By Lorra Brown
Just as we can be in a dry place when it comes to our faith in God, we can also experience a dry place when it comes to running a business. As an entrepreneur, maybe you are having a hard time attracting new customers, maybe you are having a hard time reaching profitability with your new business, or maybe you are re-thinking why you started your business in the first place.
It’s important to keep in mind that those dry seasons are normal, and, yes, even to be expected. In fact, they happen to anyone who has ever started a business, even the people who have gone on to be huge successes. That’s because business operates in cycles. For every up cycle, there will be a down cycle. For every peak, there will be a valley. So if you are standing in that valley right now, staring up at the peak and wondering how exactly you are going to get from here to there: have faith.
Remember the words of Isaiah 58:11: “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Thus, even when things look dry, even when business seems to be caught in a down cycle, you need to stay steadfast in your determination. Stay focused on the reason why you first got involved in business; stay true to your calling as an entrepreneur. That rock-solid belief in yourself is what will strengthen your frame and keep you going.
Perseverance is the key. You can be knocked down, but don’t be knocked out. As James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Most likely, you started your new business because of some higher purpose or mission. If you are having trouble staying the path and persevering under trial, think back to that mission and why you plan to make a difference in society. This will give you sustenance and inspiration because you will realize that your business is part of a bigger picture and a bigger story that has yet to be written.
In the business world, success is rarely linear. There are zigs and zags, there are ups and downs. For every two steps forward, there is one step backward. Those might sound like well-worn clichés, but they are clichés for a reason: they are based on the long experience of entrepreneurs just like yourself who have found themselves in a dry place. They have questioned why they started a business in the first place, and they have likely questioned the strain they have placed on their family and loved ones.
However, just remember: it is always darkest before the dawn. At the very moment that you think that you can’t possibly continue any longer, you will get that client phone call, or you will land that big deal you’ve been hoping for. If you have faith, the Lord will provide. He will water your business and help you make it through your dry season.
About the Author:
Lorra Brown is the CEO of LBE Consulting, PLLC based in Grand Prairie, TX. Lorra is a multifaceted business strategist that works with a plethora of clients around the country. She provides accounting services and business consulting to a diverse bed of self employed professionals. Her life's mission is to help women gain empowerment and change their mindset about their finances. Connect with Lorra on Facebook, or on Twitter or Instagram.
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