Divinepreneur Set Free

Do you feel like God is calling you to a new thing?  A new direction?  To do something totally out of your comfort zone?  Maybe it's your business, or even your career?

As we approach the end of 2019, take an inventory of the past months to see if God has been pushing you into new ground.  

There are signs that God may be talking to you.  First, you don't have peace in your heart.  In the context of work, maybe you feel uneasy.  You are always thinking about that "other" thing. 

Second, you may be feeling stagnant at your job, or in your business.  There's no growth.  You can't see beyond your current situation. 

Third, others have been talking to you about new projects, a new career, or a new venture. 

Fourth, are you struggling with your communication with God? If you fid yourself unable to focus on your time with God, then it may be a sign (combined with others discussed here) that you may be called to a new thing. 

Fifth, are you daydreaming about something?  Something big? You then shrug it off as a "not gonna' happen?"  Well, again, the Grand Weaver may have grand things in stored for you!

Now, there is no guarantee of course to any of this. Search your heart, and spirit.  Seek guidance and pray. 

Don't ever underestimate your experience, talents, and gifts.  And don't ever write yourself off because you are a certain age (old or young).  Just remember, if God is calling you, he will prepare the way, and all the details. 

Blessings,

#shiuyaright

Do you get along with everyone?  Is there a co-worker, a colleague, or maybe your peer that you just can't click with?

Is it you?  It is her?  Maybe both?  Well, understanding one's personality profile may just be the key in helping you and your team understand and work with each other in a smoother way.

Recently, my wife and I took the DISC profile assessment. It's sort of a check up to where each other is at.  The goal is to learn about each other in a way where we understand the other's way of thinking.

We are all wired a little differently.  I am a high D and C.  This just means I like data, details, and I am a typical hunter and gatherer. I like to execute; I value order, and parameters.

By contrast, someone who is a high I and S, like my wife, she is more inclined to make peace, and talk about things.

Now, this does not mean that I have none of the other traits, and same for my wife.  This just means that we come from two different viewpoints.

Perhaps the most famous personality test is the Myers Briggs test. 

Under the four categories (Extrovert v. Introvert; Intuitive v. Sensing; Feeling v. Thinking; Judging v. Perceiving) of the MB test, we can learn how someone operates.  

For example, do you know people who can't stand large crowds for a long time?  That coworker that dislikes large parties?  Well, she may be an introvert.  This does not mean that she is shy; in fact, she is not.  She is quite social. It's just that she draws her energy from being in smaller crowds and more likely by herself.  In addition, she likely does not enjoy small talk.  

With this understanding, this professional may market best in large parties.  She may be most effective at a small lunch or at a meetup one on one with a prospect. 

Other personality tests/profiles are the Enneagram and Strengthsfinder. 

Get to know yourself today! If you haven't already, take one of these tests to see where you are at.  I think with more data we can all lead ourselves better, and lead others better. 

Blessings,

#shiuyaright

In this episode, I interview my good friend Sid Mofya.  Sid is the Director of Partnerships at Draper Venture Network by day; by night, he is a budding creative generating soulful/folk-inspired music.

Sid shares with us that in his early days he had ambitions of becoming a doctor.  Born in Zambia, his dream was to study abroad.  While medicine was not the ultimate calling, Sid did land a full ride in the UK to study engineering.  He later pursued a business degree in Houston, Texas, but not before he got married to his lovely wife- Becky.

Together, they traveled to Africa, UK, and the states, but eventually found the Bay Area as home.  Today, Sid is busy putting deals together, but he is also putting lyrics to paper. 

He picked up the guitar and later piano no doubt due to his upbringing.  Sid was brought up pretty much Christian you could say.  He was exposed to music from family, and church early on. 

Today, he writes his own songs.  The dream is to connect people with his music, but in a way that's customized and personalized.  Sid plans to create bespoke music for individuals who can "message" to loved ones.  Music has a way of speaking to people's hearts like no other vehicle. 

This idea grew from his own experience from losing his beloved father, as he was on a plane traveling back to his home land to take care of family affairs. 

