Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
The Estherpreneur is a weekly chat about doing business and life God’s way. Join your host, Edna Harding as she offers biblical strategies and practical applications to improve your mind, business, spirit, relationships, and finances. Listen along as she talks with guests on how to thrive in all areas of life. Edna is a Wife, Mother, Growth Strategist, Author, Minister, Certified Maxwell Business Consultant and Executive Coach, an accredited Master Mindset Coach, and Speaker whose message of hope, truth, and wisdom reaches people all around the world. FavorandWealth.com Estherpreneur.com
Edna Harding [00:00:03]:
Welcome to Estrepreneur, a podcast for entrepreneurs and leaders doing business and life God's way. Each week, we discuss biblical and to improve your mind, business, spirit, relationships, and finances. Listen along as I speak with special guests on how to thrive in all aspects of life. Hi, I'm Edna. Like many of you, I wear many hats. I'm a military wife, mother, author, certified John Maxwell business and executive coach, trainer and founder of Favor and Wealth who we help the good guys win. So tune in as we bring on the light. Well, hello everyone.
Edna Harding [00:00:47]:
Thank you for tuning in for another episode of the Essentrepreneur Podcast. My name is Edna Harding, and I hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving week last week. As you guys know, I took a break last week. I spent time with family, some much needed r and r time with my best friend and her family as well as my my in laws. And so it's been just an incredible weekend of rest sort of. I'm as most of you guys know, the holidays are coming up, and so I was in crunch time. And I had a launch also that week before the 22nd for my group coaching program, Business Unlimited. So it's been a very, very busy but strategic week.
Edna Harding [00:01:33]:
And so, for those of you guys who are new here, we talk about a lot of biblical wisdom and we mix it with practical business insights to help you win and grow business God's way not just in your business also in your personal life as well. So today, we're diving into something incredibly foundational yet often overlooked, and specifically, that is how to be the salt in the marketplace. And Jesus said in Matthew chapter 5 verse 13, it says, you are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its saltiness, how can I be made salty? Again, salt preserves, enhances, and influences. But how does that translate to our what? Our business, our career, our leadership? And so today, I'm gonna break it down into 4 actionable steps using the acronym SALT. Okay? So this is specifically for those people who are looking to grow their business. And how are we gonna do that? And it's through those acronym of SALT. So the first letter s stands for strategize for sustainability. Okay? Strategize for sustainability.
Edna Harding [00:02:48]:
I'm in Luke 14 verse 28, it says, suppose one of you wants to build a tower, won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? So if you really read this first, the main message emphasizes what? Planning and foresight. Because in business, it's not just about chasing the next big thing. It's actually about building something that lasts. Okay. Think about Joseph in the bible during Egypt's year of abundance, he didn't just celebrate. He stored resources to what? Prepare for the famine. We talk about like the the stuff in my program about the ants and what do they do? They store up for the winter time. So because you know that strategic foresight not only saved a nation, but also elevated Joseph to one of the most highest position of influence.
Edna Harding [00:03:40]:
So I want you to ask yourself right now. Are you building systems that support your business goals? K? Hear me, and I'm really big on this for those of you guys who are my current clients and my my programs that have listened to me speak before. I'm really big on systems. K? Are you building systems that support your goals? Because systems create sustainability. For example, you when you automate, right, when you delegate, when you you when you must focus on the work that truly moves the needle. Okay? And we talked about, I don't know if it was this last week or whatever, but maybe it's not even through this episode, but we talked about having your your attention focusing on your strength zone, not just in the the must do right now zone. Right? And so I go into that to my program, but essentially anything that annoys you, you want to basically, delegate anything that you can do, but really you you're not really passionate about. You wanna automate that.
Edna Harding [00:04:52]:
And then focus only on the works that really gives you energy right. So that's this is the the simple way of saying it if that makes sense, but these are just simple tactics on how to ensure that you create sustainability right because sustainability isn't glamorous at all. It's not. It's a bedrock of success, though. And if you get if you create systems around those things that I just told you, the things that irk you, the things that annoy you, but needs to get done, you outsource that. The one things that you know how to do, but it doesn't really give you any energy or you're not excited about you, you automate that. And anything that you love doing, you enjoy doing, like, it's just creates that ign that ignites that creativity juice in you, that you could do while you sleep, if that makes sense. It's so easy for you, but you absolutely love doing.
