What can you do today to create a greater tomorrow?
As I was praying with one of our pastors a couple days ago, the Lord revealed this question to me :“What can you do today to create a greater tomorrow “? This is an interesting and relevant question for the season we are in. A season of isolation, followed by a long transition back into full business and community activity .
A couple of days ago we talked about the nine fruits of the Spirit. I urge you to continue on this daily journey; including meditation on the subject and providing one of these nine (fruit) to a person you know each day .
Today’s message I believe is for business owners. Over the past 10-15 years I have observed that something vital has been lost from NZ businesses. It’s called ‘goodwill’ . In fact businesses of old were based, run and valued on ‘goodwill’ . When you sold your company or business entity ‘goodwill’ brought in a major part of the sale value . I remember in the mid ‘80’s my father selling his business. He owned a part interest in their building which had two other tenants along with his own business. When the new owner bought the building he not only paid for the building but also each business owner was paid for their businesses and ‘goodwill’!
Now days we don’t see this as much. In fact many small businesses are just closed down as owners have nothing to sell apart from equipment and possibly a building. The meaning of ‘goodwill’ is still recorded in the dictionary as it was practiced in bygone years: ‘Goodwill’ ; ‘the established reputation of a business regarded as a quantifiable asset and calculated as part of its value when sold’ .
So my thoughts today are how might we re-establish ‘goodwill’ back into our businesses . This way we are building a business that will not only be profitable but worth something when we retire . An organisation that will continue long after we have moved on . After all, wouldn’t it be a compliment to our efforts and sacrifices to see a business that we have birthed and nurtured continue to grow and prosper under fresh ownership. Yes, adapted and adjusted to market needs but built on an established loyalty base . Surely a worthy goal and a reflective joy to each of us !
Here are a few ways:
1. Value and honour customers. 2. See your relationship with customers as long term friendships . 3. Provide extra service and don’t charge for it. 4. Take pleasure in doing the work for your customers .5. Do the best in the work you do. 6. Be honest, reliable, caring and so much more.
So here is my challenge today for you who are business owners. Spend sometime with the Lord asking, how you can re-introduce the quality of ‘goodwill’ back into your business.
Father your will is for business to thrive in this next season. I thank you for showing us a key for what I believe is ‘goodwill’ . Show us how we can do this, in this time so we will have something to pass on in the future. Amen
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors/ Apostolic Leqders
Encounter Ministries
