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I’ve been pondering lately how I can possibly make a difference when we have such huge, intractable problems. I’m just one person with limited resources.
It feels hopeless.
But the truth is that big changes are made in small increments. Even though it may feel ineffective at times.
Read the rest of this entry »The world has become a rather depressing place in the last decade. That has resulted in a whole lot of people who are disconnected, disenfranchised, and uninspired.
This might be you some days, or your employees, or friends. But you can become the ray of hope for others.
It’s not about ignoring reality and the challenges we face. The question is more what we do, and how we think, about the situation.
Read the rest of this entry »I can get stuck in planning things, and perhaps you can as well. It’s a way to attempt to control risk.
It builds your confidence to make a decision and start moving. At least you hope it does.But here’s the secret: The confidence actually comes after achieving something. Even if you can envision something, it’s not really confidence. It’s hope.
Read the rest of this entry »A JOYOUS EASTER to all my Christian friends!
This is the most important day of the year. Not only for religious reasons, but for becoming a new person.
We all need that renewal. We’re fallen.
My wish is that you will find spiritual strength in this Easter season. When you’re stronger, your business will be too.
But first, chocolate!
YOU WOULD LIKE TO THINK that a clear sense of mission straightens everything out.
And to a certain extent, it does.
But the truth is also that knowing where you’re going doesn’t mean that reality will line up to make your job easy. You may be on a mission to save lives on the other side of town. Your sirens and flashing lights can help clear the road a bit, but the roads aren’t going to move to make your job easier.
MANY YEARS AGO I started using the concept of “Just-In-Time Worrying.” The basic idea is that there’s an appropriate time to worry about something, but often people make it into a protracted period of unfocused anxiety.
And, with perspective, you might even discover that something isn’t worth worrying about at all.
For me, it’s often a spiritual journey. Read the rest of this entry »
ALMOST EVERY INDUSTRY has some kind of seasonality. 
When I talk to someone about their business, it’s usually fascinating to dig into the cycles which are natural for them.
This came to mind today because I had a chance to talk with a lady who’s starting up a great business bringing products from South America and Asia here to Colorado. I suspect that many of these products will be used as gifts, which means that she’ll be connected to the gift-giving occasions around Christmas, Mother’s Day, and so on. Birthdays happen year round, of course, so that may help even out the revenue stream a little.
Her primary selling methods will be on her website and via markets and similar events – which means lots of activity during the warmer months.
SALVATION IS AT HAND! Christ is risen!
I would like to take this moment to extend to you the warmth and joy of this, our most holy day of the Christian year. Nearly 2000 years ago, Jesus showed us our path out of sin and into God’s loving presence.
Are you taking time every day to build this into yourself and your business? I don’t care if you market yourself as a Christian company. But certainly you should be letting your values shine forth.
MANY OF US STRUGGLE to keep the energy going. 
Running a business is hard work!
It can be a deep test of character.
I’ve found that persistence is partially an innate characteristic, but is also a skill which can be intentionally developed.
I was amazed (and grateful!) to discover that my 2-year-old’s weakness was having the attention span of a goldfish. Read the rest of this entry »
C HRISTIANS ARE CALLED to be joyful:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. — Romans 15:13
This isn’t easy, of course. We all get discouraged by happenings in our families, in our businesses, in society. This is not an easy time.
But I’m not sure that there’s EVER been an easy time.
The Values-Based Business 