Edna Harding [00:05:46]:
That's what you wanna focus your efforts on. Okay? So here's your action step for letter s. I want you to identify one area of your business where you're operating on short term fixes instead of long term strategies. I want you to write it down and commit to creating a sustainable solution. Alright. So you guys ready to go to letter a alright so the second letter a stands for align with God's purpose. Okay. Proverbs 3 chapter 5 verse 6 reminds us to trust the Lord with all of our hearts and lean on our own understanding and in all our ways submit to him and he will make your path straight because here's the thing sorry guys.
Edna Harding [00:06:27]:
That was my Christmas stuff. It's easy to fall into the trap of chasing goals that look good but aren't aligned with God's purpose for your business. Okay? It's easy to fall into the trap of chasing goals that look good, but aren't aligned with God's purpose for your business. You know, when I first started, to favor and wealth, I had opportunities to chase bigger clients and larger paychecks. Did you guys hear me? I had many, thank you, Jesus. Many, many opportunity. You know how hard it was to walk out away from those 6 figure checks? Do you know how hard it was to walk away from those, Like the the high dollars the corporate clients who can who can pay me? Do you know how hard it was? It was extremely hard extremely hard and I felt I was like I was going crazy. I was like God, you want me to help the little guys? How are these little guys gonna pay me? And that's what I thought.
Edna Harding [00:07:30]:
You know, but God redirected me to focus on smaller businesses that needed both biblical wisdom and business strategy. Okay? And guess what? Those relationships became the most fruitful and most fulfilling partnerships I've ever had. Okay? That so what am I saying guys? I want you guys to understand here and hear me by way of the spirit. Alignment means putting prayer at the forefront of every decision. It's asking, Lord, is this your will or just my ambition? Because sometimes God's answer isn't the one we expect, but it's always the one that leads to true success. Okay? Sometimes I'm gonna say that again, my friends. Sometimes God's answer isn't the one we expect, but it's always the one that leads to true success. So here's my challenge for you for this, for the letter a this week, I want you to bring one of your major business decisions to God in prayer.
Edna Harding [00:08:28]:
Then I want you to be still and listen for his guidance because you might be surprised where he leads you. Alright. You guys ready for the next one? Letter l. Lead with integrity. I feel like I'm I'm, I'm spilling out like, I'm I'm, like, splitting this out to you guys so fast. And then maybe it could be that I had my mushroom coffee, and I had a little I had 2 mushroom coffees. So I don't know if that's what the energy is or if this is just the excitement in my spirit because I feel like we have stepped into a new era. When I say that, like, I sense in my spirit that if we truly align with everything that God is telling us to do, we are truly gonna see the fruits.
Edna Harding [00:09:10]:
No more delay, no more giants trying to stop you from getting into the promise that you know God has for you. God is truly moving in the spirit realm, and we are going to see in the natural. And I'm not talking about, like, a few years from now. I'm talking about now now, like, within this next year. So I hope you hear me by wave the spirit, the excitement that I have in my heart. Like, this is a clarion call to you, my brothers and sisters who are listening all over the world. I wanna encourage you guys. Like, this is not a time to play patty cake with the devil.
Edna Harding [00:09:42]:
This is not a time to sit and just twiddle your thumb and be like, okay. Okay. No. This is a time to get to work. I remember the Holy Spirit. What was this? When was this? Maybe a couple months ago. I was praying with one of my prayer warriors and, my intercessor for my business and my clients. And she was praying for a man.
Edna Harding [00:10:01]:
She's like I was like, she's trying to see if there was any other hurdles and, like, there was any other giants or any strongholds or any enemy else that we need to, you know, come against. And she said, you know what, Edna? I don't sense anything. She said, it's clear. It's a green light. Like there is absolutely nothing stopping you. Oh my gosh. I burst it out with tears of joy. And I was like, are you kidding me? That's why.
