GLORIA JEAN’S SUCCESS THROUGH PERSEVERANCE
BREAK THROUGH THE TIPS TO
CASH FLOW DROUGHT
TWO TYPES OF THINKERS
WHICH ONE ARE YOU?
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Contents 0 6 Steps to growing your business after the GFC John Osborne gives some valuable information on how to keep your business alive after the financial crisis 08 10 tips to break the cashflow drought How to survive in business and be separate from those businesses that may not endure the hard times... Tony Gattari 12 Two types of thinkers – which one are you? Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, reviews the characteristics of the positive thinker and the negative thinker.
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 2011
14 The business of coffee
24 Called to be an Entrepreneur
What the co-founder of Gloria Jean’s Coffees has to say on building a successful business... Lynn Goldsmith
Dr Stan Jeffery explains the role of the entrepreneur in society and business today and how to achieve this
18 Ten keys to leadership in times of crisis Some insight into the role of a leader and how to guide in times of economic difficulties... Amanda Wells
28 Can I serve the Lord with my business?
20 Praying effectively for your business God can help and give you strategies for your business – but you need to pray fervently... Ingrid Gattari
EDITOR’S LETTER “When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:18-19 WE ARE SO EXCITED TO PRESENT OUR inaugural Inspired Business magazine. We felt there was a great need in the marketplace for business owners, and potential business people, to glean information on the different aspects of running a business. Business can be very stressful at times and if we can provide tips and helpful strategies to make your business work for you, particularly in these uncertain economic times, then we feel very privileged to release these in the publication. What is important to you in your business and what would you like to learn from others who have made in through the tough times? We have some great articles
Business is made up of many things: leadership, sales and marketing, time management, but most importantly, the Lord….Desiree Meoushy 32 Re-writing the history pages: Is it really possible? Christian businesses across the country are in the process of re-writing the history books through charitable giving...Rachel Morris
for you to peruse and study what they have to say. Some of these articles include ‘Called to be an Entrepreneur’. Many people, young and old, like to live ‘on the edge’. They don’t want to fit into the corporate world or study to be a professional – they want to run a business that can challenge them and let them be in control. We also have ‘Two types of thinkers – which one are you?’ by Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers. He writes that it is important to be positive and maintain the right mindset to see you through, and yes, there will be some tough times. ‘Praying effectively for your business’ makes it clear that prayer is the most important strategy you can engage in. Without God and his thoughts as to where your business should go, you will be floundering. We know you’ll enjoy reading this interesting and informative publication and may God bless you in your business ventures.
With special thanks to our partners...
Blessings,
Lynn Goldsmith Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011 | 5
Strategies
STEPS to growing your business after the GFC I THINK EVERYBODY IN THE small to medium enterprise area of the business world agrees that business has been more challenging over the last three years since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and will be challenging in the years ahead. It is now time to take a step back to work on your business. It will pay dividends. Here are six steps to get you started: STEP ONE – Create a unique business You need to create a business that has a point of difference and sets you apart from your competition. If you don’t do this your customers and clients cannot see how you are different to your competition and they will decide to buy on the basis of price only and not value. STEP TWO – Create passionate customers and clients It is far more expensive to acquire more new customers and clients than to get your previous ones to buy again from you. It is important to stay in touch with your customers and clients, even when they don’t need your product or service. By doing this you are adding value and they will refer you to their friends and others in business that may need your product or service. Create a customer loyalty system for your business.
John Osborne shares some valuable insight on how to keep your business alive after the current economic crisis...
Maybe a special program for ‘A’ customers and clients, a networking function, a business newsletter or just delivering a gift with some information on your business service offering. STEP THREE – Be passionate about your business
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If your business is not creating a lifestyle for yourself and your family, and you are not passionate about it, it is time to get out. Life is too short to live without a passion. It is this passion in business that will set you apart from your competitors. You need to drive your business from a successful business to a significant
You need to create a business that has a point of difference and sets you apart from your competition STEP FIVE – Keep up with technology It is imperative in business that you set up a database and website. Before you start any marketing you need to invest in a really good database, one that is tailored to the specific needs of your business. More than ever before your customers and clients, especially ‘X’ and ‘Y’ generations are relying on the internet for information on products and services. Set up a good website – it will pay dividends.
business, where you are recognised as a leader in your industry by your customers and clients. STEP FOUR – Keep your eyes on the horizon A captain at sea is always keeping his eye on the horizon for pending problems, ready to change course
where and when necessary. So too, as captains of industry, we need to continuously look at the horizon for change and be ready to alter our course when necessary. We are in an ever-changing world of business. Constantly watch for change that will impact on your business.
STEP SIX – Put in systems to drive your business You may have a great product or service, but it is only a matter of time before someone duplicates your product or service and improves on it. You need to ask yourself, ‘How can we as an organisation, differentiate ourselves in our service offering?’ You need to create a ‘wow’ service offering, that will give your customers enough reasons to want to walk into your shop or business or pick up the phone to contact you. Do you have the right marketing tools to attract people to your business? Do your staff members have the right selling skills and know the customer service standards of your business? Are you displaying your product or service in the most appealing way? Make sure you document all of the processes that make up your service offering to your clients and customers. John Osborne CEO Osborne Yuille & Associates
Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011 | 7
Cash-flow
WHEN ECONOMIC HARD-TIMES hit, one measure more than any other separates the business survivors from those that fall by the way – cash-flow.
will have on cash-flow – events like the introduction of a new product line, marketing venture or extra staff member can have an uncertain impact.
4. Give your customers a reason to pay
In boom times, many business owners naturally turn their focus to measurements like sales and profit, but when things slow down it is cash-flow that is the key test of business health.
2. Communicate from day one
Reminders and checks may get the debtors paying in good times, but when things are tight a little something more will often be necessary to bring in the cash.
The good news is there is plenty that business owners can do to turn a cash-flow trickle into a flood.
In the current economic and credit climate, there is one key challenge most business owners are likely to face in bringing more cash in the door; getting customers to pay on time.
Here are 10 best tips for boosting cash-flow. 1. Put together a good cash-flow forecast A cash-flow forecast is a key diagnostic tool for the health of a business. Without one, getting your business’s cash-flow right is almost impossible. Many businesses operating without a cash-flow forecast, don’t even realise their margins are coming under pressure. Small business owners in particular often shy away from putting together a forecast because they find it hard to gauge the affect different factors
Once you understand how cash moves through your business, you can start taking action to increase cash-flow.
