God Has Already Worked It Out; We Must Walk It Out!

God Has Already Worked It Out; We Must Walk It Out!

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3

Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety. Proverbs 11:4

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Proverbs 15:22

The last two scriptures are being used because they are saying the same thing in two different chapters in the same Book of the Bible, just as I am saying the same thing again—be sure you have a team if you want to develop a company. So many potential business owners get stuck because they don’t have h-e-l-p. (In this article, I may use the word ‘company’ to distinguish between being self-employed and operating a business that is truly a company of people walking out the business vision.)

Why Is A Team So Important?
A business may be founded/started by one or two people; however, it will become a company and last through generations based upon the collaboration and cooperation of many who bring their unique contributions and commitment to the growth, development and continuity of the company. The company does not revolve around the founder; it is much bigger than that! In order to have a ‘company’, you need company—people, teams, partners, advisors, workers—h-e-l-p!

If the administration/management, operations, marketing, accounting/finance, etc. of the business are dependent upon and focused on the founder, then it is merely a self-employment situation and not an ownership and operation of a true company. In actuality, that person has moved from traditional employment to self-employment. Accordingly, something and often times many things are neglected in the business because the self employed’s focus will normally be on what they want or have to do rather than what needs to be done to move to the next level. In addition, the individual will be strapped and unable to be free to pursue other interests and responsibilities—they will have an unbalanced life as a result of an unbalanced business.

Company Team Members (Internal)
For every major area of the company mentioned above, administration/management, operations, marketing and accounting/finance, etc. there needs to be team members that can bring their expertise to the company in those areas. One person cannot do it all, efficiently, effectively, correctly and timely. In fact, a wonderful synergy is created when you have employees or independent contractors who can see the vision, are not threatened by it, can see their place in it and are willing and able to roll it out with you. So, as a business owner, you are looking for and identifying individuals who:

Remember, until these positions are fully operational, the business will be unbalanced.

In actuality, these people may not be with you from the beginning, however, it should be part of your strategic plan to have them in place by a set time period. Their contributions to the company, broadens its focus and depth. Everyone else’s work is made easier when everyone can focus on what they know and love. There is less chance of getting stuck or fear of going in uncharted, unfamiliar territories.

If they are with you from the beginning, they can help complete the business plan components by focusing on their area of expertise. They can assist in developing the financial component of the business plan by quantifying their written component. They may be able to help choose the type of business entity (i.e., Corporation or Limited Liability Company) if it has not already been done or anything else that their expertise allows them to bring to the company.

Board of Directors or Advisors (External)
These team members are the policy makers and provide guidance and general oversight of company operations. They are generally looking and coming from a broader business perspective. They should have a global, industry and company view of the business operations. These individuals also will bring their unique expertise to the Board. Ideally, their expertise will mirror the internal team members’ expertise and bring balance to the Board in the areas of administration/management, operations, marketing and accounting/finance, etc. From the initial two or three collaborators, you can add others and form your Board of Directors and/or Advisors. Some of the initial collaborators may move to the Board and others may become employees or independent contractors. Ideally, the Board should be in place from the beginning before you begin your operations and before you designate your internal, company team members.

So, hopefully you agree that there is a critical need to have others walk out your business vision with you as soon as possible! With your team members in place, you can continue your walk, confidently. Now, pray that through God’s divine providence your company team members will be led to you at His set time. If God sends them, you can be confident that they will be the right ones for your business vision.

The next topic will be Keep Your Stride!

Bonita M.W. Shelby is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Business Manager. A graduate of Howard University, Ms. Shelby is a member of Jericho City of Praise and a Breast Cancer survivor. She helped establish the Howard University Hospital Breast Cancer Support Group. Ms. Shelby is the principal and business life coach of Kingdom Business, Inc. Responses are encouraged and for more information, I invite you to visit our website for a FREE Business Vision assessment at: www.kingdombusiness.biz/ or email us at help@kingdombusiness.biz or call 301-445-0398.

Copyright© 2005 by Bonita M.W. Shelby, Used by permission, BlackandChristian.com