relationship marketing
I believe that the very best principles for any business are found in the Bible and in the life of Christ.
A few weeks ago I spoke on Emerging Media at a Marketing Management class at the University of Arkansas.
During the presentation I was able to share my story & testimony to explain why I love working for DaySpring. Next, I talked about emerging media and how rapidly the world of marketing is changing. This led me to my main point of the presentation, that Relationship Marketing is the core concept that can separate a brand from the noise and withstand the ever-changing world of technologies, strategies and consumer behavior.
(Without my narration, the presentation is missing some substance, but I thought you might enjoy it anyway.)I believe in relationships. I believe the Bible is all about relationships. Therefore, in business, I believe relationships are a key to success.
Authentic, generous, transparent, 2-way, sincere, loving, Christ-like relationships.
In the same way that we strive to be like Christ in our daily lives, we should strive to be like Christ in business.
Be like Jesus with marketing.
As Christians we are called to love one another and in humility, count others more significant than ourselves. Why would that change when we go to work? Why would Christian marketers not be called to the same in their profession?
This may sound strange to some, mostly due to the stigma the word "marketing" carries, but I do this every day. Marketing is just one way to love others through generous giving, service and relationship. This is "Relationship Marketing" and the funny thing is... it is not only personally fulfilling but also the most savvy, rewarding way to do business.
This is why I do marketing.
If you read business books and articles or watch talks on marketing, you'll hear words like "tribes", "generosity" and "engagement". But they are all really getting at the same thing...
If we love our consumers through relationship and treat them that way...
they will love us back.
Pretty basic relationship management. Pretty simple stuff.
But, a very radical shift in the way marketers currently think and sadly, far from the reality we see around us.
This concept of Christ-like marketing is one I hope to explore and develop and I'd love to hear your feedback on these terms and ideas in the comments...
motivation
How often do you ask yourself "Why"...?
As sinful people, we need to constantly keep our hearts in check.
Even (maybe especially) in missions and ministry we must always ask ourselves: "What is the real motivation, deep inside, that drives me to do this?"
When I look hard at my own heart I'm often disappointed to find my own selfish desires for some ounce of personal gain or glory at the root of my actions.
It takes digging, but you've got to find that root and replace it with a heart set on God's glory.
Missions can be sexy. There's no doubt about it.
Sadly, I see people "going" to the mission field to achieve a "radical" image and respect or acceptance in our Christian culture.
But even compassion is a motivation mis-guided.
If your heart's desire and driving motivation is not God's glory and simple obedience to him, its off-target.
There is a constant battle in me for the desires of my heart. I wish it didn't exist, but I'll keep fighting it as long as it does.
I've found that the best way to change my heart is through prayer and time with God.
More often than not, I go to prayer to change other things and yet, I'm the one that is changed.
take a risk, trust God
Pray first, then just do it.
There's something you dream about, did God give you those dreams?
That thing you ask yourself about: could I ever do that?
You are energized just by thinking about it; your heart comes alive.
Maybe, just maybe, God has called you to do that thing. He gave you that heart.
We know that through him, we can do all things.
Take a risk, trust God.
Pray first, then just do it.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 reasons why kingdom business fails
I've listed 5 reasons business as missions leaders and companies fail... not the only 5, not the most common 5, just 5 I see.
1. lack of prayer & dependance on God
Pray first, during and after everything you do... without ceasing. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in the big decisions, day to day tasks and in every conversation you have. Go to him with questions and needs.
Listen to him more than you speak.
Develop an intimate relationship with God and you'll have the very best business advisor, available to you at all times. And when he asks you to take a risk and trust him, obey in faith.
2. no plan
Believe it or not, a lot of Business as Missions companies are started without much strategic business modeling, analysis or even a plan. The premise "I can buy/make it for X and sell it for 2X; therefore it should be easy to make a profit!" fails to account for some of the most important costs of business (your time, marketing and a million other non-product expenses). Consumer needs, market conditions, government policy, competitive landscape, and so much more has to be considered.
If you aren't a business person and have no experience creating a business plan, partner with someone who does.
3. inability or unwillingness to hire help and/or delegate
Some small businesses must scale to survive.
Great leaders are willing to sacrifice some control and take risk by hiring and equipping others to help and therefore multiplying their capacity.
4. your church
I consider partnership with the church a key to success and will further develop my thoughts on this another day. However, it can also be a hinderance to business. If your church is so "supportive" that the tell you your idea is wonderful and help fund your business without fully vetting your plan, they are doing you more harm than good.
You need someone who cares enough to tell you why it might not work, potential snares to avoid and how to improve your product or idea... sadly, it can be difficult to find someone like that at church. Of course, this isn't always the case.
5. failure to recognize the opposition
I'm not referring to the business competition, but spiritual and demonic opposition.
Ephesians 6:12-13
"12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
1 Peter 5:6-11
"6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
The Bible is clear, I've heard many trustworthy testimonies and I've experienced it myself... we have an enemy.
If you are planning to produce fruit for the kingdom of God you better also be planning for a battle against his adversaries.
The Bible gives clear direction about our needed armor and we have the authority required, we just have to be aware of the battle and step in and fight.
Its worth it.
"May the Lamb that was slain receive the just reward for His sufferings."
a Moravian missionary
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