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 fulfilment 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. It’s not just a financial decision; it’s a spiritual investment with the potential to transform your business.
- 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 agenda, 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.
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]
