We hear about stories on the Internet, radio and television that refer to fake news.  What is fake news and how does it relate to our business? I have come to believe that fake news is made up information often for a political reason and should not be confused with incorrect news reporting and analysis. 

Regular readers will know that a Unique Sales Proposition (USP) is critical for any business. When we are clear about our USP we are able to articulate the benefits of our business to prospective customers. I consistently advise businesses to lead with the benefits and follow up with the evidence.  Many businesses become clear about their USP and effectively focus on benefits to customers, but do not always follow with evidence. 

I don’t like going back to check other people’s work. I prefer to assign a task, assume everything is done correctly and walk away. However, this is unwise. 

I was updating a website some time ago. At first look everything seemed fine, and I was tempted to call it finished. However, I disciplined myself to take additional time to check every link and other aspects of the site. I located six mistakes requiring correction, including two serious errors.  Had I not taken the time to check, I could’ve gone on for months or years without catching the errors. 

We see a scriptural example of this after the work of the tabernacle was completed. “Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.” (Exodus 39:43, NIV) Since the Lord had provided exact instructions about how to execute the work, it was important to check to see that it was finished properly.

Pro athletes need to perform even when banged up a bit because a game is on the line. The key is to know when to play when injured and when to stay off the field. The two important questions are:

            Is my team better off with me in the game, or not? 

            Is my injury likely to get worse if I play? 

In short, is playing a wise choice for the athlete and the team?

In the book of Exodus the Lord gives Moses very detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and the clothing for Aaron to wear when ministering before the Lord. The handiwork required was extraordinary as outlined in scriptures and indicated that Moses was to give the work to skilled people. However, the Lord also told Moses “So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded." (Exodus 36:1, NIV) Part of my takeaway from this scripture was that natural skill was not enough to complete the work; the Lord specifically gave the skill and ability needed to complete the complex project.