THE STARTING BLOCK PRINCIPLE

Here we go again with the traditional, best opportunity of the year to start afresh and new, leaving failures and wasted efforts behind and planning for a bright and successful future.  So, how’s your New Years plan coming along?  It would be interesting to see the analytics on how many of us have our goals set and on target already versus how many of us have yet to formulate that new plan for the upcoming year.  

I dare not ask for response to this question for fear I may lose some of you because of my meddling.  But if you are one of those who has yet to initiate that plan or perhaps struggling a bit to get to the next few steps, let me offer this suggestion for you to consider to help you along.

What is your heart telling you that is important going forward with your life this  next year?  Take time to examine the priorities that your heart leads you to think about first because that is where your treasure is.  Then, when you’re getting in the starting blocks of this race, listen and feel the pulse of your entire mind, body and spirit and what it is trying to relate to you.

It isn’t so much the number of things you want to accomplish, the amount of money you want to make, the position in your company you desire to attain, the amount of time you want to spend with your mate and family,  but the importance they should be  in your life and future developement.  If you can do this, then you establish your priorities and thus the order of resolutions that you focus upon first to last.

Now why is this so important?  Experience and observation has proven that if we can stay aware and working on one to three of those priority items over the course of the next year, we will be doing really good.  First, the number of items listed can become lost and overwhelming over a period of time.  Second, if we slip and fail a time or two on any number of promises, we get discouraged and tend to just give up anyway.  Alas, we can more easily justify that we “just can’t do this anyway”, and quit all efforts we originally believed in and thought we should and could do.

So here is the ”STARTING BLOCK PRINCIPLE”,  to help you solidify your New Years Resolutions.

1. Seek answers from your heart with importance and meaning to your goal setting

2. Establish the priorities in order so you can focus on the most important issues first.

3. Minimize your list to limit confusion and frustration.  You can always add more.

Oh, and last….WRITE THEM DOWN. 

There is something impactful about writing your commitments to yourself that is much more meaningful than just saying them and usually forgetting them along the way.  If you would like a great scriptural reference to support this, read Habakkuk 2:1-3.

Blessings……..Rich Forster   KBJ  Publisher

IS IT ALL WORTH IT?

I have two snipits of encouragement for you business owners who are scratching your heads or working on controlling your blood pressure regarding your business.  The end of the year business challenges are enormous and the forethought and confidence to plan intelligently for the next year is at times overwhelming, especially if this hasn’t been a banner year for you.  I know from experience.

Well I don’t believe your alone with these concerns.  Then you may hear the cliche that says “have faith and hang in there, it’s gonna be allright”, and that isn’t the most reassuring encouragement either.  Our human minds are so fragile because our hearts are fragile.  Scripture says where your treasure is there your heart is also.  Let me suggest this about your treasure (your business).

Snipit one.  If it was going to be easy, everyone would be doing it and no one would make a dime.  There is a wonderful opportunity here to invite a qualified mentor or business professional and hopefully brother in Christ, who has a heart for you and what you are doing that can be of some help.  Often the forest is just too thick to see through to the trees and your vision is obscured.  A more experienced person or persons who can help you sort through the weak areas of your business can be invaluable getting you on the right track.  Humble yourself and go find them.

The second snipit is harder to swallow,  but here goes.  If your just in business to chase the dollar, you’ll probably be chasing it the rest of your life.  Success is all too often a result of passion and persistence more than anything.   I can assure you that with these two business principles, you will have a much greater chance for success.  The reason is, your heart is in it.  You see, the heart thing is so critical for every kind of work.  Whether its your business, your family life, your relationship building outside your family, it always comes back to a heart issue.  That was Jesus secret too.

Jesus had a heart and passion for what He did on earth which was to live and die for us.  His influence and teaching of those principles left lasting impressions on all His followers (employees) and thus the legacy for Christianity.  You will probably not have quite that level of  success but that type of effort will go a long way in your marketplace to help spread the gospel, and you won’t even have to use words. 

So here are your two snipits.  Remember if it was easy, everyone would be doing it and you would likely not be very successful.  Second, don’t just chase the money.  Put your heart into your business and stay the course and serve people.  Paul said “I reach for the prize, for the mark of the higher calling in Christ Jesus”.  He never gave up in his quest to be the best God called him to be.  By the way, he was a tent maker in the marketplace.  Remember?

