to lunch, want to go and visit them but no response. Suddenly they seem to ignore me. Here’s what I’ve learned:  God’s favor is for a lifetime but it’s not always through the same people. When favor is gone don’t keep trying to win that person back. Don’t spend endless hours trying to figure out what you did wrong to fall out of favor. Be grateful and move on.

When a season of favor ends, don’t become sour and bitter toward the person. Instead, remember the favor. Don’t have a chip on your shoulder and develop a negative attitude. Be thankful to God and show gratitude towards the person. Talk about how the person helped you in the past to bring you to your current fortune. Keep a running record of happy memory instead of negative ones. When we meditate on the goodness of God we will draw in the favor of God.

Friend, God has all sorts of favor lined up for you. Release favor upon your life and experience preferential treatment. Call in favor in every day situation. Get up every morning and say, “I’m blessed and highly favored.” Ask for God’s favor in small and big things. Ride the favor as long as you can. Don’t frustrate yourself trying to win people’s favor once it is gone. When one season of favor ends; expect God to bring you to another. Remember the people who have shown you favor in the past. Instead of criticizing, brag on them for their contribution to your current success. Keep looking for favor every day and you’ll find them. Rejoice, you’re highly favored; the Lord is with you!

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime” (Psalm 30:5 NIV).

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Be Enthusiastic

Enthusiasm goes before success. When we’re enthusiastic, we boost morale, inspire confidence and build loyalty. Enthusiasm is contagious. You can feel enthusiasm when you shake people’s hand, the way they talk and the way they walk.

None of us can be “up” all the time. But if we have the mindset to be enthusiastic we will attract more positive people into our lives. Enthusiasm alone cannot solve our problems but it puts us in front of the right people faster.

Many decades ago when Charles Schwab was earning a million dollars per year, he was asked if he was drawing such large salary because of his ability to produce steel. Mr. Schwab replied, “I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among the men the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.” Is there any wonder Charles Schwab was regarded one of the most influential men of his generation!

Most of the time, we don’t wake up feeling like dancing. It is at that very moment we have the opportunity to decide if we’re going to enjoy and be enthusiastic about the gift of today or if we’re going wallow in our mediocrity. When we face each day with enthusiasm, we’re going to create miracles for ourselves. Enthusiasm will open doors for you where talent alone can’t.

Many people label Peter in the Bible as rash, quick tempered and impulsive. But it was enthusiasm that got Peter out of the boat. He was the only disciple who walked on the water with the Lord. Peter was enthusiastic about life. He was quick to draw his sword and cut off the ear of one of the soldiers who came to arrest Jesus. I believe it was Peter’s enthusiasm that led Jesus to recruit him as the pillar of the New Testament Church. Later, when Peter got filled with the Holy Spirit, He led three thousands to Christ in one meeting! We too can be enthusiastic about life. When we’re passionate about people, God and the work we’re involved in, we’ll inspire others to be their best for God.

Let me share my adaptation of Mark Twain’s, “Whitewashing the Fence.” Tommy, a young lad had to whitewash a long stretch of fence all by himself. At first he was reluctant. When he realized that there was no other option, he cheered up. Instead of sulking, Tommy began to paint the fence vigorously putting on the biggest smile on his face. The more he smiled the faster he painted. Tommy was actually excited and enthusiastic about his job at hand. Just about that time a bunch of his friends were riding by on the bicycle. When they saw Tommy enjoying himself painting the fence, they couldn’t help but ask for a turn. At first Tommy was eager to change hands. But then he got smart. He asked for a dime from each person in exchange for a turn to paint. In no time kids pulled out their treasures and turned them to Tommy. The fence got painted twice over and Tommy became the richest kid while resting under a tree watching his friends paint. How did all started? It started because Tommy changed his attitude about doing something with enthusiasm. You too can get others to “paint your fence” if you become enthusiastic about life.

Friend, whatever you may have to do, put some energy, attitude and enthusiasm in it. Get excited about doing laundry, washing dishes or vacuuming the floor. If you put enthusiasm when you make those cold calls, you’ll have better success rate to close the sale. The world belongs to those who are excited about life. Some people freeze in the winter others ski. A positive attitude will produce a positive result. Jesus said, “You’re the light of the world.” If we’re to shine our light, we’ve to turn on the switch. Enthusiasm is the switch! Not everything in life is fun but if you are enthusiastic about life, everything will become more endurable and you’ll spread joy and confidence along the way.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV).

