Like most who start their own business there are some internal doubts. Doubts that can stem from past business disillusions or first time jitters. What does it take to become successful in your own business? Are there truly successful Christians that can own/operate their business and not compromise on ethics and day to day operations?

First off, there is no such thing as a perfect entrepreneur. You have a perfect God, but there are many imperfections which you have to deal with and not assume the secular Superman mentality. At all times remember that you, with guidance from the Lord, have an excellent chance in achieving your new business goals.

Here are a few guidelines:

1. You are not a quitter. Life is hard whether or not you are running a business. By focusing on the Lord's word you can have a regular supply of "fuel" in dealing with obstacles and frustrations. It is not hard to be optimistic when you know the business will not only be successful, but will stand for years to come as a testimony to the Lord.

2. You must be able to provide direction and take direction. Sounds like the job you're in now, huh? Far from it. You must be a good delegator. Working with staff or contractors, you must be able to provide clear and specific instruction on their roles and how they relate to the larger picture.

By taking direction you must be in the Word daily and listen to the Lord's instruction. By prayer and daily study, you can tap into the Lord's counsel and be able to focus on His will for your business. It is easy for the new entrepreneur to become distracted by details and fall away from the original Christian goals of his/her business.

3. You must be able to instruct and delegate. You are not filled with inexhaustible supply of energy. You cannot do it all. Surround yourself with Christians who can do what is expected of them. Believers need to have believers in their business not only for achieving the goals of the business, but staying focused on the Lord and His will for the business.

Trust is a major factor for all employers when instructing and delegating to their employees. What better way to establish immediate trust than by hiring those whose belief and ethical standards are akin to yours? The first few years are crucial for any new business, Christian and secular alike. It is best to have talented believers on your side to encourage you via their skills and fellowship. Believers whose skills can be improved to best carry out your direction are generally a more receptive vessel for that learning process.

4. You must be motivated by His and your purpose for the business. With new instilled business goals, you have to be driven by the goal and its purpose and not the clock or your feelings. Commitment must be 100% along with the encouragement from your family. Make them a part of your goals. Show them why you are doing the business and how it follows God's principles. Self-motivated you must be. God-motivated is even better. If you like being told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it, be an employee. An entrepreneur might not be your purpose.

5. You are, up to a point, analytical. Most entrepreneurs are dreamers and not too keen on the idea of book keeping and budgets. You must focus a good percentage of time on money matters. If you don't they can raise their ugly heads in a short period of time and stifle any good business. If you cannot handle your financial matters, find a believer with those skills. Establish goals, expectations and accountability in the early stages. You will be forever thankful.

6. You must be willing to not only make mistakes, but learn from them. There is a saying, "If you fall down, fall forward". Learn not only from your mistakes, but from others. Most of the time the wheel does not need to be invented. Someone somewhere has it rolling along just fine. Seek out those fellow Christians that can provide mentoring and direction. The right advise can prove to be invaluable.

7. You are a focused worker. You like work. Work is not your god. God is your god. God is the fuel for all true Christian businesses. You understand the mission and the purpose of your business. You know that your business is also His business. You welcome the partnership with open arms. Having a balance and not a compulsion in building the business is crucial. With the right action plan and the Lord's direction anything is possible. Trust in Him and He will provide.

8. You are not adverse to sales. In order to be successful, you must be willing to sell. Not only your product or service, but the "mission" of the business. This mission can be "sold" by entrusted employees, partners and your customers. Selling is an environmental attitude in any successful business.

Remember to seek the Lord and His guidance in all that you do.

By: Jeff Farmer, CCC
©Christian Employment Resource, 2000