Blessings….Rich Forster  KBJ  Publisher

IF I COULD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN

Today was a memorial service for a special man of God and healing evangelist, Oral Roberts.   In the last few months, I lost a high school classmate, and also another old friend from a few years ago.  I’m sure you all remember just a few months ago when one of the most gifted entertainment celebrities, Michael Jackson passed away.  Perhaps you have had a similiar loss yourself lately?  I don’t mean to be morbid or depressive by beginning this writing with such sadness and finality, but to see if you have similiar feelings as I do once in a while when friends, loved ones and respected ones pass on.

Death has a unique way of reminding us of our mortality doesn’t it?  I don’t know if it’s part of the aging process or perhaps a little spiritual nudge from the Holy Spirit reminding me to ask myself….are you ready?  Have you done all I designed you to do?  So I ask myself….if I knew I was going to die today, what would I regret if anything?  If I could do it over again, what would I do different?  Here’s a tougher one.  What if you knew you were going to die a year from today.  What if anything would you do different this next year? 

Not fun questions to ponder I know.  But that doesn’t change the fact that the inevitable is going to happen to us and maybe we should be asking ourselves not just what would we do for the next year but why?  Oh, now I really have your curiosity I’m sure .  The question can be applied to your life’s practices in general but let me narrow this writing down to your purpose in the marketplace.

Rev. 20:4  tells us we are going to rule and reign with Jesus during the 1000 reign and Rev. 22:4  says we shall rule and reign with Him forever and ever in Heaven.  So I’m wondering what we are going to rule and reign in Heaven on earth?   What a stimulating question.  Allow me to suggest a thought provoking answer.  Could it be that all the trials, tribulations and training we are going through on earth in this lifetime are training for this ruling and reigning John the Revelator is referring to? 

Whether you interpert this scripture this way or not but think maybe it  could be such, it offers a reasonable argument or hopefully incentive to apply yourself to your job and career to the very best of your God given ability.  Who knows?  God may have you slated for something similiar in eternity.

Now some of you may not be not too happy about that if your not in a field of work you really like.  So here’s your chance.  To whom much is given, much is expected.  To him who does well with a little, much more will be given to him.  Do these scriptures sound familiar?  If you going to stay on the sidelines your not going to get to play in the game.  You can start tomorrow with a fresh new approach to your work and with an attitude of doing your job a well as you or anyone else possibly can.  Applying God’s principles to your work will not only result in more success in your job, but your Godly influence will begin to impact those around you in a positive way to His cross.  

Now your positioned for promotion, so get ready.  Repeat this same process with your next work opportunity and before you know it, you will be successful in the career of your dreams.  And who knows?  God may be looking for a qualified soul to fill those shoes and more in heaven’s marketplace and you just might get a chance to do it over again, the right way.

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

Don’t you think it’s ironic that in the business world, the end of the year is usually crunch time for all businesses to meet their year end budgets and goals.  It’s gimmie, gimmie, gimmie so I can meet my quota or objective.  It seems so counter cultural to the “Christmas Season”.  Often times the price required to reach those goals can be very high, and I don’t just mean financially.  People get layed off.  Customers shipments get delayed.  Quality may fade a bit to meet minimum standards so as to get by and maybe save a few bucks.  Attention to the customer  may wane just because  our companies emphasis is not focused on their needs right now but more towards the financial mandates of our company.  And let’s not forget of course, you have to work lots of extra hours.

Now I know this sounds a bit one sided.  However companies must make a certain profit margin to justifiably stay in business and in fact, they deserve that opportunity.  I too am a business owner and realize oh so well that pressure.  My point is that during this special time of the year (Christmas Season), it is so very difficult to think beyond that kind of business pressure because we are so stressed about meeting our company needs we have and much less of the needs of others around us.  Finding time in the midst of all this pressure to give to those less fortunate ones is too often masked over by the everyday pressures of year end sales and production requirements.

Let’s acknowledge that some of our companies must  push very hard at the end of the year to make it, especially these days.   However,  as Christians in the marketplace,  let’s not forget the often used cliche, “reason for the season”.  We need to first of all give thanks to God for everything.   Then give our employers the best effort possible as they are counting on us to help maintain and grow the business and our future with them.  As owners, we need to realize that our companies earthly future and it’s eternal future have commonality and we need to be constanly aware of both responsibilities.  That’s why we’re the boss.  It’s our Divine expectation.  We also have responsibilities to our customers and employees that they deserve and we must be committed to them also.

But the point I want to share about this annual description of the marketplace is this.  Isn’t it interesting that in todays world, the Lord God has positioned the recognition of the birth of His Son Jesus Christ to be at the same time as all this crazyness?  What’s the deal?  Is there some significance to that irony? 