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How to Be a Great Conversationalist

Successful people are great communicators. If we want to be effective in life, we have to be excellent conversationalist. A good conversationalist will make sure that the dialogue is balanced and benefiting both parties.

We all have been with people when the conversation has been all one sided. People don’t realize this but nothing is more disrespectful than to hog all the time in a meeting. This happens in a church group, office meeting and even between friends. What can we learn to become a great conversationalist?

Whoever asks questions controls the conversation. Most people tend to speak of themselves and their achievements. When we find a person to unload, we feel better about ourselves. When other people give us their undivided attention, we feel valued. This is great for our own self-esteem. However, if you want to be a great conversationalist, learn to ask questions pertaining to the person sitting in front of you. Learn to converse in a broad range of topic. Ask questions on various issues. Learn about their hobbies, likes and dislikes. When we engage others in open ended questions, they feel at ease and give out information that can help us in the long run.

Listen with your eyes. The Bible teaches us that our eyes are the window to our soul. When we look people in the eye and listen to them, we’re adding value to that person. This means you have to take your eyes off the computer, newspaper, TV or the spreadsheet. Listening to people with an undivided attention is a lost art and yet it is so vital to becoming a great conversationalist. If you want to have a great conversation, turn off the phone, stop looking over people’s shoulders in search of a higher net worth person and don’t give into the distractions of your surroundings. A great conversationalist will look you in the eye and give you their undivided attention.

Pass the conversation ball. People have a difficult time communicating what they really want to say. So they ramble! What we forget is people have short attention span. One of the best etiquettes of communication is to pass the conversation ball every two to three minutes. If you speak in short intervals it’s easier for people to grasp what you’re trying to say. When we stop talking and ask the other person’s input in the conversation, we’re empowering them to contribute to the conversation. After I make a point, I frequently ask, “What do you think?” This makes the communication a two way street and more enjoyable. Don’t hog the time. If you do it repeatedly, people will stop hanging out with you. Be social. Pass the conversation ball in few minutes interval.

Start and end conversation on a positive note. Nothing sinks a great conversation than talking about negative things. Great minds speak ideas. Small minds talk about people! We’re surrounded by negative things happening around us that are beyond our control. Don’t get drawn into a negative spirit. Criticism never fixed anything. You’re not required to fix what you’re not responsible for. God didn’t call us to “police the world.” Keep it fresh, positive and uplifting. Keep it inspiring! Tell short stories. Inject some humor. Laugh together but not at people. Do not be sarcastic.

Show compassion. A great conversation is one when you show compassion to the person who is going through a rough patch. You cannot solve everyone’s problems but empathy goes a long way! Don’t just be a passive listener; offer practical solutions. That’s what our Master did while on earth. He went about doing good… Before He did miracles of healing, He was good to people. If we want to be like Jesus, we have to have a heart of compassion. Offer solution, open doors, put in a good word. What you do for others, God will make happen for you. Let’s be great conversationalist so we all can build a better world around us.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15 ESV).

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7 Secrets to Effective Communication

Everyone communicates but the champions in life are those who master the keys to communication. I’ve been a lifelong learner of communication and spent hundreds of hours on this subject. I believe today’s discussion will propel you to a new level.

People communicate in different ways. When women say, “I’ve no clothes to wear,” they’re saying, “I have no new clothes to wear.” When men say the same thing, they mean, “I have no clean clothes to wear.” Same sentence different meaning. Here are seven secrets to effective communication.

Value the person. When we value the person in front of us, we’re honoring God. We’re all created in the image of God. We’re all valuable. When we value someone we’ll treat them with respect and interact in appropriate manner. We don’t have to have long drawn conversations but we don’t have to be sharp, abrupt and rude either.

Take genuine interest in people. When you’re getting to know a person, it’s easy to get lost. Many people don’t have a clue what to talk about in a social gathering. When you’re lost for words, ask about F R A N K. Ask about their friends, relatives, associates, neighbors and kids. These are pretty general conversation starters but once you get going taking interest about them they’ll talk forever. You may never get to talk about your product but that’s ok. It will always come back to you. The more people talk about themselves the more valuable and important they feel.

Focus. One of the greatest ways you can show value to someone is to give them your undivided attention. We live in a technology driven world. The phone is ringing, text is buzzing and social media is sending you notifications. If you want to add real value to someone, give them your focused attention. Turn off the cell phone. Don’t stare at your computer screen. Lift your head up from your desk, look people in the eye and give them your focused attention. In a group setting, don’t always look over people’s shoulders hunting for a higher net worth person. Honor the person in front of you and God will honor you.