Sid shares that the feeling on the plane was like no other.  He heard a song that touched him deeply.  By memorializing that moment with song, his vision is to do the same for others through his own lyrical chops.  

Sid continues to write songs, and create soulful and folk-inspired tunes - mixing powerful African sounds with contemporary sounds.  Music truly transcends all boundaries.  Sid's experience is also a down to Earth testament to the fact that we can work and create for the glory of God. 

You can hear Sid's music here.  Visit him at www.mofyamusic.com

His Instagram is mofyamusic.  Check him out today! 

Blessings, 

#shiuyaright 

Do you suffer from Isolation-itis?  "Isolation is the enemy of excellence." (Aaron Walker; https://www.viewfromthetop.com)

In this part two series on "Free The Dream Conference," we look at one of my big takeaways - upgrading your peer group.

If you're like me, a proud introvert and type A personality, you may have a high tendency to seclude yourself in your work, projects, thinking, and problem solving? Why? It's likely largely rooted in hubris, and a sense of pride.  For me, I tend not want to bother anyone.  But there's a cost to this way of operation. 

Isolation-itis, can cause us to think narrowly.  We may not appreciate all options that are available to us.   It can harbor a deeper sense of pride because we have "gone too far" so why ask for help now?   

Upgrading our peer group, or creating one, such as a mastermind group, can provide many benefits.  

First, it can provide us with community.  People are social beings.  To thrive in your business, ministry, or any endeavor building a community increases the probability of resources, and access.   

Second, a pee group also provides us with perspective.  We can't see everything because we haven't been everywhere.  A related point is we don't see out blindspots (or we ignore them). 

Third, and probably the most powerful benefit of a peer group is to be held accountable.  How many of us - if we're being honest - have quit something because we did not have to answer to anyone?  We were held to the fire. 

A serious peer group is not just a gathering, a get-together, coffee talk, or jive talking. It is designed to be a serious group of people who are willing to be vulnerable, open, and transparent with each other with the end goal of improving our collective well being so we can win! 

(NOTE: my goal is quarter and in Q4 is to find and participate in a mastermind group)

Blessings,

#shiuyaright

in this week's episode, part one, we talk about our dreams.  Almost all of us have a dream that we want to unleash. For some of you, you are already living your dream.  Congrats!  For the majority of us, however, I am guessing that we have something bottled within that we have been harboring for years, and at times, decades.  But it isn't going away. 

At this year's Free the Dream conference (www.freethedreamconference.com), I was so blessed to have been able to attend the 2.5 days extravaganza.  The speaker all spoke against the theme that we can all free our dream.  But we have to be ultra-intentional. 

One of the key reasons that we keep our dreams dormant is because of our belief system.  All beliefs have consequences. We have told ourselves (or have been conditioned to think) that we need be responsible, and go the straight and narrow.  That's fine.  But at what cost?  How many of our friends do we know who have great professions but who are miserable in their career?  Maybe that's you even. 

When we examine our beliefs, and challenge them we can begin to chart out action steps to get closer to doing what God has called us to do. Maybe you're called to ministry; maybe it is to start a side business; or, maybe it is to leave your current job and work in and on your business altogether.  Whatever it is, we must examine deeply our limiting beliefs in order to launch out of the orbit of stagnation.  

Blessings, 

#shiuyaright

In this episode, we explore the three traits in an ideal team player in any organization. 

Let's face it: Top talent is hard to find.  They are even harder to keep (that's for another episode).  In his famed work, "The Ideal Team Player," Patrick Lencioni argues convincingly three tops traits that an employer should identify in their team members.  In honor of this work, we dive into the three traits and discuss their implications when they are present, or missing (or a combination of them). 

The three key traits that an employer would want in any team member are humility, hunger, and intelligence (including emotional intelligence.  Ideally, we want all three traits in any single team player. Some will have one while others will have two.  

The combination of any two are important to look at.  

For example, those who are humble and smart, but not hungry will be ones that typically slide on by.  They are under the radar.  They are often times pretty quiet. They will draw very little attention to themselves.  However, they can certainly do the job. 