Constant communication is the crucial first step to improving debtor days. Communication with clients has to start from day one, with new clients receiving a notice clearly setting out how long they have to pay bills – and the consequences if they don’t. 3. Check the credentials of new customers New customers are great, but new customers that actually pay are even better. The problem is it can be difficult to tell one from the other until it is too late.
8 | Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011
A tool many cash-flow advisors believe is effective, if costly, is the discount for early payment. If a discount doesn’t make financial sense, consider offering other benefits for prompt payment such as a higher level of post-purchase service or priority access to new stock. You can also make paying your bills less painful for your clients by allowing them to pay in instalments, helping them smooth out their cash-flow and giving you some increased security. 5. Spend more time ensuring your big clients pay Small businesses that rely heavily on dealing with a few, big clients, often find themselves in a bind when it comes to cash-flow –
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Cash-flow
We see as many businesses go broke through expanding as contracting, because they don’t understand how to balance growth with things like capital investment as their company grows desperate to be paid, but petrified of losing a key customer. Managing big clients requires a careful approach, with plenty of care and attention backed by a firm commitment to being paid. 6. Encourage staff to bring in the cash Many businesses reward staff for boosting sales. During a downturn, cash-flow management is arguably more important, so why not give staff a real incentive to help make it happen? This can mean introducing a performance-based component for accounts receivable staff, but often improving cash-flow requires an organisation-wide effort. It can often be worthwhile to direct at least a portion of your sales team’s commission structure towards ensuring the customers they sell to actually pay. 7. Debtor finance can help in a tight spot There are a range of finance options available to businesses that can provide an immediate boost to cashflow – at a price.
8. Be disciplined If sweet-talking, phone calls, or discounts don’t get your debtors to start paying, they need to know that you won’t be afraid to bring in the big guns. 9. If you can’t be disciplined, outsource to someone who can Business owners are notoriously time poor. Many just can’t devote enough time to debtor management, or regret the sacrifice required to other parts of the business if they do. For businesses that want to beef up their debtor management, but don’t want to build an in-house accounts receivable capacity, outsourcing can be an option. The key test of whether outsourcing will work for a
10 | Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011
business is how it fits into the bottom line, with the cost of the service balanced against the prospect of improved payment rates and the convenience of somebody else managing your debts. 10. Don’t grow yourself out of business Cash-flow management may become imperative during economic downtimes, but periods of rapid growth can present equally difficult cash-flow challenges. We see as many businesses go broke through expanding as contracting, because they don’t understand how to balance growth with things like capital investment as their company grows. Tony Gattari is the CEO of Achievers Group. For more information visit www.achieversgroup.com.au
Unpacking God’s Purpose in the MarketPlace The Cre8 Kingdom Business Conference Sydney 2011 Thursday 27th - Friday 28th October, Hills Centre, Castle Hill After impacting over 1000 people in the last 4 events in Melbourne, the 2011 Cre8 Kingdom Business Conference is now coming to Sydney. The Cre8 Kingdom Business Conference is the leading event supporting Christian civic, business and professional leaders and entrepreneurs to find their God-given destiny in the marketplace and empower them to be well connected leaders of character, excellence and influence. In partnership with local Churches, Cre8 provides focused teaching and resources on the hallmarks of business success. Attendees will also connect with highly regarded leaders committed to serving Christ in the marketplace. Ongoing support is provided through Australian Marketplace Connections' network of resources and programs.
“Cre8 was a life changing experience for me and my sense of calling in the market place. Session topics were spot on leaving me with a great sense of direction in my market place calling. I loved this conference and the connections I made with like-minded people.” Jonathon Brake Business Owner
"I realised I had the opportunity to come to Cre8 and gain what I could from the conference, or take 10 of my most busy business people who can never find time together and spend 48 hours with them and minister to them at the conference" Allan Demond Senior Pastor - Newhope Baptist
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Mindsets
Two types of thinkers Which one are you? Michael Hyatt reviews the characteristics of the positive thinker and the negative thinker. Which one do you want to be? OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE noticed that there are two kinds of thinking. One kind leads to success, joy, and fulfillment. The other leads to failure, fear, and discontent. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he,” (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV). My friend, Robert Smith, is a great example of the first. He is one of the most generous people I know. He always greets me with a big smile, a hug, and an encouraging word. I always leave his presence energised, feeling great about being me. And I have noticed that he is like this with everyone. He treats employees, vendors, booking agents, publishers, and everyone else as if they were his best customers. He routinely invests in their success. It comes back to him in a thousand ways. Robert is my best example of an abundance thinker. One of my former clients, Charlie (not his real name), is just the opposite. He exhibits a hoarding mentality. He never picks up the check, even if he asks you to lunch. He constantly complains—about everything. I haven’t seen him in years, but when I did, I always
left his presence drained and diminished. It turns out that he, too, was like this with everyone. His employees— and even family members—rolled their eyes when you mentioned his name. They lived in constant fear that their livelihood and wellbeing were at risk. Interestingly, the success he craved seemed to elude him. Charlie is my best example of a scarcity thinker. The question is this: Which type of thinker are you? Maybe it’s time to do some honest self-evaluation. Better yet, ask those closest to you. As I was running this morning, I noted eight characteristics of abundance thinkers: They believe there is always more where that came from. They are happy to share their knowledge, contacts, and compassion with others. They default to trust and build rapport easily. They welcome competition, believing it makes the pie bigger and makes them better. They ask themselves, ‘How can I give more than is expected?’ They are optimistic about the
12 | Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011
future, believing the best is yet to come. They think big, embracing risk. They are thankful and confident. I also noted eight characteristics of scarcity thinkers: They believe there will never be enough. They are stingy with their knowledge, contacts, and compassion. They default to suspicion and find it difficult to build rapport. They resent competition, believing it makes the pie smaller and them weaker. They ask themselves, ‘How can I get by with less than is expected?’ They are pessimistic about the future, believing that tough times are ahead. They think small, avoiding risk. They are entitled and fearful. The truth is that, for most of us, we are not either/or. We are a little of both. I certainly want to grow as an abundance thinker. Reviewing these characteristics has given me some clarity. How about you? Michael Hyatt CEO- Thomas Nelson Publishers
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Profile
PETER IRVINE is one of those people who will inspire you with great confidence when talking about business and business strategies. You know, without a doubt, that what he says is good and sound advice. I asked him - what were the main ‘ingredients’ for keeping a business alive and making business successful. We also spoke about the importance of keeping godly values in the everyday running of commerce.