Edna Harding [00:10:28]:
Because I felt like this heaviness lifted off of me, and I feel like I'm running. And it seems like it's too easy. Like, it seems like the race is easier and it's faster. And I'm not even I am trying, but it seems like I'm not even, I'm not as pushing as hard as I was, and I'm gaining more traction than ever. And, and I'm like, what is happening, Lourdes? Because he told me, he's like, I want you to run and run as fast as you can. Run, run, run. I got you. And it's like, he gave me the green light to go ahead and take back everything that the enemy has stolen from me.
Edna Harding [00:11:05]:
And I believe this word is for those of you guys who are listening right now. I don't know what kind of challenges you've been through past few years. I don't know what kind of hurdles. I don't know what kind of trauma. I don't know how much money was stolen from you guys. I don't know anything, except that I know that there are things that happen in your life. And I just wanna encourage you by way of the spirit that God has given you the green light. God has given you everything we need to run and take back.
Edna Harding [00:11:33]:
Right? The spoils that the enemy has stolen from you, and it will come back with interests by the grace of God. Okay? Alright. Guys getting me excited now. I wish you guys could see me in video, but I'm like, oh my gosh. Like, I'm on fire for Jesus. Okay? L, lead with integrity. So Proverbs 11:3 says, integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Integrity isn't just about honesty.
Edna Harding [00:12:02]:
I want you guys to hear me. Integrity isn't just about honesty. Okay? It's about consistency in your character, no matter who's watching. Okay. I want you guys to think about Daniel. Let me drink some more coffee here, mushroom coffee. So good. Hold on.
Edna Harding [00:12:23]:
So good. He was taken into exile, thrown into the lion's den, yet he never wavered in his faith or his integrity. His commitment to God set him apart and then elevated him to a position of influence even among unbelievers. So in business, integrity builds trust and trust builds loyalty. So whether it's honoring a promise to a client or making ethical choices, even when it's costly, integrity is your greatest assets. Okay? So here's an exercise for you. And I really and when I say these kind of things, I want you guys to actually do it. Okay? I don't want you to just hear me and say, oh, that's great.
Edna Harding [00:13:07]:
And I will actually want you, you know, for those of you guys who have worked with me in the past, who've been through my trainings, who have done 1 on ones group coaching. I love practical applications. I love implementing every strategy that God gives us. So I want you guys to do this. I want you to pause this podcast and I want you to write down your core business values. Do you have any, what are your core business values? Okay. And I don't want you guys to just like, say whatever comes in on top of your mind. I want you to really ask the Holy spirit.
Edna Harding [00:13:40]:
Cause I'm assuming most of you guys who are in here are those who follow Jesus. And if not, you guys are interested on what is this Jesus God's way or business God's way. What is this all about? So for me, for example, what are my core values? Mine is hope, truth, excellence, and wisdom. Hope, truth, excellence, wisdom. Hope, truth, excellence, wisdom. Hope, truth, excellence, wisdom. What is this? Like, Anna, what are you talking about? Hope, truth, excellence, wisdom. Anything in my program programs, 1 on 1 coaching, training, I will always ensure that I give you nuggets of wisdom, encourage you with hope, fill you with truth, and give you, strategies to so that you could have the excellent spirit in all that you do, whether if it's in business and in life.
Edna Harding [00:14:34]:
That is what my core values are. And I want you to think about yourself, like, what are you my core values? And I want you then after that audit your recent decisions. Oh, come on, Ella. They're really yes. I want you to audit your recent decisions, and I want you to ask yourselves, are they aligned with those values? And if not, what needs to be changed? Alright? Okay. Who's ready for the last letter? The letter t. T is transform through tension. Oh, man.
Edna Harding [00:15:10]:
Yeah. I know you guys don't like that. You guys don't like to hear trials. I know you guys don't like to hear tribulation. Nope. No one likes the t word. But guess what, guys? Transform through tension. That is the last t.
Edna Harding [00:15:22]:
Okay? James 1224 says consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whether you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, okay? Transformation doesn't happen in comfort zones. Growth is often hidden in the challenges we'd rather avoid. So let me share with you guys a quick story. Okay? A client of mine face a massive business setback when their primary revenue stream, hear me, dried up overnight. Can you imagine that? Your primary revenue stream dried up overnight. Now they are ready to quit. Okay. How many of you guys would be ready to quit after you just lost the primary revenue stream has is gone.
