Many of us work independently and require workspace either in an outside, rented facility or at home. “Bill” was operating an expanding property management business out of his house. Clients and vendors occasionally came to his house, but had to work around small children still at home.  Bill’s wife worked part-time, which required that Bill be available to watch the homestead.  While it was very handy at times, working in a home office was becoming increasingly challenging.

Hiring staff is one of the most important decisions we make. We trust our staff with our customers, our money, and the reputation of our business. A break in trust in any of these areas will have a major negative impact on our business. In some instances the wrong person can literally bankrupt a company.

The Lord gave us the following model for hiring staff.  “In those days, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in praying to God. When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles.” (Luke 6:12-13, NIV)

Most businesses that sell merchandise will end up with inventory.  When inventory turns over quickly, we have a good investment.  However, when inventory sits on a shelf for many years; it drains the business instead of building it. 

Inventory that sits around is an expense in two critical ways.  

• First, the merchandise takes up space that could be allocated to products that do sell and generate profit.
• Second, sitting merchandise ties up funds which could be deployed for other purposes. 

Business leaders should understand the assets under their authority. These assets include human resources, cash, and other physical and Intellectual properties. 

In Scripture when the Lord prepared to feed a great number of people and the disciples considered it an impossible task; the Lord responded, “’How much bread do you have? . . . Go and find out.’ They came back and reported, ‘We have five loaves of bread and two fish.’”(Mark 6:38, NLT)

I have written about creating a to-do list before.  It is an important way to stay focused on what is important.  I write tomorrow’s list at the end of the day after I mark off what was accomplished on the current day’s list. This helps me stay motivated because I realize that I have accomplished several things.

A system of priorities is helpful.  When I place a “1” by an item, the task is something I absolutely must do. My “2’s” are also high priority. However, if for some reason I move them to the next day; my roof won’t fall in. Then, I label the other items with 3’s and 4’.