A TRIED AND TRUE ECONOMY

Whenever we experience difficulties, we look to our history to study trends and solutions that helped turn around a previous situation. The future is always unsure; however, the past is tried and true. The past is our compass to navigate through the future.

Business development is a struggle right now. It may be a bigger struggle today than in the past, but it isn't a new challenge. To crack the code on successful new business development, look at what has worked before.

In our own model, we have direct clients or we partner with an agency that does not have an internal media department. Our biggest past wins have been through our partner relationships. History shows us that this should be our focus for short-term business growth.

History also shows that faith at work in the workplace is one of the best new business development tools available. The belief that God equips us, places us where He wants us to serve and provides the opportunities to expand our influence can carry a company to great heights. The emphasis is on belief.

Do we believe that God is bigger than the current economy? Do we believe that God can help a situation where expenses exceed income? Look at history. When Jesus feed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish and had twelve baskets left over, the balance sheet didn't add up. When the wine ran out at the wedding in Cana, Jesus turned water into about 120 gallons of the finest wine. Elisha took the little bit of oil the widow had left and filled all the jars she borrowed from neighbors. Biblical history is full of these accounts and we can trust them to get us through anything we face today.

Believing is the first step, taking action is the next step. In every instance the people involved had to put forth effort or sacrifice to see the rewards. The young boy in the crowd sacrificed his lunch so Jesus could use it. The widow had to trust Elisha with her last bit of oil when she was facing bankruptcy. You see, the basis for the miracle was their own resources! God will multiply what we surrender to him—multiply it beyond our dreams.

How do we apply these lessons from history?

• First, don't let current challenges take your focus away from the fact that God is in control - in our companies, in our economy, in our lives.
• Second, remember that God gifted you to do what you do and placed you where you are for a purpose - His purpose. Work every day to please Him.
• Third, make the sacrifices necessary to work harder and smarter and become a part of the solution. When you are part of the solution, you are also part of the blessing.

The past is our compass to navigate through the future - even a history 2,000 years old.

Have I told you how much I appreciate you? I do!

Taking the first step

I remember watching McKenna take her first steps. Holding on to a table or chair and then, with encouragement from everyone around her, she stepped out on her own. The commitment was made and there was no turning back. After two steps, she fell mid-stride into the third step. It wasn't perfect, but it was good enough. Each fall led to stronger legs, greater confidence, and shouts of encouragement from everyone who witnessed her attempts.

In the same spirit, I am launching out with my first blog. My friend, Jean Ann, encouraged me to take what I like doing best - inspiring, motivating and educating - and turn it into a blog for the people I am most passionate about - the staff at Ward.

So here's the first step. I may fall mid-stride, but I am counting on you to encourage me. Your feedback will help me put one foot in front of the other and we can go down this path of growth together.

Your part of the journey is to:

• Interact - Share topics you find value in that can be used to inspire, motivate and educate.
• React - Give feedback so that each post will be more confident and sure-footed.
• Act - Put into action anything that you find worthwhile so that your own walk is stronger and takes you to a better place.
  
  Have I told you how much I appreciate you? I do.