I like to visit the annual Spring Boating and Outdoor Show in my area. Climbing in and out of RVs, new boats and checking out the latest fishing equipment makes for an enjoyable Saturday afternoon. For the most part, I am more of a looker than buyer. 

I also like to watch the interaction between customers and salespeople. I don't want this to sound judgmental, but few people need a new boat even though many may want a new boat. If one can afford a boat without going into debt and boating is a family recreational activity, I see no problem with buying a boat. However, the boat is still want, not a need. 

Many years ago I made the decision not to conduct business on Sunday unless it was an emergency. I have always believed that in most instances Christians need to keep the Sabbath holy and avoid work. I personally avoid shopping on Sunday because I don't want to encourage shopkeepers to stay open. I would prefer that they close on Sunday as Chick-fil-A has done.  However, I understand that not everyone will agree with my perspective.

The number one rule of communication is to get to the point quickly and stay there. I get irritated when I take a call from someone who talks for three to four minutes, and I still don't know why they called me. When a salesperson calls, I tell them they have 30 seconds to tell me their unique sales proposition and why I should consider doing business with them. I do this to save my time and theirs.

In the past I did a 60-second radio feature that was syndicated on over a thousand radio stations worldwide. I used a format that started with an opening statement, gave a Scriptural principle, a business concept, and ended with a concluding statement. Not easy to do in the 59 seconds I was allowed. However, I gained an important benefit; I learned to be concise.

Once you’ve made your point, stay there.  This is especially important when connecting with customers.  Highlight benefits, work through questions and objections, and push toward closing the sale. Building rapport may be crucial in situations where your goal is a long term relationship and you must build trust. However, keep in mind that most business contacts are not going to become your best friends, and you are unlikely to invite them over for a backyard barbecue. Your relationship is business.

Today’s news scares us with instance after instance of large-scale data hacks gobbling up incredible amounts of information. If you are on anyone's database or have done any shopping online, you can assume somebody has taken your data at some time in the past. Even if a criminal never used your data, there is still reason for concern.  King Solomon cautioned, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” (Proverbs 22:3, NLT) The best we can do is to take good precautions.

Most of us have interviewed potential employees with very little work background. These may be individuals fresh out of school or those who have been out of the workforce for a period of time. Trying to discern a person's qualifications without work experience is a challenge.