Wednesday Wisdom

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)

Business Basics

One thing that I have learned in life and in business is that you are only worth what you think you are worth. If you do not believe in yourself and your gifting, then no one else will either.

As business owners we are continually faced with a challenges that may often cause us to pause. Situations and circumstances that have us thinking and asking "This can't be so" or "Why is this happening to me?". As an example, I will use myself.

In one week I experienced:

1. Going to Smalls Claims Court - Last year I rented commerical space in a party store. Paid a month's rent & security. Owner of the store refused to give me keys or a valid agreement, and operated her business unethically. I gave proper notice and vacated the premises. Five months later, numerous telephone calls, and letters from my lawyer and she still did not return my deposit. Hence my arrival at small claims court.

2. My Now Shared Commerical Space has a Rodent Infestation - I was putting up the new tablescape and the following occurred; Someone left food in the office area and critters, little and big (no doubt) went to town. Thanksgiving came early for them. Somehow the food ended up under the bridal gown in my show area. I found two big grease stains, on the back and train of my gown (didn't know they could reach that high). I was mortified and in tears! Add insult to injury, the rodents ate into the applique on the train of the gown. RUIN! It appeared like someone was trying to sabotage me. I wanted to run for the hills and take out everyone in that place. However I remained cool and took the matter up with the owner/landlord.

3. Devaluation of Services - This was a challenge for me. A client and I had a difference of opinion. She wanted Platinum services but on a Bronze budget. When I presented her with Silver services, yet while on the bronze budget, it clearly was not enough. I believe she was aiming for near platinum. When I realized this I immediately addressed the matter professionally but then was told in a round-a-bout way how I should run my business. I realized at that point that if I didn't take a stand, believe in and value my work that she would not neither and ultimately get what she wanted. We have come to a mutual agreement since then.

I truly thank God for guiding and giving me the wisdom and patience in handling each of these situations. I will not lie to you, there were times that I felt like giving up. Also, a great big thanks to the support from my family and friends.

On that note, every thing that happens happens for a reason. Sometimes we may not know or comprehend why they're happening at that moment. But with the understanding that the "means" will justify the "ends", we should practice being at ease. I know, I know it's easier said than done. It's like when you're going through a certain test of faith or a challenge you can't see it. It's only after you've come through "it" that you fully understood the why and the reason for it.