By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
“All the things we do, all our behaviour, should let others know that we are living by, and operating in, biblical principles. Principle and character are the highest quality traits on our list……Focus on people more than money. Without employees and customers, you’re going nowhere. Make sure you never stop thinking about the customer’s perspective.” – David Green, Founder, Hobby Lobby
- Not placing value on team members
“Culture isn’t just one aspect of the game, it is the game.”
The culture of an organisation is its defining characteristic, a truth illuminated by Louis V. Gerstner, Jr.’s transformative leadership at IBM. This culture is not merely a set of values or slogans; it’s the collective spirit of the people who create and deliver value.
As an entrepreneur, your team is your most valuable asset. They are the ones who bring your vision to life, and it’s essential to recognise and appreciate their contributions. Treat them with care and respect, as you would a delicate garden. Your team is not expendable; they are an integral part of your journey.
The way you treat your customers is a reflection of your leadership and company culture. When you prioritise customer satisfaction, it starts with how you treat your team. They, in turn, will mirror that respect in their interactions with customers, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits everyone.
Remember, your current customers are your most valuable asset. Their satisfaction and loyalty are essential for your business’ success. They are the ones who will recommend your products or services to others and help you grow. Treat them with the same respect and care you show your team, and they will reward you with their continued support.
Ultimately, culture is the heart of your organisation, your people are its lifeblood, and respect is its foundation. By prioritising these elements in your actions and decisions, you will create a thriving business that not only achieves its goals but also makes a positive impact on the world.
- Not honouring the Lord through tithing – a pathway to divine blessings
In the book of Malachi, a divine invitation beckons: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house… Try Me now in this… and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10 NKJV). This passage serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of tithing—a practice deeply rooted in both spiritual and practical realms.
Tithing, the act of giving a portion of one’s income to God, is a sacred practice that transcends mere financial transaction. When entrepreneurs extend this gesture to their businesses, they enter into a covenant with the divine, inviting His blessings and protection.
Throughout history, countless testimonies reveal the miraculous ways in which tithing has shaped entrepreneurial endeavours. These narratives speak of divine intervention, unexpected breakthroughs and extraordinary success. While some may debate the merits of tithing, the overwhelming evidence points to a correlation between this practice and the outpouring of blessings.
In the face of adversity, tithing acts as a shield, protecting businesses from the devourer and ensuring that the fruits of labour remain secure. The promise of an abundant harvest, as outlined in Malachi, finds fulfillment in the lives of those who faithfully tithe.
Proverbs 3:9-10 echoes this sentiment, urging us to honour the Lord with our possessions and the first fruits of our increase. This act of reverence transcends material wealth, paving the way for true prosperity. Tithing is an expression of obedience and gratitude, a tangible demonstration of our trust in God’s provision.
For the kingdom entrepreneur, tithing is more than a financial obligation; it’s a profound act of faith. It’s a commitment to aligning business practices with biblical principles, recognising that God is the ultimate source of all blessings. As entrepreneurs embrace this practice, they open themselves up to a realm of possibilities beyond human comprehension.
The promise of Malachi 3:10 is clear—a blessing so abundant that there will not be room enough to receive it. As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, consider the power of tithing.
- Lack of spiritual vigilance
In the realm of business, a battle rages unseen—a battle not fought with flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers and spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places, as Ephesians 6:12 reminds us. This unseen battle transcends the physical realm of spreadsheets and profit margins, impacting the very destiny of enterprises.
History is replete with examples of businesses facing seemingly mundane adversities that, upon closer examination, bear the fingerprints of a darker influence. Just as skilled artisans decipher hidden patterns, so too must kingdom entrepreneurs discern the subtle workings of spiritual adversaries who seek to undermine their success.
Ephesians 6:10-12 doesn’t just exhort us to be strong in the Lord; it implores us to don spiritual armour—the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness and the sword of the Spirit. This armour is not mere metaphor; it represents a holistic approach to resilience, safeguarding businesses against spiritual attacks that can manifest as internal conflicts, external obstacles or inexplicable setbacks.
Spiritual sensitivity becomes the entrepreneur’s compass, guiding them through the complexities of the business world. It is the ability to discern the subtle signs of spiritual warfare and respond with prayerful vigilance. The Holy Spirit acts as a sentinel, alerting entrepreneurs to impending threats and empowering them to take proactive measures.
Divine wisdom, gleaned from Scripture, is a potent weapon against satanic attacks. It provides strategic insights, unveils hidden agendas and empowers entrepreneurs to make decisions that align with God’s purposes. In the face of spiritual warfare, divine wisdom becomes a source of strength and resilience, enabling businesses to overcome adversity and thrive.
While entrepreneurial skills and financial acumen are essential, true prosperity hinges on the harmonious balance between the material and spiritual realms. By embracing the lessons of Ephesians, entrepreneurs embark on a journey of spiritual synergy—a fusion of practical wisdom and divine guidance. In this synergy, businesses find protection, purpose and the potential to flourish beyond measure.
- The neglect of prayer in Kingdom entrepreneurship
In the vibrant arena of business, the power of prayer often remains an under-appreciated force, a hidden current that flows beneath the surface of profit and loss statements. For kingdom entrepreneurs, the marketplace becomes a sacred space where prayer intertwines with strategy, resilience and vision. Let us explore the profound connection between prayer and business success, unveiling the spiritual dimension that underpins every transaction, decision and endeavour.