You had a background in advertising – tell me about your career before Gloria Jean’s Coffees... I started work in 1963 at 14 years and 10 months old as a junior and worked for the agency for over 30 years. I worked through various departments and eventually became managing director over the last two years. I worked many product and service categories over this time and had roles of national media director, general manager and the agency launched and handled the McDonald’s account. How and why did you start Gloria Jean’s? Our partners Nabi and Angela Saleh approached my wife Sue and myself in mid 1995 about doing something different. I felt God was leading me into something new over the previous two years but had no idea what it was. I learnt to continue to be faithful where I was working until he opened the doors. It is easy to drop back and start to focus elsewhere but this is not a good testimony. Together we wanted to build a business that could be a
testimony and provide resources for God’s Word to get out in the community and worldwide as well as being able to support ministries that are helping people in need.To create jobs and build people. Many business owners need more and more information on how to run a business. What did you implement in your business model to make Gloria Jean’s so successful? There were not the great resources available as there are today. So we encouraged each other, talked to people to help us form our own opinions and sought God.We realised the leadership and business building teaching in the Bible is fantastic. We also discovered that most of the well recognised business speakers in the world actually got their material from the Bible but didn’t say where it came from.We were inspired by the teaching in our church. The church encouraged business people. Proverbs says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel” but it also says to get good advice. There are people and resources today that provide great practical assistance and direction to help.
14 | Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011
Jesus said to build our lives and what we do (businesses and careers and marriages) on a good foundation so they will not stumble or fall when shaken. What are your thoughts about debt – is it okay to have debt in a company and what do you think the limit should be to be able to control the company? I believe it is okay to have debt in the business. Without going into a lot of details sometimes you have to pre pay for stock before you sell it and there are other reasons. I am not a fan of a lot of debt although I have been there, done that and got the T-Shirt, but when you start or grow businesses you sometimes need cash to move forward.Try to get good financial advice so you can manage what you borrow and the repayments. While you go through the repayment period try not to continue adding debt until you have eliminated your current debts. I encourage people who are starting businesses to grow their business slowly and try to fund the business out of the cash flow of the company then the pressure regarding finances can be reduced.
We can share our faith by the lives we live, by the attitude we have and by the way we do business and by the way we treat people
Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011 | 15
Profile
The Bible talks about being the lender and not a borrower so the guideline should encourage us not to stretch beyond our limits. Sometimes we just need to take a little longer to achieve where we are going. You need to continue to work at reducing it even by going without things so that it can be reduced. What are the important aspects of maintaining cash flow in your opinion? Most people think that making a profit is cash flow. If you don’t have money in the business to pay your staff and bills then you will be out of business. To improve cash flow you need to look at costs in your business, for example: stationary, travel, telecommunications, insurances, loans, stock and buying prices. In this way you can manage and reduce these costs by negations or eliminating or reducing some of the areas.This brings cash flow to the business. Collecting from people who owe you is critical to cash flow. Often people get bigger warehouses and then have to fill them. This will not improve cash flow as you reduce cash because you have to buy the stock. It only is good to you when it leaves the warehouse. I am staggered at how few people do serious regular stock takes for small and large inventories. What does it take to be a good leader in a company? You have to set the vision and direction and bring the staff, suppliers and providers on the journey. You need to learn how to
involve them in the process and they will support you through good and tough times. I continually work with people where I get them focussed on being leaders and how they can bring their suppliers and staff on the journey. A leader accepts responsibility and learns to bring everyone across the finish line together. A leader encourages and pushes people upwards. A leader keeps learning. When you stop learning you stop growing. If you don’t invest in yourself no one else will. There are so much good practical CD’s and books today. Use your car as a university. John Maxwell says he has seen some research that shows that most
If you don’t have money in the business to pay your staff and bills then you will be out of business. people at 67 years of age have nothing new to say.I believe this is the same for some people at 17, 25 30 or 40 years old. How do you bring Christ into your everday running of your company? When you lack wisdom the book of Proverbs and James says to ask. So everyday I ask for wisdom, spend time in prayer and study of the Bible and listen to what God is
16 | Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011
saying. Get good business material written by Christians.Obtain good material that will help to open up what the Bible is saying. John Maxwell’s leadership Bible is a great resource. It is the whole Bible and shows where he gets all his leadership material from. See God as interested in everything we do not just for two hours on Sunday. Ray Croc who founded McDonald’s, said in his book that his priority was God first, Family second and McDonald’s third but at work the order is reversed. I have two problems with this statement. 1) He is saying he is a different person at work than he is at home. We need to be the same person and not try to live different lives. Many people go to church and some even read the Bible and don’t see any relation between their business or work and the Christian walk. 2) I don’t believe there is a priority. God wants to be part of everything.When you create priorities you create conflict and one or two of these areas gets ignored or reduced in importance or we leave God out of the picture. We can share our faith by the lives we live, by the attitude we have and by the way we do business and by the way we treat people. Trust me you will get asked what is different about you when God is alive and active in everything we do. Lynn Goldsmith Editor-in-Chief
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house
“Ingrid’s book resonates with the very depths of my being, for it has been birthed from experience - and I know that its instructive and interactive presentation will help those called into business to learn how to use the power of prayer to become all that God has created them to be... Learn and inwardly digest the truths expressed in this book. Brilliant!” Peter G. James Sinclair CEO - Outasight Enterprises Pty Ltd PRAYER KEYS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS teaches readers how to win the war raging over their business, family and lives. Not every battle will be won but an incredible change will occur in the heart of the person praying. A healthy got-it-together business owner equates to a more successful business. The Keys shared in this book have been tried and tested by other business people; some share their real life story of how God, through prayer, gave them strategies and wisdom to win those difficult customers or solve that unsolvable financial issue.
P ra ct ic al
Prayer
K E Y S to B U SINESS S u cc es s In Business? Then Pray.
“Ing rid Gatt ari prov ides a powe rful chall enge for Chri stian busin ess peop le. We are chall enge d in this succe ss to put on the belt of truth in busin ess-b e truth ful and to see pray er is not occas ional but a lifest yle in our busin ess life. Read and be inspi red to new level s of busin ess livin g.” Peter Irvin e Co – Foun der Glor ia Jean’ s Coffe es
Reading this book is only the start, putting into practice the keys shared is where the miracle will unfold. Once you do, hang onto your seat, God will surely move.
