Back on October 25, 2014, I wrote a blog titled “Building on a Solid Foundation.” I was reading it today because I was reflecting on the fact that, since I wrote that blog, I have worked very hard to get this new engine going and now it is ready. I am “open for business” like they say. In that blog, I refer to two key scriptures that I chose to be foundational to my business:
Matthew 7:24-29 (NLT)
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
Today, I want to remember again what I shared in that blog: “I will build my company on the Solid Foundation, which is Jesus Christ, the Rock. He will give me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to do the right thing, to do what is right, and to do things right the first time. These are not only Biblical concepts, these are business concepts that create efficiencies throughout the organization and a strong work ethic, which in turn increases shareholder value.”
Romans 12: 6-11 (NLT)
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
In my new role, I believe I will be operating within my gifts. I will be doing both sales as well as the work itself for a while until the company grows. As a sales person, I will need to identify and discover the prospects’ needs and see if we are a good match to work together. I will need to listen more!
As a worker, I will need to focus on each project and ensure the “billable hours” are truly billable and that I don’t spend any other time on anything else at that moment. I have to stay focused!
Being a good sales person, in my opinion, goes beyond having sales techniques and knowing when it’s the right time to approach a prospect or what to say. It’s about being a person of integrity, character, and truthfulness. An exceptional sales person is genuine, sincere, and truly wants to help others. That’s what I want to be!
When doing sales, you need to connect with people, at the heart. You also need to be ok being yourself. You need to believe in your product. If you are a consultant, you need to believe in yourself—you are your product. Your reputation is all you got. The work you perform once hired, also has to be done with the highest level of integrity and following the highest standards. Like my marketing person told me once, “Your brand is your promise. It’s what you promise to deliver when they hire you.”
So as I start my new adventure, I build this business on the foundation of Jesus Christ, my Rock while working hard and reaching for the highest standards. Doing the best that I can and being the best that I can be with God by my side every step of the way. Please pray for me that I can bless many people through this new business.
You can visit my new business website at www.malzahnstrategic.com and send me an email with your comments or feedback either through the website or as a comment on the blog.