Be a good listener. It is the most important communication skill you can ever learn. When you’re a good listener, you will learn a great deal about the other person. Being a good listener is a balancing act. When the other person is talking, lean forward, clasp your hands and put them under your chin. Look them in the eye/forehead area but don’t stare. Make approving comments, “I see, aha, wow, really etc.” Try not to interrupt too frequently. Don’t hijack the conversation with your own story to tell. Oh there is so much more…

Give advance notice. It will not only prepare the other person but it will give them a chance to participate more intelligently. If you’re going to take some time, be polite and ask, “Is this a good time to talk for a couple of minutes?” Or “I need to talk to you about something. When is a good time?” This is especially important if you’re calling people on the phone.

Be a person of value. Everybody loves a resource person. Be a connector and a door opener. People always left Jesus feeling better about themselves. That’s what we must also do. Give people hope. Keep it positive. Lift them up from their pit. Check your phone and introduce them to someone they’ll benefit from. Give a recommendation. Invite them to your circle of friends and groups. What you do for others, God will make happen for you.

Pray for people. You’ll be surprised how many people will allow you to pray for them if you simply ask. Prayer is the most valuable thing you can do for others. When you pray, God hears and He answers your prayers. You can have no better communication than to talk to the Creator of the universe. Don’t just pray for people pray with them.

Friend, today I challenge you to become a life long student of communication. The better we communicate the more influence we can have in our world. Learn, improve and get better. Good communicators rule the world!

“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry” (Proverbs 25:11).

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20 Facebook Etiquettes

Not too long ago, my oldest daughter joined millions on Facebook (FB). I wrote a few guidelines to protect her from online intruders as well as dos and don’ts to build an online presence. Some of this may be applicable to you.

1. Anything you share on FB is for the world to know. Don’t be upset saying, “There is no privacy.” You’re giving your consent for the world to see when you sign up for FB. Don’t blame FB for changing their privacy policy … again!

2. Don’t get naked, both physical and even more importantly - emotionally. Don’t post anything on social media when you’re feeling down, depressed and upset. Have some self-control and take at least a 48 hour break. You’ll be amazed how your feelings will change and you’ll thank yourself for not putting your passing thoughts for the world to know.

3. Don’t vent on FB. It’s one thing to be real but another thing to advertise your worst experiences to the world. Don’t trash-talk about people especially, your family and friends. You belittle yourself when you talk down on people. We’re to build people up and not tear them down. You must vent but talk to a real friends offline, who won’t judge your feelings.

5. Don’t be shallow. The world doesn’t care when/what you eat, sleep or how you like your coffee. Share things that are deeper than the mundane things of your life.

6. Life is a boomerang. Whatever message you send out will echo back to you! Take interest in other people and they’ll take interest in yours.

7. Resist the temptation to fire your opinion when you don’t agree with a statement other people have posted, especially on their wall. Accept the opinion of others. If the message could be interpreted in two ways, the author meant for you to look at it the most positive way.

8. Never criticize anyone on FB. Criticism is like a cancer. You can kill a gossip or spread it. How would you want others to gossip about you? When we criticize, we’re raising our children and grandchildren to be cynical, harsh and judgmental. Even God doesn’t judge a man until the end of his days, why should you and I? You don’t know what people are going through. You don’t know what made them form their opinion. If you want to be like Jesus, stop throwing stones at people.

9. Agree to disagree. Everyone has the right to voice their own opinion but that doesn’t mean you have to exercise your right. There’s no need to put anyone down just because you disagree (or worse, don’t like the person). You don’t have to agree but you don’t have to condemn them either. Find a common ground to agree.

10. Do not argue. It is a waste of time. People will not change just because you’re right. They have to be hungry for it. Let the Holy Spirit do His job to convict and convince people.

Social media is a wonderful, powerful and fun place to be. It’s a platform to share your life and interest with the world and vise versa. Use it to glorify God and build people up. Make others look good and God will help you shine.

To be continued tomorrow (11-20)…

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6 NIV).

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Invest in Your Relationships

Life and happiness are based on the relationships we have. The quality of our life depends on the quality of our relationships. When we invest in the relationships God has given us we are building others and advancing our own cause.

The cornerstone of all relationship is love and respect. When we learn to respect others as much we love ourselves, we will build strong relationships. Respect means to value a person with the same measure we measure ourselves. It means we don’t have to belittle others to make ourselves look better. When we respect others we look at people in one class – a child of God!

