Customers like options. If we only offer one option, a prospect may walk away if it’s not something the customer wants. If we offer too many options, we may confuse the customer and create indecision and cause them not to buy. The same thing happens if you go to a restaurant with an eight-page menu. Sometimes you get so confused you don’t know what to do. In these circumstances I retreat to something familiar, which may or may not be the best choice.

One principle to follow is to offer your customers a good, better and best option, called a GBB for short. For example, offer one unit at a reasonable price, three units at a discount and perhaps six at a deeper discount. Sometimes you can use free shipping to enhance one of these options.

Churches and other organizations invite speakers on a regular basis. When I have been invited to speak, I have politely declined most invitations. I have a process I go through to decide if I should say yes to a speaking engagement. It involves calculating time for preparation, travel time involved, time I would spend at the event and what work I must say no to in order to accept the invitation. For me, I need to be certain that the benefit of the presentation offsets the other work which I will have to set aside.  

If you are considering inviting a speaker for an event, I believe there are some key factors which will enhance the opportunity for a successful approach. 

We all will suffer setbacks and disappointments. This is part of life. The key issue is how we work through these situations.

We see an example in Scripture when David’s child was acutely ill. “David prayed to God for the baby. David fasted and went into his house and stayed there, lying on the ground all night.  The elders of David’s family came to him and tried to pull him up from the ground, but he refused to get up or to eat food with them.” (2 Samuel 12:15 – 17, NIV)

After the child died, his advisors were afraid of what David’s reaction would be upon hearing of the child’s death. However, David’s response was:

With COVID-19 sending millions of Americans home to work, many meetings which were conducted in person are now conducted through our computer screens. A wise businessperson keeps in mind that even when working from home we need to exhibit a professional persona during these meetings.

Consider what God said to Samuel: "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV) Keep in mind that your image is always subject to scrutiny. For example, if you attend a virtual meeting in your pajamas, with ruffled hair, unshaven or otherwise looking sloppy; your colleague or boss may develop a perspective that your work is subpar even if your work is excellent. 

Here are some important reminders to increase your professionalism in a virtual meeting.

When we select Christmas gifts for children, friends, and family, we usually give significant thought to them. My mom was a thoughtful gift giver on Christmas and special occasions. In business we should also target our gift giving whenever practical.