How to Make Sound Business Decisions as a Christian Solopreneur

How do you make sound business decisions as a Christian solopreneur?
If you’ve not heard the term before, a solopreneur, as defined by the Urban Dictionary, is: “An entrepreneur who works alone, “solo,” running their business single-handedly. They might have contractors for hire, yet they have full responsibility for the running of their business.”   
But do we really work alone as Christian solopreneurs?
For example, as a Christian business owner, I see myself more as the executive director of Jory Fisher & Associates, Inc. than the CEO and founder. And if you will permit me to extend the analogy, Jesus is the chairman of my board.

Sound Business Decisions Result from Prayer

Daily we make decisions about our business. How sound, effective, and purposeful those decisions are depend on whether we take them to the Lord in prayer.
The writer of Proverbs 3:5-6 offers this sage advice:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
But prayer is more than taking our requests to God; it’s also seeking to discern His guidance and listening for His response.

Sound Business Decisions Result From Due Diligence and Wise Counsel

Saint Augustine also offers words to the wise: “Pray as though it depends on God and work as though it depends on you.”
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• Are you considering making an investment in coaching? A website?
• Are you wondering whether to add a new skill or dimension to your services? A new product
• Are you thinking about hiring a virtual assistant?

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Although prayer is your first step, you also need to research your options and speak with trusted advisors.
Scripture reminds us:
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14
Once you have sought the Lord in prayer and sought the counsel of others, it’s time to act! When your choices align with God’s Word and His revealed will as you can best discern it, you can rest in the promise of His peace:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Sound Business Decisions Are Not Based on Public Approval

I know… sometimes that’s easier said than done.
Perhaps like me you struggle from time to time with a perceived need to please others. Remember, sound business decisions result from prayer and purposeful action, not the approval of others!
You might be trying to please people not God if you find yourself thinking thoughts like:
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• But if I make this decision, my friends will wonder why I _________.
• But if I make this decision, people will wonder why I’m starting over…again.
• But if I make this decision, my colleagues won’t understand.

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Consider the words of the Apostle Paul:
^“Do you think I care about the approval of men or about the approval of God? Do you think I am on a mission to please people? If I am still spinning my wheels trying to please men, then there is no way I can be a servant of the Anointed One, the Liberating King.” – Galatians 1:10
and . . .
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23
We can’t control what people think, feel, or say about us. It’s natural for people to form opinions, and some of those people will share their opinions with you.
Prepare yourself for that.
Your compass should always be the “still, small voice” that the Holy Spirit speaks into your heart and soul — not the voices of others.
To make sound business decisions requires not only inviting God into our lives but our decision-making process as well.
What business decision are you facing today? What next steps do you need to take to co-create your business with God?