Another great ingredient to building better relationship is to make small adjustments. For some of you that means to be a better listener. For others it means to lower our voices. Yet some of us can improve our relationship by learning to give compliments. A little adjustment in our attitude and action can improve our relationships a great deal.

When we learn to honor others we’re adding value to that person. How many times we have snapped at our spouse, a loved one or a co-worker simply because we forget to honor the people God sends in our lives. When we honor people, we don’t shout, pout, belittle or break the trust of our loved ones. And when we do, we should be quick to ask for forgiveness. When we honor others, we don’t keep track of their wrongs, their weaknesses or gossip about their failures. The more we go out of our way to honor someone the more we’ll draw in God’s favor into our own lives.

A great way to measure our relationships standards is to evaluate the application of the golden rule – do unto others as you’d want others to do to you. Most of us want to be on the receiving end of the golden rule but our relationships will go to a new level if we live by the golden rule. Let’s study the person we love, respect and care. What makes them laugh? What makes them feel valued? What makes them feel fulfilled? What we deposit in people is what we’ll draw out of them.

A sure way to have better relationships down on earth is to have a great relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we have a healthy relationship with heaven, we’ll have better relationships on earth. When we accept Christ into our hearts, we tap into God’s reservoir to love people unconditionally, see people more importantly and treat people more respectfully. How is your relationship with heaven?

We all want to live happy and fulfilled. One way to ensure that is to have better relationships. Let’s respect and honor the people God put in our lives. Let’s be sensitive and make small adjustments. Let’s forgive quickly and treat others the way we want to be treated. When we are connected to our Heavenly Father, we’ll connect better with the people on earth. What we invest in a relationship is what we’re going to get out of it. Let’s invest in building better relationships!

“Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand” (Philippians 2:3-4 The Message).

What do you think?

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Replacing Fear with Faith

Faith and fear operate in the same way. Yet, most people choose fear over faith. Somewhere in their deep–rooted thinking, they fear God is going to punish them for the wrongs they have done.

Just the other day I was visiting with a young friend. He was distraught about something he had done years before is catching up to him. He confessed that he was subdued with fear. Even though he’s repented and ceased from his old ways, he was having trouble going past his mistakes.

I told my friend what I’m telling you. There’s nothing in your past that the grace of God cannot forgive. If you’ve brought it under the blood of Jesus, you’re free. Instead of fear you can activate your faith. Where there is faith, there are miracles.

If you notice, fear is always based upon the future. Nobody is sure of tomorrow but when fear grips our hearts we’re crippled by a future that no one knows. We are not certain about tomorrow but we buy into believing that something bad will happen to us in the future. This is a terrible way to live.

“Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” ~ Francis Chan

One of the greatest amongst fear is the fear of failing. How we look at failure will determine what feats we’ll accomplish in life. A lot of my friends are very smart and they own businesses. Every once in a while I’ll hear them say, “We’re going to have a bad year.” They’re almost expecting business to fail because they’ve heard some news experts or read a newspaper column.

Just the other day a friend told me how he lost a lot of money on stocks that he had bought out of fear. He heard a person from a respectable platform and read his book that planted a seed of fear in his heart. After he lost a lot of money on his “fear stock” God began to deal with him. Now he is activating faith instead of fear. I say this respectfully but just because someone claims to be an “expert” doesn’t mean they can predict your future. Instead of trusting in man, learn to trust the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will lead and guide you into all Truth.

Sometimes people closest to us can cause panic in our hearts. Our friends have a huge influence over our lives. If we’re spending bulk of our time with naysayers, don’t be surprised if your fear overtakes your faith. Be friendly to all people but don’t bring naysayers home with you. Make friends with faith-filled people.

Today whatever may come your way I challenge you to replace fear with faith. If it is a business decision, go with peace in your heart. If it’s a health issue, trust God’s Word for full recovery. If you’re concerned about your finances, remember God our Provider. If you’re worried about your children, give them up to God. He knows how to keep them safe and bring them to a flourishing finish. Doubt, fear and uncertainty will knock on your door but answer it with faith. You’re not washed up. God has a perfect mate in store for you. He will heal your marriage. He has commanded His angels to be strong on your behalf and execute victory in your situation. Replace faith with fear. God is with you and He is for you!

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NLT).

What are your thoughts?

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Be a People Connector

Many people I meet are extremely talented, full of vision and ready to change the world. But they haven’t gone very far because they lack the connections in life to get where they’re destined to go. What they need is the connection to make the transition from where they are to where they belong.