In gr id Gattari
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Leadership
AMANDA WELLS offers some insight into the role of a leader and how to guide in times of economic difficulties
10 Keys to Leadership in a Time of Crisis
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU seen this in the movies — the ‘last stand’? A group of soldiers is heavily outnumbered, supplies are getting thin, and nerves are frayed. A few months ago this was no longer the scene of a movie but it became real life for many here in Queensland! Reinforcements are nowhere in sight. The enemy’s commander (or
in our case rising floodwaters) just outside the gate, are calling for the group to surrender. Now, imagine yourself in the place of the officer in charge. Your organisation is the castle/outpost/ fortress/city under siege. You can fight or you can surrender; you’re surrounded, so retreat is not an option. It looks like there’s little chance of a favorable outcome for
18 | Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011
your small group or business. What do you do? Your company or church might not be literally ‘under siege’ but in our current economic state, you can be excused for feeling sometimes like the vultures are circling overhead. When times are tough for your business or church, what do you do?
Remember — anyone can play a leader when things are going well. It’s in times of crisis when we find out
9. Give your leaders a choice
who our true leaders are
Whether to take a stand with you or cast their lot elsewhere. Those who aren’t firmly with you will weigh you down.
1. Be a leader, not merely a boss. Get out in front of your employees. If you don’t demonstrate leadership capability who will follow you? Leaders Do Not Dictate Organisational Culture There is a misconception among some organisational leaders that culture can be dictated from the top levels. Culture, however, cannot be dictated anymore than one can dictate how someone else feels. While leaders cannot dictate culture, they certainly play a role in shaping it. (Just as you cannot dictate how someone feels about you, your behaviour certainly affects it). Plus, just as a nation can share a national culture and yet have regional or cross-sectional sub-cultures, so does an organisation. Therefore even department leaders play a role in shaping an organisation’s culture. Two very core attributes of any culture, including an organisation, that really shapes expectations and behaviours are what is perceived to be important (values) and what is thought to be true (beliefs). Leaders cannot simply tell people what is important or what is true; the members of a culture will make that determination by what goes on in the organisation. Leaders Set the Organisational Tone One way leaders can promote a positive organisational culture is by setting priorities that all members
recognise as important to the organisation’s success. Leaders set priorities by how they focus their attention and allocate resources. Members of the organisation will know that caring for people is a real priority.
2. Stand on your principles. There’s the expedient thing to do and there’s the right thing to do. If you believe in yourself, you’ll do the right thing.
3. Maintain the morale. Convince yourself there’s no such thing as impossible, then demonstrate your conviction to your troops.
4. You know who your employees look up to. Make those individuals part of your circle of command (‘C of C’). Don’t lock yourself into one hierarchy.
5. Within your ‘C of C’, quickly determine your options. Realistically assess your resources, strengths, and weaknesses.
7. Plan for the best- and worstcase scenarios. Always plan your exit strategy!!
8. Lay out the options for all your leaders Explain why you prefer option ‘x’.
10. Execute your plan. Remember — anyone can play a leader when things are going well. It’s in times of crisis when we find out who our true leaders are. Innovative Leadership Means Embracing Change. Innovative leaders who recognise change as an inevitable part of business, and therefore embrace new and improved methods, will certainly have an impact on the organisation’s culture. Imagine a culture where members believe that change is positive and potentially beneficial for everyone in an organisation. In many organisations people fear change because their past experiences have taught them that change results in disempowerment. In the current environment, being fast, responsive, and flexible is increasingly important. What kind of organisation will thrive in the fastmoving and ever-changing market place: a stodgy organisation whose members cling to old ways out of fear, or an innovative one that seeks and embraces change? We all know the answer to that question. The real question is what kind of organisation is your current style of leadership creating? Amanda Wells is passionate for the church to engage the spheres of influence to bring transformation, and to awaken entrepreneurs into their destiny. Amanda has her own business, and also her own mentoring system for entrepreneurs called ‘Passion to Process to Product in 90 days’.
Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011 | 19
Praying effectively for your business
20 | Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011
Spirituality
God can help and give you strategies for your business – but you need to pray fervently... says Ingrid Gattari
NO ONE IS 100% SURE OF HOW the economic crisis in Greece and other countries will affect our businesses in Australasia. There are also rumours and questions about the economic future of the US and Japan. Changes with these super powers would significantly impact the world as we know it. It’s a wise person who seeks God for strategy and insight and asks how they can prepare for the flow-on affect from overseas or, from within their own space in the market. The retail space for example is experiencing its worse trading season in 50 years the SMH reported on August 4th. How does a business respond to such turmoil? How does a retailer respond to shifts in buying patterns? How can it regain its market share and compete against the Internet? Questions about our future are abounding. We all want to know the answers. Surely our God can help, he knows ALL things; is the Source, Our Wisdom, and our Provider. He can direct us through, right? But do we know how to access the answers, how to navigate through the rocky path? Do we know how to fight in prayer for strategy, protection and ultimately, victory? My observations are that a good portion of folks in business leave prayer to later, to when they have tried everything else and are completely stumped. I have witnessed also, folks praying with sincerity and heart but, I have known these were not mountainshifting prayers they were praying,
they were more like coins thrown into a wishing fountain. It is imperative business folks know how to pray effectively and to attune their spirit to God’s whisper in these perilous times. He will forewarn us to protect us and those around us so that we can weather difficult times. Imagine with me. What would happen if business owners led the way in their organisation and did battle in the heavens? Imagine the outcomes if they took authority over the works of Satan: whole organisations would enjoy a predominant Christian culture of forgiveness, respect, provision and blessing as employees came to Christ. Imagine the incredible ideas that would flow: maybe we would see new technologies invented bringing cures for cancer and other diseases. As I muse I know that very little will happen if folks do not know how to pray effectively. James 5: 16 (KJV) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. The effectual fervent prayer... avails much. This phrase has much insight to offer. There are many keys to ensure our prayers are more effective. Two main keys are; • knowing our authority in Christ