Here’s my take on it.  He (God) ,conveniently arranged for us (The Body of Christ),  to celebrate His giving to us His one and only Son at this very busy time of year to hopefully remind us also to give of ourselves and to help others in need as He did.  Now we could never give to the degree that He did, but that’s not the point.  At least this one time a year, we Christians are reminded that Jesus is the reason for the season and especially in the marketplace and this is an excellent opportunity to show the love of Jesus by the generous and loving example we show to others. 

The word says that where your treasure is, there your heart is also.  Have you asked yourself lately, where is my treasure?  Do I have a spirit of giving like the Father?  Does my business activity take precedence over my heart activity?  Sure, family is usually in the forefront of your year end celebrations, but how about the less fortunate ones right around you?  Is there someone at work who could use an encouraging word?  Is there an employee family in need of a really good meal or presents for their children they can’t afford this year?  You don’t know you say?  Well that’s the first hint that you need to do a little work on the heart issue.  Check it out!

Believe it or not.  As marketplace ministers, which is what you are, these types of heartfelt gestures can do more to influence the lost than all the door to door knocking evangelism you could do for the next ten years.  Like I have suggested before.  “This is a great chance to evangelize and even use words if you have to”. 

Jesus was a giver and a lover.  No greater harvest for the King is possible by Kingdom standards than by following those two principles.  This Christmas season, won’t you try and take a few moments each day to thank God for all your many blessings and then, think of someone you can give of yourself to.  When you sense an opportunity, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and submit yourself to His leading.  Then you will truely realize that the ”Reason for the Season” has to do with giving of yourself and not just balancing the budget.

Blessings……..Rich Forster   KBJ Publisher

3 WAYS TO PERSONAL SUCCESS

Here are not only three ways to personal success but I quarantee them to work.  How self fulfilling would it be to have someone ask you what it is that makes you so successful?  How do you do that?  The answer is to follow these three simple principles.

If you follow these three Kingdom principles in your everyday work life,  I promise you that you will not only be a successful person but you will influence many others in a positive way towards the cross.  There is hardly a  more thrilling occasion than when someone asks you why it is that you are always so upbeat, happy and successful and they want to know the secret.  Here are the three ways (scriptures) I invite you to read and study.

First scripture, Eccl.5:19 “your work is a gift from God”

Second scripture, Eccl.5:20 “your work is to be the joy of your heart” 

Third scripture, Col. 3:23  “whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord”

I speak from experience when I say I have tried this suggestion I am offering you and I promise you it works.  Your attitude is effected positively by this truth and you realize in your mind and heart that you are truely blessed.  God’s love will permeate your entire being as you realize He is actually giving you a gift, straight from His throneroom and for a Divine purpose.  Now if that doesn’t bring you joy, you really need to check your pulse!

“Working as if unto the Lord”,  may take some patience and practice but temper that effort with prayer and I guarantee you that it will get easier and easier.  Your loyalty and commitment to your company and/or superiors will be recognized and many more good things will start coming your way.

So go ahead and give this a try won’t you?  I would love to hear your feedback as you see the transformation in your life to personal success beyond your wildest dreams.  Read, believe and go do it and as you begin to recognize your new found successes, don’t forget to remember where they came from!!!! And to HIM be all the honor and glory,

Blessings…..Rich Forster     KBJ Publisher

The value of Branding your business

Branding your business is a marketing term that quite simply defines or identifys your company with a set of shared values.   Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks Coffee empire adds that “your company needs to make and emotional connection with people outside of your product”.  In his case, the definition refers to outside his coffee.

The needs and desires of your customers are what drive your company’s growth.  Finding the answers to those questions requires a purposeful plan and exercise.   A good business owner or manager has an awareness to customer comments, trends and spending habits but a dedicated and timely effort to secure those answers lends more support to your analysis and conclusions.

The one constant expectation customers will seek until they find it is integrity.  Nothing will sink your business faster that a reputation for lacking integrity when dealing with customers, vendors or employees.  Consequently the best foundation for branding your company to start with is your reputation for integrity.

Once you have determined what wording best defines the essence of your company’s values, you can write a “mission statement” that further defines your company from an overall standpoint.  Incorporating the values of your branding values, you can readily remind yourself, your employees, your customers and vendors of what you stand for in the marketplace.

If you need a good reference to start your thinking process for this exercise, read the Gospels and note how Jesus branded his company.  As you read His life story, you will see the Godly principles he operated in all the time.  History will repeat for you as it did for Jesus in that you will not be able to please everyone as hard as you may try.  But each and every day that reality will give you a chance to build the character and brand of not only your company but you too.  Afterall, the company is you just as Jesus was and is the church.

