Starting a Home-Based Business: Part 3
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If you have faithfully applied the wisdom of this series, by now you have prayed diligently about how the Lord might use your gifts and talents to generate income. If that passion is continuing to burn inside you or wake you at night, you might have also taken a serious first pass at a business plan. Developing a business plan is not an easy task. In fact, it is sometimes the stumbling block between getting energized about a business venture and actually making the venture happen. But it is worth it, and there is help. Consider viewing this link for examples of plans that might work for you, if you have a similar business idea. Again, you might also contact your local Small Business Association or visit their site, http://www.sba.gov to receive further help as needed.
During this final post, I will spend time discussing practical tips for maintaining your sanity as you maintain a new business. The up-front work can seem overwhelming, and indeed, it is, but there are also entrepreneurial “down times” during which you will need to navigate without anxiety or despair. Here are a few suggestions:
Use social networking to its fullest extent possible to market your business, to advertise at no cost (or for relatively nothing), and to build strong customer relationships.
I began to address this in the second part of this series. Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in, Stumble Upon ____________ (fill in your network) can be powerful tools for a budding entrepreneur. As a personal example, I love to write; for the most part, I write for free. But through blogging, contributing to forums such as Heart of the Matter, and partnering with other socially savvy business owners, I have been afforded speaking opportunities, guest blogging opportunities, and I have met a number of new customers. What is more is that I have made real connections with others—people I consider friends–who are willing to help me with word-of-mouth (or rather, fingertip) advertising. I can post that the business will offer a sale on Twitter or Facebook and instantly reach hundreds or thousands of people. If you have ever spent money on a magazine or newspaper ad, you will quickly realize the value of this type of customer accessibility with little or no costs involved.
Now comes the proverbial “BUT.” Social networking does pose a danger because of the very public nature of these tools. Your tweets and status updates are legal records, and to coin a phrase, anything you say can and will be used against you. Also, as more relationships are torn apart by the ability to reach back to past loves or forward to imagined passion, we must enter the vast array of social networking opportunities with clarity regarding the boundaries of being there. Establish boundaries for yourself, and, as appropriate, discuss boundaries and accountability with your spouse. No potential dollar amount is worth the destruction of your marriage.
Do something for your business regularly.
For a parent who is already managing a home, managing a family, and perhaps already managing a job, carving out time for a new venture can be the catalyst for a business plan to collect dust. Where do you find the time? I have learned that rather than saying, “I don’t have time,” to instead say, “I haven’t made the time.” In changing my language, the onus is now back where it belongs—on me, and on taking the time to establish my priorities. And like me, I am sure that you will have to be purposeful in finding a time that works for you, whether it is weekly, daily, or monthly. Keep in mind that various tasks may take on any one of those frequencies. Reading and research takes quiet time for me; I have to sequester myself away from the family. On the other hand, there are tasks that I can do with all the noise of the household, and still perform effectively. Do not forget, also, that there are tasks that you can involve your family in, as well—an added business benefit. Children love to organize papers; they are natural-born taste testers, and you get their honest opinion on your product, whether you solicit it or not.
The other thing to keep in mind is that your tasks, and the time and personal space needed, will change as the business changes. Be ever watchful for what time your business needs, and pray about priorities each day. The Lord will order your steps such that you can do all things—through His strength, not your own.
Do not think that because your business is not monumentally successful, God is not blessing it.
Simply put, ‘we walk by faith and not by sight’ (2nd Corinthians 5:7). I personally believe that our microwave-like society gives us a pre-conceived notion about how our God moves. We think that, as the Lord gives us the “go-ahead,” He will supernaturally bless us with riches and fame beyond our wildest dreams. And while Ephesians 3:20 tells us that He is perfectly capable of doing that, the Lord is also constantly growing our faith. If the truth is told, for most of us, if we attained business success at supersonic speed, would only have faith in ourselves—our business acumen, our connections, our abilities. God wants to do something in our lives that matures our faith in Him. Consider His Word regarding our tasks while here on this earth:
Philippians 3:13-14 I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Microwave-like success seems contrary to scripture. Our work as Christians is about pressing, pursuing, and perseverance.
Set measurable goals.
Why are goals important? Because what gets measured gets done. While your goals will be as different as the nature of your business, there are some general guidelines about setting goals that will aid any business:
1) Include as a part of your goals a deadline.
2) Make your goals realistic.
3) Be specific.
4) Keep your goals visible.
5) Do not get discouraged if you do not meet your goals; they are in place to give direction and motivation as much as to signal completion.
Continue to revisit your business plan.
You will grow weary well before you grow rich, and keeping the vision in front of you is important. That is also why I suggested keeping your goals visible. As the business plan comes to fruition, you may or may not see the results that you wanted. Also, illness happens. Births and deaths occur. Computers crash. Gas prices skyrocket. In short, life happens. You may have to remind yourself of why you began the business in the first place, always remembering that God’s timing is not our timing. What looks like a lack of progress to you may be the Lord growing you in some areas—patience, grace, gratitude, flexibility, love. These are invaluable traits when working with others; they are worth more than any talent or skill. Allow the Lord to do a work in you as He uses your work to bless others.
Finally, continue to seek God’s guidance. Paul challenges the believer in an area that plagues our growth when he admonishes us to ‘be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your request known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:6-7, English Standard Version) In this life, and in your business, there will be places where you can only trust God. There will be a need for repentance when you do not step into the door that He is opening. You will also need to exercise the humility that comes with wisdom as He prospers the work to which you put your hands.
I wish you blessings as you go forward. May the Lord send resources, may He increase your talents, gifts, and outreach, and may He grant you a place to minister as well as fulfill your business mission.
If you missed the first two parts of this business series by Belinda Bullard you may find them here:
Belinda Bullard is a wife and homeschooling mother of three, Belinda is an author and the owner of A Blessed Heritage Educational Resources, a literature-based history curriculum featuring African-American presence in history, as well as the contributions of other races to American history. A chemical engineer by formal education, she also serves as adjunct faculty for college distance learning programs. Belinda blogs at Simply Belinda and Chronicles of a Blessed Heritage.
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