Edna Harding [00:16:07]:
Not nothing. Not even a set. K? They were ready to quit, but instead, we reframe that tension as an opportunity to innovate. Okay? So within 6 months, their their their business pivoted to a new model that then doubled their income. I want you guys to hear me. Like, Like, what? Yes. You know, a lot of times we try to fix something that is broken. Right? We try to fix something that's broken instead of just creating a new thing.
Edna Harding [00:16:46]:
Okay? Maybe God does not want you to fix that broken system. Maybe he wants you to create a new system that's gonna give you more return for less work. I hear the chuckle in my spirit. Can you guys imagine that? Creating a new system that gives you more revenue for less work. Who to do that? I don't know about you, but that sounds like my kind of plan. Right? So think about the apostle Paul. He faced shipwrecks, imprisonment, and persecution, yet he turned every obstacle into an opportunity to spread the gospel. So what if I wanna hear I want you guys to hear me.
Edna Harding [00:17:24]:
What if that very tension you're facing right now is God's tool for change or God's tool for transformation? Alright. So here's your takeaway. I want you to identify one challenge in your business. And instead of running from it, I want you to ask God, what are you trying to teach me through this? And then I want you to embrace that tension and watch what happens. I want you to run against that Goliath. You know, I did a prayer call with our group, that just launched in November. And we talked about, actually, it was December 2nd. Thank you, Holy Spirit.
Edna Harding [00:18:01]:
This past Monday. And, we talk about, you know, David and Goliath and how there was a scripture prior to Goliath going into I mean, David going into face Goliath in the field. And he was, he was having a conversation with Saul. And when he was basically saying that, that our God is bigger and better than that little Philistine. Okay. And he, he won that battle there because he saw the giant defeated before he even went into the field. So whatever giant that you're facing, I want you to see that giant defeated before you even deal with it in the natural. Okay.
Edna Harding [00:18:42]:
Come on, Jesus. Come on, Jesus. Help me explain this to my sisters and brothers. Okay. I want you to see whatever giant you're facing, whether if it's sickness, whether if it's relationship problems, but if it's finances problems, but if it's mindset, despair, I want you to see what ever giant that is screaming at you defeated before you even face him in the natural. Alright? Okay. So there you have it. The SALT framework, strategize for sustainability, align with God's purpose, lead with integrity, and transform through tension.
Edna Harding [00:19:18]:
I want you to think which area resonates most with you, and I'd love to hear your thoughts. You know, this week, I challenge you to pick one of these principles and apply it to your business. And let me know how it goes. You could connect with me on my website, favorandwealth.com, or you could connect with me on LinkedIn. That is a platform that I'm most, active in because my Instagram, my Facebook, what else do I have? I think yeah. And social media, like, I guess YouTube, I haven't really been active. I probably should be more active there, but Twitter, like, those are more for my personal things, but anything business related, you can find me on LinkedIn, and I engage a lot with my listeners there. Okay? And so, remember one thing before we end this, that being a salt of the earth isn't about preserving.
Edna Harding [00:20:07]:
Okay? It's about transforming. Remember, your business is a ministry. Okay? And God has equipped you to make an eternal impact. So let me ask you, what type of impact internal impact are you making with your current business or your current organization, right? Or your current platform or your current book, whatever project, whatever assignment God has given you, what type of impact are you making eternally? Okay? Cause that's what you really need to be focusing on. You need to focus on eternal impact more than today's impact because the eternal impact will outlast today's impact. All right. So thank you guys for tuning into the entrepreneur. If today's episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear this message.
Edna Harding [00:20:48]:
Until next time, stay rooted in wisdom, fueled by faith, and dare to blend the old with the bold. I'm Edna Harding, and I'll see you guys next week. Take care. Bye bye. Thanks for joining us this week on Estapreneur. Make sure to visit our website, favorandwealth.com, for more information on our services. While you're at it, if you found value in this show, we'd appreciate a rating on iTunes, or if you simply tell a friend about the show, that would help me out too. Also, check out my book, The Old New Side of Sales, available on Amazon, where I share 7 of my secrets on how to win and grow business the right way.
Edna Harding [00:21:26]:
Until next time, keep shining.