Are you careful to listen to your customers’ concerns? Ezekiel wrote, people “have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear” (Ezekiel 12:2, NASB). Customers will send us messages all the time. The key is to listen and then act on...

Do you use voicemail effectively? Isaiah was told by the Lord to “Present your case” (Isaiah 41:21, NASB). Like it or not, we often get a person’s voicemail, rather than the person. When making sales calls or follow up, plan a 30-second statement...

Do you protect your business reputation at all costs? King Solomon wrote, “A good name is better than a good ointment” (Ecclesiastes 7:1, NASB). We must protect our business reputation. Firestone tire has maintained a sterling reputation from 1900...

When a task must be done now, are you clear with staff? When Jesus sent the disciples across a lake, He “immediately made” them “get into the boat” (Matthew 14:22). Often, a job must be done now to serve a customer request or meet a...

Do you lend a hand to struggling staff members? When staff are in danger of sinking, we need to help. Get together and identify why the person is struggling. Assist in identifying three major items that are causing the crisis. If necessary, lift work from the...

Do you understand the needs of your customers? Hosea wrote, “…the people without understanding are ruined” (Hos. 4:14 NASB). Customers should drive any business. The only way you will understand customers is to spend time with clients and ask how...

Are you up-to-date in every aspect of your business? A prophet wrote, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hos. 4:6 NASB). Today, business requirements will change at the drop of a hat. Read trade magazines, attend industry seminars...

Do you treat business lunches as an extension of your work day? Business meals with customers should be treated as work time. Determine in advance what you want to accomplish. Then, don’t “turn to the right or the left” (Prov. 4:26 NASB)....

Are you prompt in returning phone calls and in answering letters? Jesus said, “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10 NASB). We may receive many phone calls each day and be tempted to blow many of them off....

Do you want to be appreciated by your staff? King Solomon wrote, “…he who speaks right is loved” (Prov. 16:13 NASB). Our staff wants and needs to hear the truth from us every time. Every time you speak as the boss, your words carry weight. Ensure...

What style of communication do you use when discussing key business issues? Scripture teaches, “…sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness” (Prov. 16:21 NASB). Most of us are involved in discussions over business issues. Be firm, and use clear,...

Are you investing in new productivity tools to improve your business? King Solomon taught, “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much increase comes by the strength of the ox” (Prov.14:4 NASB). Any new investment will require more work—for...