Next, there are team members who are both smart, and hungry, and are not humble.  These are likely the most dangerous type of employee.  Unfortunately, these team members can often times be prideful and likely are looking out for number one only - and not the team. 

The close cousin to the one that we just mentioned is ones who are not humble, and not hungry, but are very smart.  They are the politicians likely.  They like themselves very much. 

There are practical ways to identifying team members with these traits. One way is to break free from the traditional behind-the-desk interview ; take the candidate into a pressured setting.  Take him or her to a restaurant and see who they interact with the public, service people, and parking lot attendants.  

In the end, we want a holistic member for our team so that we can add value to it, and ultimately to our customers.  

Blessings, 

#shiuyaright

Have you ever had a bad customer service experience? 

If you have, did you ever tell someone about it?  Chance are the answer is a resounding yes!  

So, how do we up our game when it comes to client relations and customer service?

In this episode, we discuss five essential skills to serving customers, and doing authentically. 

People are emotional beings.  That is why when we experience bad customer service we tend to tell our friends and neighbors; it hits a nerve.  We want to avoid that type of experience.  With this understanding, we can then construct a superior experience for our clients. 

First, be empathetic.  There is a big difference between being empathetic and being sympathetic.  You can certainly be both. However, having empathy simply shows that we care about the customer predicament.  Customers don't want to talk to robots and people who read off scripts, which in turn come off as robots.  We've all experienced this before.  

Second, avoid using negative language at all cost.  We must not confuse sugar-coding with avoiding using negative language.  We must still tell the truth. The trick here is to use positive language; avoid words like "unfortunately" and "yes, but..." 

Third, practice active listening.  As the late Dr. S. Covey taught, "seek first to understand, then to be understood."  Make sure you practice both principles though! Many of us really have a hard time listening; instead of listening, we are, rather, preparing our reply.  To listen better, have a "you-mindset" and avoid interrupting the person.  Listen with intention. 

Fourth, I think to serve clients authentically we need to practice patience.  When we think of God we may not mouth off "patience" as one of his key attributes.  But isn't it?  Think about how long he's waited for you, me, etc?  Similarly, some customers just need a lot more hand-holding than others. 

Fifth, be "other-centered." There is nothing wrong with wanting the "sale." Serve first. With this mindset, we take the focus off of how the deal can benefit ourselves.  We instead focus on the client's needs. Maybe after  you have met with the client and gathered all the relevant data you come to the conclusion that your product or service is not the right fit for your prospect.  Disclosing this to the prospect can only increase your credibility (through the roof)! Or, you are wiling to share with the prospect some aspects of your service that may be better deployed later rather than now.  Again, when we think of our client's needs, at the risk of "not closing the deal", you'll likely end up with more business than you can handle! 

Finally, what can be more authentic than owning our own mistakes that we have made when dealing with our clients. It's hard.  Really hard.  The natural human tendency is to hide, shift blame, or downplay the mistake.  When we reveal, admit, and apologize for our wrongdoing clients are much more receptive, and forgiving than if we were simply trying to act like it's not a big deal.  Clients are humans, too; they have made mistakes, too. Coming clean can only put yourself in an upright position. 

I love to hear about your experience with providing awesome and authentic customer service.  Did it back fire? Or, did it win your client's heart?

Email me at [email protected]!

Blessings,

#shiuyaright 

If you've purchased your favorite Iced Latte, or a Boba drink chances are you've used Fivestars (www.fivestars.com).  Why wouldn't you?

In this episode, I got a chance to interview Matt Doka, CTO of Fivestars.  Matt is blessed with being an engineering wiz, and a financial ninja.  At McKinsey, he worked in the investment sector, where he would meet his co-founder and CEO, Vic Ho.  Both Christ followers, they capitalized on their youth, enthusiasm, and faith to give starting a company a shot. 

Matt and Vic went through Y-Combinator.  With a little experimentation, and the expected pivoting, Matt and Vic set their sights on serving local and small businesses.  Through the customer loyalty framework, Fivestars' mission is to turn every transaction into a relationship! By offering a powerful marketing platform for businesses and rewards for their customers, it's a match made in business heaven. 