and, • dealing with sin in our lives These are not new revelations from God’s Word but applying them to the detail of our lives is the challenge. Our authority in Christ is not a Christian buzz phrase, rather it’s a revelation we must gain to truly understand the enormous power we hold as a Christian. Being in Christ means we (including you and your business) are part of his body: his heart, lungs, his legs, arms, eyes, and feet. So when Ephesians 1: 22 (AMP) says that God has put all things
It is imperative business folks know how to pray effectively and to attune their spirit to God’s whisper in these perilous times under his feet, the feet Paul is talking about is the church. That is you and me. Ephesians 1: 19-22 (AMP) 19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, 20Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated
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Spirituality
Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], 21Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come. 22 And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church], Once business people grasp that they can stand in their rightful position in prayer and use Christ’s authority to overcome their Goliath, God will move. The reason is found in verses 20 and 21 where it says that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father far above all rule and authority, power and dominion. Just for emphasis – far above ALL rule and authority, power and dominion. If business owners understand that they can command every power and authority that seeks to steal and destroy the prosperity of their business, to go in Jesus’ name, then we will see some incredible results. No more wishful prayers, but real power-filled mountain movers. Another key to ensure we are praying effectively has to do with getting rid of sin and, dealing with our carnal nature. Some of those behaviours include things such as: • • • • •
angry outbursts, gossiping pay backs impatience disobedience (doing things my way)
These are some of my things: what are yours? As you begin to exercise your prayer muscle, ask God to show you if your prayers are being hindered or weakened. Ask God to lead you to
the answers and to help you bring change. From hard learned lessons I have come to understand that if I ignore that character weakness or tuck that sin under the carpet, it definitely impacts my prayers. Whereas dealing with those issues the Holy Spirit has brought to my attention, dramatically strengthens my prayer effectiveness. Over the years of training multiple people in business my husband Tony Gattari would come home and after much shoulder shrugging and exasperated sighs he would conclude, “I can design them the best of breed business plan and train their sales team until it sings, but the real success lies in the growth of the business owner.” The growth Tony is referring to is, personal character growth or Emotional Intelligence. It’s dealing with those areas of our personality that require maturity. This kind of growth takes bravery and a heart after God. If you are willing to grow, God is willing to help. If you are at a place where your business, your marriage or another area of your life is facing a drought or a Goliath, I encourage you to pray effectively. You cannot afford to be ineffective; a lot is at stake. Seek God for the strategy • to overcome the enemy of tight cash flow, • to help you find a response to the threat/opportunity with online shopping • to help you define your target customer • to help you identify your unique selling proposition • to reposition your business for growth • to overcome that managerial weakness • to help you grow into a better
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leader • to help you face that difficult employee • to help you find that niche in your market space Not every situation requires a battle-type prayer. The everyday on-goings of business life will quite adequately be covered with business owners lifting up their business dealings to the Lord daily. As Psalms 37: 3-5 (NIV) encourages, Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: I encourage you to remember that God is a Good God and loves you very much. As you walk your own journey of prayer, the skills you learn can be applied to every area of your world. The book Practical Prayer Keys to Business Success is written for the business owner, but the principles are applicable to all of our lives.
Ingrid Gattari Achievers Group www.achieversgroup.com.au
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Beginnings
Called to be an Entrepreneur Dr Stan Jeffery explains the role of the entrepreneur in society and business today THE FOUNDATION OF THIS ARTICLE WAS originally a talk given to year 12 students. It had the title ‘Entrepreneurship and School Leavers’ (or I’m sorry Dad but I don’t think I’ll get a job when I leave school). The aim was to encourage those who had a desire to start their own business. That it was a real possibility not a silly idea, not laziness, not a vague hope for the future but a possible career choice. When speaking to potential entrepreneurs I often start by producing a bottle of Guinness from a brown paper bag. While it is appreciated that there are many who have real and genuine objections to the drinking of alcohol, there are very important lessons to be learnt from the story of Arthur Guinness. These are that the entrepreneur must have a timely product or service, the business must be based upon sound business practices and that ‘good’ must be done with the profits. Look at the following list James Dyson Dyson Vacuum Cleaners Tony Wheeler Lonely Planet Jean Nidetch Pampers Marion Donovan Weight Watchers Anita Roddick Body Shop Richard Branson Virgin Michael Dell 24 | Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011
Dell Computers Reg Williams R. M. Williams Debbi Fields Mrs. Fields Cookies It is obvious that the people on this list are well known, but there could be more individuals just like them among us now. People who, in 10 or 15 years time, are looked up to as examples of people who through hard work and determination, created an internationally recognised and respected company - admired for what they have done and what they have achieved. Studies show that approximately 10% of the population have entrepreneurial tendencies. That unknown something that drives them to do things differently bigger, better, faster than anyone else. It is not just a matter of education or circumstances but something inside them that has to find a way to express itself. Just as the artist or athlete must find a way to express themselves - so too the entrepreneur. The product or service must be developed and the business created. Why would you choose this path over the seemingly safe one of being an employee? The first reason is that you just cannot help your self! That inner drive says, “I must do it.” The astrologer might say that it’s written in the stars. The follower of eastern religions might talk about karma. The Christian might say it’s a calling from God. The psychologist might look at your characteristics. The sociologist might examine your background. The second reason is that employment is no longer the safe option it was a few years ago.