Within the bustling corridors of commerce, prayer weaves a tapestry that transcends the material world. It is the divine catalyst that transforms ordinary actions into extraordinary achievements. Prayer ignites creativity, fuelling innovative solutions that conquer challenges and unlock opportunities. Amid uncertainty, it bestows clarity and wisdom, guiding decisions with divine counsel.
Beneath the surface of the business landscape lies an unseen battlefield, as Ephesians 6:12 reveals. Spiritual adversaries seek to undermine the success and integrity of businesses, but the entrepreneur’s arsenal is not limited to earthly weapons. Prayer serves as a shield, deflecting the arrows of doubt, fear and deceit. It fortifies businesses against spiritual attacks, much like a fortified city withstands enemy assaults.
In the intricate dance of organisational decision-making, prayer emerges as a guiding compass. Whether it’s hiring key personnel, launching marketing campaigns or restructuring operations, prayer reveals the divine blueprint. It fosters an environment where obedience to Christ becomes the cornerstone of every choice.
Christian entrepreneurs are called to a higher purpose—a mandate that extends beyond financial gain. They are stewards of resources, entrusted with the responsibility to advance God’s kingdom on Earth. Prayer aligns their pursuits with His will, infusing their endeavours with eternal significance.
The success stories of secular entrepreneurs may offer valuable insights, but they cannot serve as a complete blueprint for kingdom entrepreneurs. While worldly achievements may appear self-sufficient, kingdom entrepreneurship acknowledges a higher authority. Prayer becomes the lifeline that connects businesses to the divine source, infusing every task with purpose and meaning.
Prayer is not merely a ritual; it is a sacred covenant. Just as Malachi 3:10-12 speaks of tithing as an act of honour, prayer is an act of dependence and surrender. In your kingdom assignment, prayer affirms your reliance on God, acknowledging His sovereignty over every aspect of your business journey.
In the grand symphony of business and spirituality, prayer harmonises the two realms. It bridges the gap between the earthly and the divine, merging supernatural intervention with practical strategy. Your business becomes a consecrated space where prayers ascend, sanctifying every transaction, negotiation and decision.
In the tapestry of kingdom entrepreneurship, prayer is the warp and weft, the interwoven threads that create a masterpiece of purpose and prosperity. As you step into the marketplace, remember that prayer is not an afterthought—it is the symphony that orchestrates your every move. In a world that often celebrates self-reliance, your commitment to prayer sets you apart as an ambassador of a higher economy—one where divine partnership propels you to unimaginable heights, and where every business endeavour is blessed by the whispers of heaven.
- Fulfilling God’s purpose through business and failure
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
In the grand tapestry of life, God’s purpose is the thread that weaves meaning, significance and hope into every aspect of our existence. As we navigate the complex landscape of entrepreneurship, we must recognise that God’s purpose extends beyond mere business success. Let us explore the intricate dance between divine purpose, entrepreneurial endeavours and the transformative role of failure in shaping our destinies.
Rick Warren’s profound words ring true: without God, life is a purposeless journey. Purpose serves as our compass, guiding our steps and infusing our lives with meaning. In the realm of business, purpose becomes the guiding light that illuminates our decisions and aligns our pursuits with divine intent.
God’s ways are often beyond our comprehension. He may allow our business ventures to dissolve, not as punishment, but as a redirection toward His higher purpose. This divine intervention can occur whether our businesses are flourishing or struggling. Our faith journey is a mosaic of successes and failures, all carefully orchestrated by the Divine Weaver who shapes our lives according to His plan.
In God’s redemptive narrative, every experience—triumphs and setbacks alike—contributes to a masterpiece that ultimately serves His purpose. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things together for good, weaving the threads of our lives into a symphony that harmonises with His will. Even in the face of failure, God’s purpose remains unwavering, guiding us toward the fulfillment of His divine design.
Consider Nelson’s story, a testament to the transformative power of failure when aligned with God’s purpose. The dissolution of his entrepreneurial venture led him to rediscover his true calling as a writer. His experience demonstrates that failure can be a catalyst for embracing our God-given assignments. What appeared to be a setback was, in reality, a stepping stone toward a more meaningful and fulfilling path.
As stewards of our time on earth, we are called to discern ventures that align with God’s purpose. Pursuing endeavours that deviate from His plan can lead to disillusionment and frustration. Let us not be swayed by pursuits that distract us from our true calling. Instead, let us invest our time, energy and passions into endeavours that glorify God and bring His purpose to fruition.
Sometimes, the loss of earthly pursuits can become an opportunity to magnify God’s name. Our willingness to surrender what we hold dear—whether it’s a business, a dream, or an ambition—can serve as a powerful testimony of faith. Through our losses, God’s name is exalted, and His redemptive grace shines even brighter against the backdrop of our struggles.
In the grand tapestry of life, the ups and downs of our entrepreneurial journeys are but brushstrokes on a canvas, masterfully guided by the Divine Artist. Let us embrace the interplay of purpose and failure, recognising that even in setbacks, God’s purpose remains steadfast. As we navigate the complexities of the business world, let our pursuit of purpose be our guiding star; and let our surrender to God’s plan illuminate our path, creating a masterpiece that reflects His unfailing love and sovereignty.
For further study on this chapter, kindly get a copy of our books: Why Some Kingdom Entrepreneurs Fail in Business, The Ten Commandments of Business Success, The 15 Remarkable Attributes of Successful Entrepreneurs.
Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor is a distinguished figure, acclaimed as an Author, Publishing Consultant, Christian Business Coach and a fervent Financial Evangelist. Nelson is a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a Financial Management Consultant, spanning close to two decades in both the not-for-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them on +233549762233 or [email protected]