Matt shared in this episode the influence he had while growing up in a mission-filled household.  At a young age, he got a front-row seat in witnessing how his parents dedicated their careers and skills in work and service.  So, when the opportunity came knocking, Matt shared that he jumped at it and did incredible work in Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda where he helped dairy farmers to improve efficiency, and increase their return. 

With this background, Matt (and Vic) accelerated their company, which now serves over 14,000 businesses. 

In this episode, we conclude our discussion of the employment relationship by focusing on what the Bible has to say about what a Christ following employee should consider when it comes to his or her interactions at the workplace. 

First, I think it's important to be an exceptional worker and team member.  Focus on your internal brand so that people look to you for excellence.  Be mindful, project-oriented, and ready to help.  Col 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."  After all, we are working for God, and our workmanship should glorify God. 

At some level, we are all artists or artisans in some way.  We should be proud of our work. When we work on a project, or a task we can think like an artist and be proud to "sign off" on our final product.  In that way, your company and co-workers will notice that you're someone who does great work and provides a unique proposition. 

Second, we should respect authority meaning our superiors.  This does not mean that we subject ourselves to abusive or unethical behavior.  We need to be salt and light, and stand up for what is right without being self-righteous. 

According to 1 Tim 6:1, 2  "All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves."

Third, a Christian employee may want to be mindful of his or her personal finances.  You see, work can be stressful; when we are worried about debt or excessive financial burdens that can bleed into our work.  After all, most of us work the majority of our day and stress can affect our work, and work product.  So, it's important to consider one's own personal financial situation so it does not affect work in a negative way. 

Blessings to all!

#shiuyaright

Aloha! In this Maui edition of the Divinepreneur Set Free podcast, I am super thrilled to be recording from the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. 

This week, my fam' and I are with the kiddos vacationing.  We are so blessed and ever GRATEFUL to God for the opportunity.  This week, I didn't want to pass up the chance to record from this awesome place - bringing you guys some island love. 

And appropriately, this week's episode is about rest and relaxation.  Many of us have a hard time truly resting and relaxing.  Yes, a lot of us take vacation. But guess what, a lot of us don't.   I never used to take a vacation.  NEVER.  I didn't grow up with that brand of experience so it was never on my radar.  As an adult, I think that mindset carried over (well into adulthood). I remember I would work years without taking a real vacation.  

Today, I have learned that we all must break from our hustle.  Even those who are in ministry, and certainly those who are in business.  

Psalm 116:7 says "Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."  Mark 6:31 reminds us that Jesus said "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

You know anyone who pulls all nighters?  King David wrote "It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for what to eat for Go gives rest to his loved ones."  (Psalm 127:2)

Even God rested on the seventh day. 

However, we may have a tendency to forget.  And even if we do take time off, our minds are wandering about.  For many, our thought life is the real battleground. Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 says "What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?  All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless." 

Do you have a hard time calming your mind?  Does it race a thousand thoughts a minute? Here are three things to combat that today.

1. Deconstruct your work/worries/issues.  Break them down.  Delegate, push back, and act now.  Don't let it linger. 

2. Destroy.  Destroy those "old" thoughts that says "I have to be there...nothing will get done..."; "Will so and so actually follow through on my portion of the project while I am on vacation?"  Take EVERY though captive and claim your place in the Kingdom.  God has got you. 

3. Develop "new" and more healthy thoughts (replacing the old ones).  Remind yourself that in Christ you can rest.  You have the right to rest.  You must rest. Shut the enemy's lies that you don't have the luxury to relax.  Set yourself FREE from the enemy's lies with God's truth.  He said "come unto me all ye who labor, and I will give your rest."  (Matt. 11:28)

You have the right to rest and relax from your work. Take your mind back.  You have the power and the right to claim your thoughts and turn them from unhealthy to healthy-Kingdom thoughts! 

Rest up, my friends!  Mahalo and e-malama pono (take care)! 

Blessings,

Shiuyaright