When you have your branding identified and your mission statement written, be sure and write it so that all your company can read it, understand it and run with it.  That document can become a constant reminder for all involved in your operation that your branding value (reputation) is only as good as your actions.   This platform for your company’s business behavior can be a very effective evangelistic tool. So go, spread the Gospel, and only use words if you have to! 

Rich Forster    KBJ Publisher

A Plan of Action

A good friend, business student and spiritual son called me today to discuss a number of issues and for prayer.  I am always honored to be asked for advice and prayer.  But we discussed a principle for business I taught him years ago that he realized played a major role in the way he was handling life situations as well as business opportunities.  It’s an old cliche you have all probalby heard but it is so refreshing to hear that it still works today in various situation of life.  As a very talented salesman searching to be the best at what he did, he operated more from enthusiasm and challenge than he did with purpose and efficiency.  He had a tendency to ready, fire, aim and consequently wasted his energy and talent finding his way through the maze of selling.  So I taught him to “plan his work and work his plan”.

It is a known fact that if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail.  The need for a plan in your life was first substantiated by God when He did the same for you.  In Eph. 1:4-5 Paul verified for us that God chose us, each and every one, before the beginning of time and pre-destined (appointed plan or guananteed destiny) us as His son’s according to the good pleasure of His will.

All throughtout the Word of God from creation in Genesis to the details in revelation, God demonstrated that He had a plan for everything and everybody.  That in itself is a comforting thought, right?  But it also infers we do the same with our life.  Afterall, He was the living example for us all to follow in life.  I would also add that He is a God of detail.  He numbered the hairs on your head and when David was drawing up the blue prints for the Temple that his son Solomon was to build, God gave him very explicit intsructions and details on how it was to be built.  There are  many examples I could mention today but suffice to say, I think you get the point.

My young protege went on to explain how this procedure he learned in the sales training 101 class has assisted him in his business now and with his family affairs as well.  So I want to encourage you today to do the same.  Plan your work(assignment) and work your plan.  With focus and persistence, you will not only be successful, but you will be an inspiration to all those who work and live around you.  At the same time,  you will demonstrate what it means to have pride in your work and to strive for perfection in all that you do.  That is the kind of influence that makes you a successful businessman, family man and marketplace minister.  Positive influence on those around you is the best form of evangelism you can do as it shows your commitment to practice what you believe and sometimes even preach. 

Preparing for the worst and expecting the best is a winning formula for success in every area of life and gives glory and honor to the One who made you.  So, plan your work and work your plan and be the success you were destined to be. 

Blessings…….Rich Forster    KBJ Publisher

Seek First the Kingdom

I think we would all agree that in the “good times”, we are  likely to be less dependent upon God to bail us out of various and asundry messes we manage to get ourselves into.  All it takes today is a fairly major catastrophe , like our economic system collapse, to upset our equilibrium and balance and “help me Jesus and I promise I will never make that same mistake again as long as I live…..I think” . 

Thanks to a forgiving, merciful and loving God, we get plenty of chances to do things over and get it right.  If your like me though, it seems like sometimes I lack the discipline to follow through with my well intentioned resolve.  So why is it that we forget so soon after our newly promised agreement is made and fall back into those same traps once again?  Maybe we have lossed our focus on a very important principle of life and business?

No matter what is is your seeking to resolve, a new job, starting a business or stewarding your financial budget plan better,  we often loose sight of what should be our top priority, “seeking first the Kingdom and His Righteousness, then all these things will be added to you,” Matt 6:33.  What is the Kingdom?  The Kingdom is Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost”, Rom. 14:17.  And where is the Kingdom of God?  It is within you, Luke17:21.

So check your motive and  focus first thing  if your in this pinch and retrace your steps back to your first love and top priority.  With righteousness, peace and the joy of the Holy Ghost, life just seems to be a lot easier to handle.  It’s a supernatural thing!  Getting on the same page with the Author and Finisher of our faith is a great place to be and He is an excellent Partner to have also, don’t you think? 

Rich Forster  KBJ Publisher

My weekend of entrepreneurial venture

Selling Ham and Beans and Tators and Onion cooked over a wood fire

Last year another family in our church decided to do a craft festival and asked If I could help, I said sure.  I was in charge of publicity on the web and to local media and Dutch Oven cooking.

We are doing it again this year and today we had a great turnout. I wrote about this on my other blog and so here is a link.

CLICK HERE

Back up and ready to go!

The computer is fixed and I am ready to help!
If you need consulting, have business questions, or need some good resources, let me know!