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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
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.
Edna Harding: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. Thank you for tuning in for another episode of the Essentrepreneur podcast. My name is Edna Harding, and I'm your host.
Edna Harding:And you're listening to a podcast that teaches you how to win and grow business God's way or do business and life God's way. And so I'm excited you guys are tuning in. Welcome back to all my returning listeners from all over the world. And, again, I just wanna say I appreciate you guys allowing me to pour into you and teach you the things that God has been showing me in my season of entrepreneurship. And so I wanted to say that today, we are going to tackle a topic that a lot of people don't realize there is actual strategies from the bible, and it's about personal branding and how to specifically, how to build a powerful personal brand while staying true to God's calling.
Edna Harding:And before we dive in, I wanted to go ahead and open up in a word of prayer, because I think this is going to reveal to you some of the strongholds that may be stopping you from being all that God called you to be. So let's pray. Heavenly father. Thank you for every listener tuning in today. Open our hearts and minds to understand how you've called us to be lights in the marketplace and let today's message equip and encourage my brothers and sisters who are listening on the other line to rise boldly in their calling in the mighty name of Jesus.
Edna Harding:Amen. So I wanted to start off by sharing something personal. Many years ago, I found myself sitting at my home office desk overwhelmed and a little bit frustrated because despite my certifications, despite the awards that I've gotten out in the marketplace and my heart for serving others, my business wasn't growing to the point that I wanted to. Like, it was growing, but not enough. Right?
Edna Harding:I wanted to get to a point where I wanted to hire people. I wanted to get to a point where it's no longer me in the business, but me focusing on what God called me to do, like my strength zones, which is what idea generation, sis creating systems, as well as, you know, building relationships. And I was doing all the other things I didn't want to do, and I just wanted to ask God why. No. Why why isn't why am I not experiencing all the types of success that my peers are having?
Edna Harding:And I remember I told him, I was like, I have the skills I'm doing everything right. What am I missing? And one morning during my devotional, I was reading Matthew chapter 5 and verse 15 left off, leaped off the page. Is it left or leaped? I don't even know if I'm saying the right thing, but bottom line was the scripture where it says, neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Edna Harding:Instead, they put it on a stand and gives light to everyone in the house. And that's when it hit me. I was hiding. I had been playing small, afraid of being too visible because I thought staying behind the scenes was being humble, but God showed me that hiding isn't humility. It's disobedience.
Edna Harding:And when you bury the gifts he's given you, you're holding back the impact he's called you to make. And so I wanna give you guys a few core teachings, and the first one is stewardship of your gift. And the stewardship of your gift, is something that you you you hear about, but I don't think we really grasp the importance of it. Because many Christians I know struggle with visibility because they confuse humility with hiding. But think about Jesus.
Edna Harding:He never hid his gift. He taught in the synagogues on mountain sides and homes wherever people needed him. So when God gives you skills experience and a calling hiding, isn't humility is actually disobedience. And I hated that. That was something that I did not like, because I, I didn't wanna feel like I was bragging or showing off or, you know, I didn't want people to think that I thought that was better than them.
Edna Harding:But in reality, I was disobeying God because the the the the truth of the matter is your ex your expertise isn't for your benefit. It's meant to serve others and glorify God. Right? So the question I wanna ask you is what if the breakthrough someone needs is tied to the gift you've been too afraid to share? And I really had to get kicked in the rear end by the holy spirit, to get out there and talk about my giftings, talk about the things he showed me, and really, like I had to stop.
Edna Harding:It kind of reminds me of this is, I think you'll relate to this even though maybe you won't, but I'm gonna share it because I felt like that it's dropped in my spirit just now. I remember, when I was, you know, really busy in my business and really busy just focusing on God and focusing ministry. And I was single at that time, and I didn't really entertain anybody even though I was, you know, I was doing really well as a I was a hot commodity in the single world. I had no kids. I was doing well financially.
Edna Harding:I have my own house. I'd I really was, healed and delivered from my past. And I remember my pastor's wife, and my pastor was like, Edna, why aren't you dating? And I'm like, it's because no one's really asked me. They're like, well, do you do anything?
Edna Harding:Do you do anything fun? Do you go outside there? And I was like, I don't have time for that. And, and I remember my pastor's wife's like, you need to go online dating. I'm like, oh, like dating.
Edna Harding:I was like, oh, absolutely not. That's for desperate people. And I remember, like, she really encouraged me. You need to put make a profile. You know, you're really busy.
