How to Avoid Drought in Your Business

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).

 

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Use Your Phone to Your Advantage

We live in an age when technology is a blessing as well as a curse. It helps us solve problems as well as abuse our time. One of the most powerful tools we have in our hand is our phone. If we don’t manage our phone wisely, it will dictate our lives.

I know many of you use a phone to conduct your business. However, if we’re not making wise use of this tool then we’re draining energy. Today, I want to talk about practical ways we can make better use of our phones and technology in general.

Be in control. You either control your phone or it will run your life. Anytime we’re being controlled by outside circumstances or an object, we’re living off balance. We must pass the test of living without technology. If we cannot imagine an hour, or even a day, without a cell phone at our fingertips, we’re probably being controlled by technology. No matter how good it is, anytime we can’t live without something, we’re allowing it to be a little god in our lives. It is time to reconsider our dependency.

Be selective. You don’t have to feel important by taking every call. If we’re not intentional about technology, it will always find us. Don’t be driven by other people’s calls and don’t let it hamper your productivity. It’s different if you’re a receptionist or a telephone operator. I encourage you to be selective in who you talk to and when you talk to them. Set aside a designated “phone free” time every day.

Create boundaries. You cannot live up and down depending on the phone calls you get. Some of the greatest features of a cell phone are caller ID and voicemail. When you see a person calling and you’re not in the best of circumstances to deal with it, let it go to your voicemail. I know this is basic but it amazes me how many people allow others to ruin their whole hour, or even their whole day, based on a phone call they didn’t have to take. If you know it’s going to be a stressful call and it’s not an emergency, let it go to voicemail and then listen to it when you’re in a relaxed mood.

Screen your calls. Only my family and certain individuals have 24/7 access to me. If we don’t screen people, we’ll be overspent. I love all people but I decide who I want to engage in a conversation with and when I do. Just because someone is your biggest client, it doesn’t mean you have to be at their disposal all the time. Yes, you can appreciate their business but you don’t have to let people own you. When you guard your time for family and screen your calls, even others will learn and begin to respect you more.

Respond, don’t react. When you get that nasty, accusing, and derogatory call, resist the urge to react. If you have to speak, the best thing is to say, “I understand. Let me get back to you on that.” This allows you to think before you respond. When we’re at peace, we’re in control. You’ll be amazed how different your response will be if you just allow 24 hours before you respond and allow your emotions to settle.

Smile and sound enthusiastic. If you’re a dog-owner, you know how excited they get to see you. People are the same way. I always pause and smile (often out loud) when making or taking a phone call. When you’re relaxed it transmits, even through the cellular waves. When you’re welcoming in your conversation, you’re adding value to the other person.

Be inspiring. Most calls people get is usually a crisis or a problem. While we can’t always control what life throws at us, we can greatly aspire to inspire. When you call people just to check on them, give a compliment, or say a prayer, you’re being inspiring. Personal touch is so missing from our culture these days. I encourage you to call people when you don’t need anything from them and they’ll be there when you do need something from them. Be genuine. When people feel loved and know that you care, you’re exerting positive influence on them.

People need people. You can make it all business or you can really get to know people. Don’t try to build your organization. Build people and they’ll build your organization! Use your phone wisely. Friend or a foe — it’s your choice.

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances” (Proverbs 25:11 NAS).

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Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

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