We all are here because someone made the effort to connect us with the right people. Many of you met your spouse because someone introduced you to that person. Some of you have the job that you have because someone spoke well of you. Your best client may have come from a referral who liked doing business with you. You’ve heard the saying, “Life is not what you know but who you know.”

Most people I meet want to be on the receiving end of being a people connector. But the fastest way you can get to your destination is to look for opportunities to connect others to accomplish their goal. The famous Zig Ziglar put it this way, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”

Today I want you to become a people connector. Instead of having a mindset of, “What can I get from others” think “How can I help this person go higher.” Every day, deliberately invest in one person to connect him/her with their next level. When we live with an attitude of helping others, God will bring the help that we need.

For example, if you feel lonely and need a friend, call someone who needs a friend and reach out to them. If you need a job or a better job, connect others with the circle of people you know. If you need a favor from someone, connect them to people with whom you have favor with. Life is about sowing and reaping. When we connect others with their destiny, we will experience the same in ours.

One reason I’ve been in the ministry for twenty seven years is because I love to connect people with their destiny. Millions of people’s lives have been touched because people like you have helped us connect others with their Creator. The scripture says, “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3 ESV).

One of the most significant things we can do for others is to introduce them to our Lord. When we connect people to heaven and its resources, we’re being the ultimate connector! When we connect people with our Savior, we’re introducing them to unlimited flow of resources into their lives and an opportunity to spend eternity with our Maker. We cannot give anything better than this to people. Let’s live with a conscience to connect people with our God.

Build International Ministries is using various ways to connect people with God. Other than directly sharing the Gospel with people we also connect them to the Lord through, radio, education, clean drinking water, medical clinic and an array of different means. Will you check out our website below and help us connect people with eternity?

Let’s be a people connector. When we connect people with those in our network, God will open up His network to introduce us to people we need in the journey through life. God has all the connections you need. Are you helping others connecting with God? I believe you do. Rejoice! Great connections are coming your way.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38 NIV)

What are your thoughts?

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How to Increase Your Productivity

Everyone works but not everybody is productive with their time at work. How we plan and spend our time at work will determine if we’re going to be successful or not. Busy-ness looks good on the paper but it doesn’t necessarily deliver the desired results.

How then can we have top notch productivity at work? What can we do to have our own job satisfaction as well as add value to the organization we work for? Let me give you seven ideas that will increase your productivity.

1. Have a daily ‘To Do List.’ Like everything else in life, if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Having a list helps us direct our time according to the priorities of the day. Don’t try to pack your schedule with activities. Instead, plan your day/week by certain categories. Depending on your profession and job description, some of the common categories can be communication, follow up, sales call, service, meetings and so on. A list and designated time will help you to be focused on the task for the day.

2. Eliminate distraction. Attend to your most important duty first. Many things will come up during the day but stay focused on finishing one job at a time. My own strength is to be with people but I’m also easily distracted by people. At times I’ve to force myself to finish office work before I can be with people again.

3. Schedule passive tasks for the afternoon. Email, internet, social media, correspondence are important activities but they usually do not increase our productivity. Moreover, a negative email earlier during the day can easily offset your mood for the day. Attack your top priorities in the first hours of the day.

4. Meet in person or use phone to connect with people. Nothing is more personal than a face to face meeting. What you can achieve in one personal meeting can equate to ten impersonal communications. Use the phone generously. Your voice is your signature. Smile during the conversation on the phone. People on the other side can “hear” your smile and will be more at ease to assist you.

5. Reach out to your co-workers. When a colleague shows stress or a sign of distress, be available for that person. When you attend to others in spite of your busy schedule, you add value to them. You’ll be amazed what they will do for you in your time of need!

6. Take short breaks. Research shows that our brain uses up more glucose than any other physical activity. This is why taking break every 60-90 minute interval will increase your productivity drastically. Get up from your desk, eat a snack, go for a walk – do something completely different to give your brain a rest and you’ll come back performing better.

7. Involve God at your job. You’re not operating at your highest potential until you engage God at your work place. Say a quick prayer before you make that deal. Ask for wisdom when you’re stuck with a problem. Honor God and have integrity. When you partner with God, you invite His favor and He’ll cause your work to prosper.

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us” (Psalm 90:17 NIV).

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Peace at Workplace

Last week I was talking to a friend and he was expressing the stress dealing with people in his office. One day he texted me, “Yesterday was heaven compared to today!” Workplace stress and conflicts are common to most of us. As Christians, what can we do to work in peace?