Downsizing and outsourcing are two of the buzz words in the business world today. To cut costs and maintain viability, fewer people are doing more work Or Some work is being outsourced, not done in-house. In this new environment do not sit around waiting for ‘them’ to fix it, there are just too many things for ‘them’ to fix. Ask yourself, “Can I be part of the solution? Is there something that I feel passionate enough about that can generate an income?” If there is give it a go; at the very least think about it and talk to someone. Does the thought of starting your own business excite you? It will surely scare your parents. “You must be joking get real,” or they may say to get a life - or some impolite variation on that theme. However, if you are one of those people who have entrepreneurial tendencies you are not joking and you are real. Your generation is probably the first where school leavers do not have to take a job, any job just to earn money to survive. You can follow your dreams, your passions, but you owe it to yourself and those who love you and who you will ask for support (possibly financial support) to do it wisely and thoughtfully. Learn appropriate skills along the way. A brief look at the history of the 20th Century will show a change in the employment patterns of the major industrial counties. The majority of the population lived in towns and cities working in factories, shops and offices. Prior to the Second World War the majority of children left school at the youngest possible age. They had to earn a living, contribute to the family income, taking any job available. One of the developments of the decades immediately after
Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011 | 25
Beginnings
Governments of all political and religious persuasions are seeing entrepreneurial activity as the way forward WWII was an increased access to higher education. Families became more prosperous with more disposable income. For those seeking a direction in life in recent years the prospects are more exciting with parents who have more disposable income available to help their children follow their dreams. Each generation stands on the shoulders of the previous generation. Going further and experiencing more that the one that went before because of the efforts of the previous generation. The achievements of the athlete or the artist can be seen and admired. The work and sacrifice of family and parents who support and encourage them, is less often recognised in the public arena. It is however real and costly in financial terms. This is also true for the one with an entrepreneurial gift - recognising that the first support, including financial, comes from those closest to you. The financial support they give to help you follow your dream is the result of their hard work. It is also their security for the future if they have an equity share in the venture. In addition to all the problems ‘they’ have to fix for you, ‘they’ are also going to find it difficult to support an aging population. With this in mind, it is only natural that parents want their children to be financially independent as soon as possible. What is an entrepreneur? A business owner who by risk and initiative, attempts to make a profitable business. The entrepreneur is the business owner
The one responsible for it The one who takes the risks The one who uses initiative Why is this done? To make a profit, no profit – no
business Around the world, entrepreneurial activity is seen as the way to revitalise communities. The individual entrepreneur must be unfettered so that he can go forward and generate economic activity and employment (Tim Fischer House of Representatives, 26 Feb., 1985). Governments of all political and religious persuasions are seeing entrepreneurial activity as the way forward. ‘They’ do not have to solve all the problems. It is much more effective to empower people to solve their own problems. They do have some programs to help early stage businesses. More visionary aid organisations are also seeing the encouragement of entrepreneurial activity as the most effective way to solve poverty. Why be an entrepreneur? Like the athlete, the musician or the artist there is something in the entrepreneur that must be expressed. Just as an athlete finds joy and fulfilment in winning a race scoring a goal or making runs, the entrepreneur finds fulfilment in making a sale, perfecting a product or service and making money. It is reaching the goal that makes the training, hard work and sacrifice worthwhile. Other benefits can be lifestyle and where you live. What should I do next? If the idea of being an entrepreneur excites you, it is time to take action. Do you have an idea for a product or service that could be a
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winner? It’s time to take action. Read about the experiences of others. Talk to people about your idea, and not just to your friends. Look for a mentor or person who has walked a similar way before. Find some suitable courses to attend. Work out how you intend to fund the development process, for example, through friends, grants and venture funding. Look for universities that offer entrepreneurship programs and/or have a business incubator program. Some useful reading Branson, Richard Losing my Virginity Harrell, Wilson For Entrepreneurs Only Peters, Tom The Circle of Innovation Roddick, Anita Business as Usual Ross, Emily & Holland, Angus 100 Great Businesses and the Minds Behind Them The way of the life of an entrepreneur is no guarantee of fame, fortune and success. It is one of hard work, dedication to the task and support and encouragement from others. It is often a lonely journey full of uncertainty. But for the one who is called to be an entrepreneur it is an exciting journey that must be taken. As with any other calling, there are those along the way who can help and encourage you. Seek these people out and stay true to your dream. Last but not least, remember the words of one entrepreneur from the past: Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are both right. (Henry Ford) Jane Jeffery M.Ed., Director of CIB Education www.cib-ventures.com
business resource
from Ark House Press The Pillars of Business Success TONY GATTARI Business RRP $16.95 The Pillars of Business Success draws upon the real-life corporate experience of Tony Gattari, who headed up the Harvey Norman computer and communications division for nine years, overseeing the growth from $12 million to a massive $565 million in 9 years. For business owners and their teams, this book highlights ways to improve cashflow, reduce the time the owner works in the business, improve teamwork and massively improve profits.
My Personality GPS BERNI DYMET and KEITH HENRY Business/Leadership RRP $19.95 This book is about you, because My Personality GPS is all about helping you locate your unique Personality Type. But what makes it so wonderfully different, is that it’s been written with a very special purpose in mind: it’s been written so that you can live out your life … to the full.
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GPS
How to understand your personality type so you can live life to the full
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ARK
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Marketing Success TONY GATTARI Business RRP $24.95 Here you will learn low cost practical marketing strategies to create a perception of value so to eliminate the issues of “price”. This hard hitting, no nonsense book is a must read for all those in business who desire to accelerate their sales and profits immediately! Marketing Success is esential reading for Christian business owners and not for profit organisations.
Win in Business PETER IRVINE Business RRP $24.95 If you would like to create a remarkable, standout business, then Win in Business provides the essential framework to thrust you to the front of the line. This book provides comprehensive, step-bystep guides to activate your vision, help you overcome the challenges along your journey, and squeeze the most out of your vast potential.
www.arkhousepress.com Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011 | 27
Business is made up of many things: leadership, sales and marketing, time management, but most importantly, the Lord‌ Desiree Meoushy
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Management
IN 1440, THE GERMAN INVENTOR Johannes Gutenberg invented a printing press process that allowed for the first time, the mass production of printed books. The invention equipped the common man to read the Word of God that led to great spiritual changes in nations and cultures; we still enjoy the benefit of this discovery. A business can advance the kingdom of God. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, David…all of them were people obeying God in the mundane, none of them were priests - The New Testament calls them the pillars and fathers of faith. God used them to bring his kingdom to the marketplace. We found that God’s truth left the corporate world, because we failed to be the priest in our businesses. We believe that pastors or ministers are the only ones who really serve God. I walked that road and pursued jobs in ministries. I was getting around my mountain but life circumstances always brought me back to the business, these circumstances were tough - I was like Joseph in the Bible. I wasn’t wholeheartedly committed to our business and people who are not wholeheartedly committed do not go far. They turn around the mountain and blame God or someone else for their lack of success. I decided to focus on whatever I am doing and be fully committed to the task. Using what is in my hand to fulfill what’s in my heart. Decisions alone will not make things happen, leadership makes decisions work. Leadership is a visualisation example of our words and actions, people do what they see and they need to see it first. Daniel is titled a prophet in the New Testament but while he was alive he was exiled, serving under a wicked king. When
the king saw Daniel’s faith he ordered the whole nation to worship the God of Daniel. When we practice faith in any field, it gets us to an experience and then we can go to a higher level of faith and then we can set the example, to our family, team and followers. The parable of the talents states that the master entrusted his wealth to each one according to his ability. We have the responsibility to grow our skills and ability to receive more. We need to seek wisdom and commit to learning. We need to action everything as a top level leader -we are his ambassador. Day by day we need to seek knowledge in order to manage
The aim is to become outstanding in business, to become professional in your trade. People like to work and follow outstanding and professional successful people. We need to create a system in the business. If we have success but we don’t have a system that helps us grow to the next level, success will elude us. Success isn’t a fantasy and a destination - it is hard work and a journey. Whoever chases fantasies, poverty will be waiting. Research the market and keep an eye on what your competitors are doing; you can try it, measure the result, if it’s not working, change it again don’t lose time. A great business person will
“Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success” - Henry Ford
an outstanding business, renewing our mind, and applying changes. Do a business plan and plan to do business in a different way. Albert Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” That’s the road to failure, take an exit. Stop, lose some bad skills and habits and improve your good skills. Work on your good skills it gets you to greatness. Lose your bad skills - it makes absolutely no sense to work hard to get to average. Your skills are the only assets that no one can take away from you; you need to learn skills in leadership, marketing, sales, finances, networking, and services.