Edna Harding:You're, you know, focused, career driven women, you know, conquering the marketplace. It's like she's like, you need to put yourself out there because you're you're, what did he she's he's yeah. She said your Boaz isn't gonna show up to your door if you're not making yourself available. You have to show that you're you know, who you are. You have to show put yourself out there.
Edna Harding:And that's the same thing in business. Right? Your ideal customer or your clients is is gonna show up to your door if you're hiding. Right? If you're not going out there and presenting yourself to buyers, potential buyers, if that makes sense.
Edna Harding:I thought that was really funny. And by the way, what's that word? Spoiler alert. Yeah. Spoiler alert.
Edna Harding:I ended up marrying my husband who I met on match.com. So, yeah, it was a good call. Alright. That's another story, though. I'm not gonna go into that today.
Edna Harding:Alright. So the next point that I wanna talk about is service over self promotion. You know, here's what here's where many entrepreneurs get stuck. They think building a personal brand means constantly talking about themselves. Right?
Edna Harding:Personal brand isn't always about talking about yourselves. It's g what Jesus did was a different way. He actually didn't self promote. He served through stories, miracles, and life changing encounters. So what did he do to S to sum it up?
Edna Harding:He let his impact speak louder than words. You see your personal brand should be about the transformation you bring, not the spotlight you gain. Let me say that again. My friends, your personal brand should be about the transformation you bring, not the spotlight you gain, you know? So share your story, not to boast, but to demonstrate what's possible through God's guidance and power, right?
Edna Harding:This is not something to be shy about. Whatever gifting God has given you share stories, share testimonials. Talk about the transformation you've gone through and what your clients have gone through or what you believe they can go through. If they apply the things that God showed you as a solution for society's problems. So here's a practical tip.
Edna Harding:I want you guys, that, for example, next time when you're hesitant to post online, I want you to ask yourself, how can this content serve someone today? You know, I try my best, especially on my LinkedIn, my podcast newsletter, things to really under look back, look at all my posts. I'm like, is this about me, or is this to encourage people, with their journey or to serve them, solve a problem for them, or to, you know, bring hope to them. Like, that is my end goal. And I don't always get it right, but that's my heart intention.
Edna Harding:My heart's pure intention is to be able to really help move my brother or sister in Christ on the other side, go closer to their god given dream. Alright? Okay. Hope this is helping guys. This is not gonna be a long one.
Edna Harding:Don't worry. Alright. So let's go to number 3 and walking in authority. You know, I want you guys to think about Daniel and Babylon. He didn't announce himself.
Edna Harding:Right? His excellence has integrity and consistency set him apart. The king noticed him because his work spoke volumes. So your personal brand should reflect godly character, consistent excellence, and wisdom in how you show up to serve others. And you do that by walking boldly in the authority God has given you in whatever space you are in.
Edna Harding:You don't need to chase opportunities. You have to let your light draw them. Right? I wanna say that again. You know, a lot of times people, like, go after everything that moves, trying to sit at the right tables, trying to, you know, join whatever fad that's going on.
Edna Harding:But in reality, you don't have to go out chasing God is going to draw them to you. If you just let your light shine boldly And and the way you do that is you gotta know what that light is. Because a lot of times what I found is a lot of people don't realize the cut the light that they even have. So it starts with awareness. It starts with understanding your your gifting, the seeds that God put inside of you, and it that comes through knowing your identity in Christ and not just, like, as a son and daughter, but what he has assigned you to do.
Edna Harding:And this is a struggle that a lot of the people I work with is they're thinking, for example, they're pursuing to be an accountant or pursuing to be a certain business because they know it makes money, but rather picking a business that lines up with who they are and what makes them cry or what makes them happy, like things that God innately put inside of them versus just pursuing everything that could bring home the bacon, you know, instead of pursuing what God naturally put inside of them. Because what I found is if you chase money, money isn't going to come. But if you chase purpose, if you chase God's calling, God's vision, money will follow, and he will provide for everything you need to ensure that the vision he put inside of you comes to pass. But if you chase someone else's vision and not your vision, you're really gonna go against the grain. You're going against your natural make.
Edna Harding:You're going against, you know, his plans for you. So the struggle is going to be real. Not to say that if you're pursuing God's call, you're never going to have struggles. What you'll find is God will always give you strategies to overcome every single struggle if that is exactly where God called you to be. So I'm gonna share with you guys a framework I call the light on a stand strategy.
Edna Harding:Okay. You guys ready? Alright. So number 1, I want you guys to focus on the clarity of your message. I want you to write down your god given mission.
