Survivor… Picking The Right Partners?

“They may say, “Come and join us … let’s ambush the innocent! …Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths.” (Proverbs 1:11-15)

We have all faced the question; “Is this a good business opportunity for me?” The answer to this question may come from your professional training on how to evaluate a deal. Sometimes, we find ourselves enrolled in the school of “Hard Knocks” taking the freshmen class of “Trial and Error.” But, if you are an entrepreneur, there may be is a more critical question that has to be answered and your answer to this question may not be quite as forgiving.

That question is; “Who am I doing business with?” Have you ever found yourself challenged to do business with someone who operates with a fundamentally different set of values and moral practices than yourself? Have you ever been asked to participate in a venture or business proposition that just didn’t sit right in your heart? Sometimes, at first glance, it may seem to be quite attractive and a potentially profitable proposition. But after some careful thought and discussion, you begin to feel uncomfortable about the person or the proposition.

Our message from the Book of Proverbs says, don’t allow yourself to be recruited by, or be in partnership with greedy, or criminally minded people. When you hear schemes or proposals that in any way appear to be less than ethical; BEWARE. A proposition to do business where there is not a clear Win-Win scenario for everyone involved may not be the kind of business you should participate in. If the potential business associates seem to be illegal, immoral, or shady, wisdom suggest that you turn and go the other way.

If the business outcome of a deal or action that is purposed is not something that you would like to happen to you or your family, run away from it. If you can’t discuss it openly and completely with all involved parties, in a public setting, then that’s not a deal that you should do. Furthermore, don’t even be in the company of the people who make such proposals. If these kinds of people are considered to be your friends, partners or associates, quickly change your business relationship with them.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for honesty and integrity. When you refuse to compromise and stand up for what is right the outcome is always more profitable and rewarding, even if it seems like you might be losing out in the short term. Honesty and integrity produces winners!

Some Thoughts To Ponder

1. What do you consider to be non-negotiable when you decide who you are going to do business with?
2. Do you have wise people around you to advise you, to coach you, to pray for you and to help you make good business decisions?
3. What fears do you have about expressing your principles and saying “No” to questionable business associates?
1. Perhaps a fear of being ridiculed?
2. Maybe a fear of losing clients?
3. Or a fear of losing money?