work on time management skills Time management is the key to stress relief and success; it makes you establish your priorities, and invest time in the things that matter to achieve your goals. Daily, do a list of your tasks and start with the most important job, finish one before starting the second. We have to be careful in pursuing success that we don’t make work our number one priority; it can become dysfunctional. We need to have the wheels of our lives equilibrated and make equal time, for all the important things in our life; spiritual life, family, friends and social life. Have fun, always stop and revitalise. Set deadlines to your
Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011 | 29
Management
tasks and you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish. Don’t work after your set hours and when you leave the office, change your hat, forget about your work, change focus and start your life enhancingtasks. Today only matters. We can’t change the past but we can change our future in making the right decision today. Small and every day decisions will get us to success and ‘small foxes’ will destroy the field. Learn from past mistakes and move on, don’t procrastinate and ponder on adversity. Think positive - a problem is an opportunity to pose and find a solution. Whatever you feed will flourish and whatever you neglect will die. We learn to use yesterday’s experiences, cherish the moment and not over estimating tomorrow, thinking we can do more than what we can do. Visualizing today what tomorrow will be. Have a vision. Work out short term and long terms goals; don’t forget that ‘a goal properly set is halfway reached’. Be clear about what you value in life. Have a look at Sydney from the top of the centre point - have a different perspective than driving the streets. Use your mental ladder to climb and see your future, set your vision from God’s perspective, think big and consider the things that last in the scale of eternity, from God’s perspective. Define your purpose; why you are doing what you are doing, it will keep us focused in time of adversity. Strong people are controlled by their commitment not by their circumstances. Dream big - people who achieve enormous things are the ones who think big. We will receive what we believed we will receive. When the widow came to the prophet she knew her identity, authority and inheritance, she asked for help to pay her debt, the solution was what do you have? The answer
was a bottle of oil, go borrow many vessels, use the bottle of oil pay the debt and live with what is left. The prophet transformed the lady to an entrepreneurial business woman. She had to apply faith and learn new entrepreneurial selling skills. We need to allocate time to sales and marketing and make it consistent. Why are sales and marketing important? Because business failure or success depends on low or high sales! Most business people spend their time on administration and production but they don’t pay attention to planning and marketing. We need to master marketing, build a great brand and create marketing material. Have a professional business card and always use it. Focus on the result. If it’s not working, dig deep and pull out the creativity in you and your team, if you can’t create keep your eyes open and use somebody else’s good thoughts, quotes and ideas; meanwhile you can experience what will work and you start thinking outside the box, you will be amazed at the results. Always keep a note pad with you, this will help you avoid coming up with a great idea and then forgetting it. Helping the community is another way of marketing, it’s a two edge power, you are giving a hand up to the community fulfilling the need and you are building relationships with people and the businesses; putting the buzz out about your brand. Build a team and delegate, the business grows to the level of the leader’s growth - when you delegate you shift the growth level from the leader level to the team level. Choose your staff carefully and explain what you expect from them; write down a job description. Your team is the greatest asset in your business. Furthermore you are the servant leader of the team; you need to stay positive, encourage, compliment and uplift. Clearly communicate your goals and visions ensuring that the whole team is moving in the same direction. “Coming together is a beginning,
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keeping together is progress, working together is success,” Henry Ford is quoted as saying. Build a network, or be a part of a network. Associate with the kind of people you want to become. Check the kind of people you spend the most time with, do they build you up or bring you down? The people who advise you can make you or break you. Your friend can affect your life, your business and your family more than you may reaslise. Keep a record of your customers, keep a database. Ask people what they think and what they want from your trade, this way you can service them better and you often hear angles on things you may not have considered. Use the power of God to achieve; pray always and give honour where honour is due. Respect your work and others and remember we are all created in a unique way, be yourself. Don’t underestimate the potential of your audience. A few years ago, I was managing an art event. A lady and her husband walked in, dressed in tracksuits and stated that they were only browsing. I didn’t expect a sale but I waited respectfully, an oil painting took their attention, they asked for the history and the story behind the chef d’oeuvre. I personally admired the painting, it didn’t matter if they were buyers or just browsing, it was an opportunity to share my passion with them. The gentleman raised the question about the price and I was proud to quote the impressive number- without any hesitation he confirmed that I had a deal. I was surprised - absolutely thrilled. Later I realised that I was dealing with a Jordanian princess and her husband, and I learnt a great lesson: value your product or services and sell it as a unique chef d’oeuvre and never underestimate the potential of your audience.
Desiree Meoushy Executive Director Rainbow Printing
The time has come for an ingenious, CHRISTIAN CREATIVE AGENCY whose passion is to unite with likeminded enterprises and together build breakthrough leadership brands.
Charities
The old adage ‘if we all do a little, together we can do a lot’ is justifiably tired, but after meeting a group of australian businesses, rachel morris wonders if it should make a revival. Christian businesses across the country are in the process of re-writing the history books through charitable giving.
