By Georgia Campbell
We have all heard who the supposed mother of all inventions is said to be; the proverbial
necessity. These days many have had to be drawing to her feet to see how much they can glean
from her knowledge. Most of us love the thought of trading our skills to an organization or
employer who will pay us at set intervals. We believe it is more comfortable, hassle-free and
secure, at least we hope so. Since the onslaught of Covid 19, job security is becoming more and
more tenuous, leaving some persons with reduced hours or no jobs at all.
What are people to do?
There is saturation in selling goods and in offering taxi service and many have no acquired skill
sets with which to trade. Since the times are changing we have to think, because it behooves all
of us to have something to fall back on.
Find or Make Opportunities
Some time ago I heard Apostle Steve Lyston say on TBC radio; “Start a business, because very
shortly you will have to make a choice re your job.” I wrote it down and below it I asked “What
business, Lord?” I still await the answer or the coming together of what I think He may be
showing me. What I do know is that we have to find or make opportunities; they will not just fall
on us like a ton of bricks.
Start examining Real Needs
As we move around daily we should start examining the real needs around us that are not being
serviced, and see how we can create businesses out of those needs. Some of them will be
expressed as a wish by someone and it births an idea in your mind. For example doing chores,
running errands, paying bills, stacking things needed but are not available close by, care-giving,
water refilling stations, editing papers, doing typing and online services with printing facilities
and many more possibilities. Some things are peculiar to specific areas, so close scrutiny will reveal the needs. Launching a business requires a feasibility study to assess the needs and viability of the prospect. As relates to personality, building trust is optimal so at times it may begin as just doing a good deed or favour consistently, before it takes shape as a business venture.
Be Ridiculously Generous
Time is of essence to allow the period of the teething pains to pass. Most times another source of
income is necessary to support the start-up of the new business and then you ease into it
gradually. Say you want to sell baked products or jerked chicken, you may choose to start on
weekends only, at first, and watch it for a while then plough back the intake into the business to
expand it. Be ridiculously generous. You may have to attract your clientele by giving away some
of your goods as samples or have sampling days as the introductory highlights.
A high premium must be placed on prayer. God can open unexpected doors so depend on His
leading for wisdom, a positive outlook and confidence. Also seek guidance as to whether or not
you should borrow; the amount you should undertake and from where. Indebtedness can be
depressing.
Be Businesslike
Be businesslike and let people see what you take to the business even when it is small. As
scripture says; “Do not despise the days of small beginnings.” (Zech. 4:10). Having found or
made your opportunities for a business, now Mr. or Ms. Entrepreneur, be diligent (Prov. 22: 29),
this business could bring you before kings. Do it well, serve each customer with dignity and
watch your business benefit from free advertisement. The negative and those wanting to pull you
down, find a way to move them along. You have work to do, people to see and kingdom money
to make.
Opportunities here we come!
Published in Freedom Come Rain Newspaper (Jamaica) March 20, 2021 – Vol. 1 No. 32