Edna Harding:K? Write down your god given mission. This is something I do with my clients and my group coaching and any client, that I typically work with, especially if they don't really know what they wanna do first. Okay? I want you to write out your god given mission, and then I want you to identify who you are called to serve.
Edna Harding:Okay? Then I want you to write a personal transformation story that highlights God's power. Okay? So craft that out, pause this podcast, and then come back. Okay.
Edna Harding:The second thing that I want you to do, welcome back, just pretend you pause it. I want you to focus on consistent presence. Okay. I want you to choose one platform where your audience gathers. For me, that's LinkedIn.
Edna Harding:Okay. LinkedIn and my podcast. Okay. Those are 2 main things that I do most of my messaging. Okay.
Edna Harding:Then I want you to commit to showing up regularly with, whatever content that is relevant to your particular field. I want to engage authentically and encourage those who are listening to you or asking you questions. And I want you to respond, right? Respond to questions or messages, especially if they send you any message. Like you wanna connect with your audience, just like Jesus said, he didn't think he was better than everyone else.
Edna Harding:He entertain even the Pharisees, the people who hated him. Right? So don't be afraid to have conversations. Alright. And I wanted to end with proverbs chapter 18 verse 16, where it says a gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
Edna Harding:So what I want you guys to do for your homework, yeah, I'm gonna give you homework this week. Okay? I want you number 1, I want you to audit your online presence. And I want you to ask yourself, are you showing up with clarity and confidence? Are you, is it always says, are you consistent, right?
Edna Harding:Are you doing the same? Is it clear what you do? Is it clear who you serve? Right. All right.
Edna Harding:Number 2, I want you to write your transformation story. What has gone what has God done in your life and the others need to hear? Right? So what has God done in your life that others need to hear? This is your testimony.
Edna Harding:You know, the Bible says you overcome the enemy by the blood of the lamb and your word of a testimony. So a lot of times what I found is business ideas typically stems from a problem you had that you had to solve or problem other people have that you had to solve or a problem that, you know, exists that God gave you an idea to solve. Okay? So there has to be some sort of story why you're doing what you do. If you are just picking something random without any, pool to solve it, and you're just picking it because, you know, almost our online business for the sake of doing an online business and God never told you to do it.
Edna Harding:You're you are going against the rough waters, my friend. Okay. So really ask the Lord, is this the business you've called me to do? And if it is, why and how? Right?
Edna Harding:Okay. So number 3, the next thing I want you guys to do is to create one piece of content that serves your audience, one piece of content, and just start posting even if it's once a week. Alright? And then I also want you guys to engage with 5 potential clients or people in your community. Do this on a regular.
Edna Harding:Start off by doing it once a week, then you could do it twice a week and then 30 times a week and eventually, hopefully 5 times a week. Okay. And last but not least, I want you guys to share this episode with someone who needs encouragement in their business journey. Okay. Because this is something that I think a lot of people forget.
Edna Harding:You know, we are called to be the light of the world, the sea on the hill, the salt of the earth. We are not called to blend in. We're called to stand out. So I want you guys to remember that. I want you guys to walk in that and remember that your brand isn't about you.
Edna Harding:Okay. It's about the people God has called you to serve. So you have to step into your calling with confidence. Okay. My friends.
Edna Harding:Well, let me go ahead and close in prayer. Heavenly father, thank you for the gifts and callings you place in our lives. Give us boldness, Lord, to step out in faith, share stories, and serve with excellence. Make we build businesses that glorify you and leave lasting kingdom impact in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Edna Harding:All right. If this is something you guys would like support in, and this is something that you know for a fact that God has called you to do, but you just don't really know how, join my business unlimited group coaching program. This is something that has been years in the making is finally been released. I'm getting a lot of positive feedback with the program and from my current students, and I think you would find it beneficial. Go ahead and sign up on my, website, favoritewealthdot com under group growth and mentoring program.
Edna Harding:It's called business unlimited, and just apply. You know, you have nothing to lose. You have a 5 day trial, and after that, it's only $300 a month, and you could cancel anytime. Okay? So, again, I just wanted to end with that, guys.
Edna Harding:Thank you for tuning in to Essentrepreneur Podcast. Until next time, stay purpose driven and faith filled, and let me know if there's anything you guys want me to talk about in the near future. I'll talk to you guys soon and have a wonderful rest of the week. Blessings, my friends. Have a good one.
Edna Harding:Thanks for joining us this week on Estrepreneur. 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 East 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:Until next time, keep shining.