TWENTY YEARS AGO, 12.5 MILLION children under the age of five were tragically dying every year. I know it’s too hard to comprehend. But when the United Nations released its global under-five mortality findings in 2009, the world celebrated the discovery that 12,000 fewer children under five were dying each day. And it discovered a powerful truth: we were winning the battle against global poverty. Clearly the under-five mortality rate is not the only global poverty indicator, but it is a significant one. It is a reflection of things like the nutritional status and health of mothers, the availability of safe drinking water and health services, basic sanitation, food security in their home and the overall safety of
a child’s environment. This week I met two key players in the battle (although they would probably laugh at the suggestion): Kent Medwin and Mark Leckenby. They’re not friends—or not that I know of—and they live roughly 2500km apart, yet both are playing a part in the fight against child poverty. They represent a growing force of Australian Christian businessmen and women who are using their influence, resources and profits to help those in need. Both are supporting a program for mothers and babies in the developing world in partnership with Compassion Australia. The Child Survival Program aims to reach the most vulnerable children by helping their caregivers address critical
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They represent a growing force of Australian Christian businessmen and women who are using their influence, resources and profits to help those in need
Clockwise from top left: Mother and children in Compassion camp; Mark Leckenby; Kent and Rose Medwin
issues that affect them in their first years of life—such as child mortality, malnutrition, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria—and by providing healthy early childhood development. “To look into the eyes of a mother whose child may not have even survived the pregnancy, and to see her teaching, playing and caring for her now two-year-old healthy child … words just don’t do justice to how that makes you feel,” Mr Kent Medwin, Managing Director of Rock Property in Hobart, said. Rock Property is a long-time partner with Compassion Australia and has funded initiatives from cholera prevention and treatment in the wake of the devastating 2008 Haiti earthquake to a range of Child Survival Program centres in Africa.
In south-western Addis Ababa, they are well known to 34 women and their infants. Women just like 25-year-old Alemtsehay Alemu. All she wants to do is to be able to fulfil her son Yohannes’ needs, but her dream is that he will receive an education. “He is my world and I want to give him everything, but life is tough these days,” Alemtsehay says. Yohannes has been in the Child Survival Program for three years and is a walking example of a life changed. Before he was registered with Compassion, Yohannes had a persistent cough, which sadly can be a sign of underlying diseases that can lead to death in a developing nation. He was suffering from pneumonia, the biggest killer
Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011 | 33
Charities
Must-ask questions for businesses looking to give
We have influence, wealth and capacity to be part of the solution for those living in need around the world, but before embarking on a charitable partnership, make sure you ask yourself these important questions: 1. What am I hoping to achieve and why? 2. Do my beliefs, intentions and passions align with this organisation? 3. How far will my investment go, what percentage of donations will be used for administration and fundraising, and will the charity provide me with detailed progress reports showing how my financial gifts have been used? 4. Does this organisation have a history of integrity and a proven track record? Do they have an effective governance model and thorough financial auditing? 5. Do they have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status to maximise tax effectiveness? 6. Can I see this engaging my employees, customers, stakeholders and even my family? 7. Is there room for a tailored approach or flexibility as my resources and circumstances change? 8. Will I and/or my stakeholders be able to visit the places and people we are supporting? 9. Do I feel valued by this organisation and engaged on a deep level, rather than simply viewed as a cheque writer? 10. Do they offer a competent professional to work with me and my business to ensure it is a life-changing experience for everyone involved?
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“It has inspired and motivated our team to outcomes to ensure that we can give our very need what in reality we have in abundance,” of children under five, killing 1.8 million children every year. It is estimated that only 20 per cent of sufferers receive treatment. “We had the help of the Program, and he received medical treatment. His health has improved a lot, as has our understanding of how to prevent illness ... and fight common disease,” Alemtsehay says. “I wasn’t able to feed Yohannes properly or even buy him clothing and shoes. I wasn’t able to do the things I wanted to do for him because of a lack of money. Lots of mothers here have the same problem—they can’t provide even basic things for their children. Ever since we got the opportunity to join the Program, we have received everything we need. I wish every mother had the same opportunities we have now.” It all began for Mr Medwin and his wife, Rose, when they visited their Compassion sponsored children in 2007 and returned with a renewed sense of responsibility for the poor. “We looked at what was in our hands to respond with, and our business has been a big part of that response,” Mr Medwin says. He understands that the fight against child mortality requires education and prevention, vaccinations, health care, good hygiene, nutritious food and clean water. These interventions, together with holistic child development, are the basis for Compassion’s Child Survival Program, which assists infants and their caregivers during the critical first few years. “We have now seen firsthand the impact that this Program has in releasing, not just children but whole families from the perils of poverty. God is using Compassion’s Child Survival Program to not just save lives, but to transform them!” Mr Medwin says he has given Rock Property a focus aside from the conventional bottom-line. As he has increased his businesses’ commitment to the causes of child mortality, he has seen members of his team and even clients begin to engage with issue. “It has inspired and motivated our team to
strive for the very best best to people who strive for the very best outcomes to ensure that we can give our very best to people who need what in reality we have in abundance,” Mr Medwin said. “Partnerships with organisations like Compassion keep our [business] perspective eternal in a world that is relentless in wanting us to look at the here and now.” Mr Medwin is adamant that Christian businesses have a responsibility before God to be part of the solution to ending poverty. “I can testify that a life that has space in it to help people in need is a life to be enjoyed and not endured,” he says. And while Rock Property in Tasmania is engaging with the fight for child survival, the team at Auzion Solar Power in sunny Queensland is also taking part in the fight against poverty. Auzion Solar Power sponsors seven children through Compassion’s Child Sponsorship Program and funds a Child Survival Program just out of Kisumu, Kenya. Mark Leckenby, Auzion’s founder and CEO, says that charitable giving was a natural choice for their company. When Mark founded Auzion back in 2008, he implemented a strategy of donating $10 from every solar panel that the company installed to a charity. “It was a bench line
Susan Apivo
of a way to make a commitment to giving,” he says. “We want to contribute to the global cause of helping people in developing countries. Our business is all about sustainability.” Eleven of Auzion’s team members had the opportunity to travel to Kenya to visit the Child Survival Program centre that the company has been supporting for the past two years. During their two-week stay, the team met 39 families who have benefited from their support. They presented the mothers with two pedal-powered sewing machines, which will help the women earn an income for their families by creating a range of crafts including bags and clothes. The team also met six university students who have graduated
from Compassion’s Leadership Development Program and have gone on to become doctors and lawyers. “The thing that moved us the most was the children. They were so happy even though they had nothing,” Mr Leckenby said. “Everyone had an awesome time, and it was really good to see the effects of the project and that the money was well spent.” Today, 22,000 children under the age of five are still dying every day, mostly from preventable causes. But the numbers are definitely falling, and there is nothing more exciting than the knowledge that Australian businesses are playing a big part in the fight against global poverty. Rachel Morris
Inspired Business Issue 1 September 2011 | 35