I believe all good relationships begin with honor and respect. When we love, respect and honor others as much as we love ourselves, we will have an enjoyable work experience. When we cultivate the culture of respect, we’ll increase our productivity. Today let me share a few dos and don’ts that may bring peace to your work environment.

No matter what happened at home, go to work dressed with a positive attitude. Advertise your smile as soon you walk in the door – everyday. Give a compliment to the people you pass by. Have the respect to listen to others but do not join time wasters or the office gossip – if they’re talking about others, one day they’ll talk about you. Have an open door policy – be accessible. More responsibility more rewards. Smile when you call; it puts the person at ease on the other side. MYOB – Mind your own business. Engage others and be a team player. Cover for a coworker. Be courteous. Help others win. Practice generosity. Sow little seeds of kindness every day. Buy someone lunch. Ask for God’s favor. Practice the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you'd have others do to you!

Do not be late to work. When you encounter conflict at work, try the win-win solution. Be a diplomat. Don’t say everything you think – especially to your boss. It’s not only important what you say but how it comes across. Be tactful. Have a pleasant voice. Don’t be rude. When you’re tempted to speak the most is the best time to be quiet. Do not correct people in front of others. Do not belittle people. Never compete with others but strive to be the best producer you can be. Do not criticize management or the organization’s rules – they’re paying your bills. If you cannot stand their policies and procedures – find another job. Do not bring your problems and work home. Respect your family and the sanctity of your home.

Many of you my friends reading this are self-employed. One of the ways you can measure your productivity is to ask this question regularly, “Will I hire and pay someone to do the job I’m doing and the salary I’m paying myself?” I know these are basics but if you practice these you’ll be amazed how your productivity will increase.

Remember, without your coworkers, you’re nothing. Without you, your coworkers are nothing! “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23 NIV).

Change the World with the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org

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Increase Your Productivity

Everybody wants to be happy, confident and productive. We feel better about ourselves when we feel needed and contributing to the vision. Today, I want to share a few tips that will help increase your productivity.

1. Love what you do. Albert Einstein said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” You may be stuck in a job that does not allow you to do what you really love. But if you make yourself love what you do right now and take corresponding action toward your future, God will bless your efforts and you’ll produce more.

2. Navigate your attitude. I believe life is ninety percent attitude and ten percent work. Accept the fact that you will not always enjoy everything you do. Some things you just have to get done by having a good attitude about it. You can suffer through making the cold calls or you can decide to enjoy making those calls, believing in your product, and helping others by offering your services. Attitude determines your altitude.

3. Work hard. There is no substitute for working hard. Yes, you also have to work smart. But every productive person I know works longer than minimum time required at the task. If your absence is not felt when you’re missing, let me sound an alarm. A hard working person will be successful. Let me share a word of caution to the workaholics. Don’t let your success come at the price of sacrificing your family and friends. Don’t be a stick on the mud. Get a life!

Friend, let us go out this week working hard, believing in ourselves, helping those God brings in our path. When we work “as unto the Lord,” everything will be more meaningful and you’ll produce more. You are a genius! Let the world experience you. I’m praying for your success.

“And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful” (Psalm 90:17 NLT)!

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MMFI

I am not talking sign language so let me explain. If you learn to read this code on each person you meet, you will experience tremendous growth and increase in the quality of your life. What is MMFI? It is the abbreviation for “Make Me Feel Important.”

I have some friends who own an insurance business. I love going to their office because they always MMFI. They have perfected the art of celebrating people. No matter how busy they are when you walk into their office, they make you feel like a celebrity.

The quality of life is often dependent upon the quality of our relationships. If you want to have a great life, learn to treat people well. Sometimes people are logical but hundred percent of the time, people are emotional. People buy into you emotionally first. That is why it is of great importance to make people feel important everywhere you go. Not because you want something from them but because you sincerely value the person you are with.

Our Lord Jesus was a master at this. He took time to make people feel important. Even a lowly sinner by the well left Jesus feeling better about herself and having her life turned around. You have heard it before but it is worth repeating. People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.

When you make people feel important by listening to them a little longer than you like, letting them get in/out of the door first or allowing the car in the traffic to squeeze in front of you, you are unlocking the potential in others. In effect you are saying, “I value and appreciate you. You are special to me.”

Today I challenge you to go about your day making people feel important. When you treat others with love, respect and honor, God will return the same favor to you!

Remember, people are thinking, “Make Me Feel Important!”

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