STEPPING STONES AND SPRINGBOARDS

Life happens, one step at a time. Problem is, we sometimes want it to move much faster. Fast is good if you have learned how to run like the wind. But how many of us can make the Olympics?

Then there are those who would rather not move at all. They hope to benefit from what others do. Life passes them by and they are oblivious or simply uncaring about what they are missing. Let's not rock the boat; let's stay on an even keel. Wouldn't do to get too ambitious! It might take effort, work. It might take us away from the beloved TV. Or computer. Or whatever.

Like a toddler, we must learn to crawl before we walk, to walk before we run. And we will have our share of stumbles, falls, cuts and bruises along the way until we become confident that we can do it on our own. One step at a time, whether walking or running.

If we desire to build a profitable business, we must build on a sure foundation. You cannot build a house from the top down. There are certain rules to follow. Build the roof first and where will you put it? But when you build a strong foundation, you can build one brick at a time, one layer at a time, until the whole comes together in a creation that is both beautiful and useful.

Here are just a few stepping stones you will have to step out on if you expect to find success.

Stepping stone #1: When we decide we want to start up in business, the first step we need to take is to decide what type of business we can get excited about. If you have no interest in technology, then it is not advisable to opt for a telecom company. If you love jewelery, you should consider getting involved with a company that sells jewelery. What is your passion?

Stepping stone #2: Which is the best company to associate yourself with? This involves research. Ask questions. Search the internet. Look for distributors who will give an honest report about the company. Decide if it is a good match for you. Can you make enough money with the marketing plan? Is there enough training available for you to be able to promote the product and the business? Is help close at hand when you need it? Is there a good team to join?

Stepping stone #3: What is the investment you need to make, financial, time, etc., to make this business profitable? Make a plan. Write down your goals. Sit down and count the cost. Don't blindly plunge in head first without knowing how deep the water is. Create a business plan. You may not be able to follow it exactly as you first lay it out, but you need a place to begin.

Stepping stone #4: Once you have done your due diligence and have decided on a product, a company, a team you are passionate about, it's time to join. Get started.

Stepping stone #5: Find a mentor or a master mind team you can work with for support, teaching, information, guidance in building your business. Training is an absolute necessity if you hope to succeed. Just make sure it is the right kind of training that can take you to the top.

Stepping stone #6: Make sure you have all the tools you need--a web site, a blog site, an autoresponder, a newsletter, a lead source, etc. Without the tools of the trade, the 'trade' will fail. Learn how to use the tools to the best advantage. Then use them.

The springboard: When you learn to use the stepping stones without attempting to skip over some of them, you will find that your business has come to a point where it begins to take off. Like jumping off a springboard. Now you can jump into the deep end without drowning. Continue doing what experience tells you has been the right thing, and your business will begin to grow exponentially. Success will be yours if you hold tenaciously to your goal.

Now, go out there and just do it!

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 
 1 Peter 5:5 NASB

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

Commandment #9 (The 10 Commandments of Winners)

A winner respects those who are superior to him and tries to learn something from them. A loser resents those who are superior to him and tries to find chinks in their armor. ---Author Unknown---

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. 

Proverbs 22:1

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

Commandment #8 (The 10 Commandments of Winners)

A winner would rather be admired than liked, although he would prefer both. A loser would rather be liked than admired, and even is willing to pay the price of mild contempt for it. 

 ---Author Unknown---

PULLING OUR CHAINS

The Granddaughter Clock

In my possession is a beautiful hand-crafted replica of an early 20th century granddaughter clock. The elderly gentleman who made it would visit flea markets or antique shops looking for old hand tools which his son would sharpen and recondition to perform as they once had.

This gentleman was a true craftsman. In his eighties when he made this clock, he worked with care and love in a little shop at the back of his yard. I met him when I had a booth at one of the markets he used to frequent. He bought a couple of my father's old tools and would stand to chat for a few minutes about his clocks.

One day he asked me if I would like one of his granddaughter clocks--no charge! Naturally I said an enthusiastic 'yes'. A few months went by and I forgot about that conversation. Then came the phone call. My clock was finished and ready to be picked up. He told me to bring something to wrap it in for protection on the way home.

I had never heard of a granddaughter clock and had no idea of what it was. In my mind I was visualizing a clock similar in size to a mantel clock. Great was my surprise to discover that this clock just barely fit in the back seat of my car!

 The wood feels like satin. This clock has a quartz movement so does not have to be wound like an original clock, but is nonetheless a wonderful piece of workmanship and has given me a great deal of pleasure.


The Grandmother Clock

Months later this gentleman again called me. He needed a square clock face for his 1700s grandmother clock replica. Could I do the artwork? Of course I agreed. When I called to tell him it was ready, he asked if I had room for one of these clocks. My answer? "I'll make room!"

Would you believe this man actually wanted to pay me for the artwork? Two beautiful clocks he gave me! How could I accept payment for a couple hours of 'work'? I cannot imagine how many hours he spent creating his pieces of art, cutting, carving, fitting, sanding, staining, applying the final coat of varethane, all without the use of power tools. I refused payment, but he was determined, and so purchased something from me that I am certain he had no use for. 

This clock is over six feet tall. I was certain I would have to ask someone with a van to go with me to pick it up, but this gentleman had made the clock in three sections which, when put together, look like one continuous piece of furniture. But this clock is different not only in size and appearance. This clock has a pendulum and a bell rings on the hour and half-hour. Evidently chimes had not come into use in clocks in the 1700s. The delicate sound is beautiful.

The weights are old window weights. He fashioned the pendulum from some piece of metal. The movement he purchased from a company in Germany. No detail was left out. No pains were spared as he created his masterpiece. 

Pulling the Chains

In order to wind this clock, you must pull the chains on which the weights hang. This must be done every two days to keep the clock going. The problem is that I forget to pull the chains and the clock stops. After a couple of days, sometimes longer, I realize I have not heard the bell ring for a while, and I once again pull the chains.

Do you ever need someone to pull your chains? Are you like me, sometimes a little sluggish, not very productive? I need someone to pull my chains, to get me working again. I believe we all need that sometimes. If you don't have an encourager in your life to do this, I urge you to find someone who will be faithful to do this in a loving and gentle way. At times we need a push, at times we need a hand to help us up to a higher level. But sometimes all we need is a friend to pull our chains. We start steadily ticking again, the bells will ring out and we are back on track running the race for healthy living.

This man was truly an example to all of us. He kept his chains pulled and spent his 'spare' time creating beauty for others to enjoy. I don't know if he is still alive, but I will never forget his generosity and his love of craft. Every time I check the time, I see him in his workshop, trailed by his Welsh corgi.

So, let's keep our chains pulled, our clocks ticking and our bells ringing out as we allow something of beauty to be created in our lives that will bring pleasure into the lives of others.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.  

Mark 9:24