Recruitment & Personnel Admin.

Exodus 31:1-6 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee. Staffing answers the question of who will be employed in your business and how will you employ them? Staffing is the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper is behind all the other players on the team. So, it is the staff of a business who are behind its success. Being in the right position is very important for the goalkeeper, so it is important that the business have people in the right positions. The goalkeeper puts the ball back into play and can control the pace of the game, slowing it down or speeding it up. The staff of a business who are properly cared for and receive a good wage will keep the business moving and productive.

Planning

Proverbs 24:27: Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house. Planning answers the question of ‘where do you want to go and how are you going to get there?’ Planning is like the mid-fielder on a soccer team. Planning involves being on the offensive and developing goals so that the business can win the game. It also involves being on the defensive and anticipating problems and solving them before they happen. Without this position on the team, the game will be lost because there is no game plan. As the saying goes, business people who fail to plan, plan to fail. Timing Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 8: 5-6 (NIV) Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise in heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him” 

The Word on Business and Career

Purpose Proverbs 24:3-4: Through wisdom (insight about self & the market) a house (business) is built; and by understanding (exposures & experience) it is established: By knowledge (information & learning) the rooms (the different arms of the business) are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Compared this with how the first ever and oldest business institution was created: Proverbs 3:19-20

The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; by His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew. Purpose answers the question “what business am I in and why am I in that business?” Purpose is like the centre forward of a football team. He sets the direction of the business. Possession of the ball begins with him. Business people must have a well-defined purpose for their business that includes not only the type of business and market but also the area of ministry that can be done through that business. 

Marketing

Proverbs 11:26 He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it. Proverbs 20:17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth will be filled with gravel. Marketing answers the question of who is going to buy your product or service and how, where and when are you going to sell it to them? Marketing is like the striker on a soccer team. Marketing scores the goals or makes the sale. Just as a striker must be skilled in handling the ball and in shooting it, so must small business people need to develop skills in handling customers and selling their product or service. Marketing involves knowing the opposition and the playing field and developing strategies to take advantage of team strengths and opposition weaknesses. Just as the striker must finish the play to win the game, so in marketing the businessperson must close the deal and follow through with it for the business to succeed. 

Budgeting & Financial Management

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least in unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? Budgeting answers the question of where will you get the money to operate your business and how you are going to manage that money. Budgeting is the defender on a soccer team. The defender is careful not to be caught out of position lest the opposition gain the advantage. In budgeting, business people must be careful that they have enough financial resources to enable the business to function and to grow. Budgeting involves planning and monitoring financial resources and making the necessary changes so that the team is in position to win the game. 

Wrong Reasons to go into Business

1. Because you are sick and tired of being told what to do

2. Because you want more freedom

3. Because you feel unappreciated or undervalued in your present job

 4. Because you want to make a lot of money

5. Because you want to improve your standard of living

6. Because your friends or loved ones are going into business

7. Because other people are doing that kind of business and making much money from there

8. Because it is the reigning business in town

6 Steps to Planning a Successful Business (Part 2)

Step 4: Decide how much money will be needed To start the business and what your operating expenses will be. Decide how much you will be able to contribute and how much money you will need to borrow. Research potential friends, family and financial institutions that can finance your business. Expect the unexpected. Ask yourself; "What could go wrong?" and then plan for it. Develop a contingency so that you are prepared Pray that God will provide for your needs. Step 5: Set realistic goals For the number of sales you will make the amount of income you will receive and the overall development of the business. Be sure to take into account the risks of inflation, bad debt, competition and other risks. Your Goals must be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time Limited. Break these objectives down into specific tasks in order of their priority. Pray that God will give you a sober mind and will guard your steps.

 Step 6: Develop a written business plan That covers the information you have discovered after the first five steps. Present your written business plan to your family or friends for their advice and comment. Have them pray with you and commit your plan to God so that He will lead you as you start your business. Do an evaluation of your written plans after a period of time and see whether or not you have accomplished your objectives. If not, why not? "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22).