Like many, I received many year-end donation requests from ministries.  Some came by mail; most by email. Many of the organizations I knew nothing about. Nor did I know anyone that worked there. There were several I had never heard from since their year-end appeal in 2017.

I was reminded of the classic advertisement called “The Man in the Chair” which I’ve shared below. This advertisement tries to show how difficult it is for someone to walk in cold and try to sell a service or product to a businessperson who has no prior information about what you do, sell, or who you represent. Likewise developing relationships, ministry partnerships and a base for financial support is not something that occurs through one or two emails.

I received a question from an individual who worked in a nursing home. The questioner worked for a company she believed lied to customers and bullied workers. While the information came from the employee and seemed credible, I always want to be careful that my information is accurate.  

The first claim was that management bullied and threatened the staff by saying they could be replaced easily if they didn't toe the mark. While none of us likes to be bullied, it may not be reason for quitting.  However, my counsel is that you should find another job before quitting, if possible. There is a big difference between not liking a job and being asked to participate in unethical actions. 

The more disturbing issue was the claim that management consistently lied to clients. If the customer had insurance to cover the bill, management would do anything to keep the customer, including allegedly submitting false documentation to insurance companies and dealing untruthfully with clients and their families.

We understand that regular exercise is an important aspect of maintaining good health. Though we understand the necessity of exercise, frequently we don’t find the time for good exercise. As John wrote, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” (3 John, 1:2)

These videos show how a good exercise routine will take only 15 minutes a week.  Not bad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVhhbC51_3k

Frequently we make up nice-looking sales brochures explaining to customers why they should utilize our service or buy our product. In sales we had a name for these sales brochures, we called them marketing collateral because customers usually just tossed them into the circular file.

I spend time marketing a damage restoration business to prospects. I visit insurance agents, property managers, apartment building managers as well as managers of assisted living facilities.

If I'm not careful I would make the same pitch to an insurance agent that I make to the assisted living manager. Instead, before I make my initial call; I check out the business online. How long have they been in business? Do they have a special focus? If I am able to identify the owner, can I learn anything about them from LinkedIn or Facebook? When I make my initial inquiry, I check out the office. Are papers scattered?  Is the space disorganized? My approach may be different for a disorganized manager than when I see a clean, well-organized office.