Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie-A Proverb Per Day Keeps Stinking Thinking At Bay

If you’re old enough, you probably remember the famous television commercials for the brokerage firm E.F. Hutton. The scene always began with a crowded restaurant full of conversations. Then someone quietly said, “Well, my broker is E.F. Hutton…” Instantly, the entire room became silent.

The commercial ended with one unforgettable line:

“When E.F. Hutton speaks, people listen.”

I’ve often wondered: what if that could be said about Gospel-Centric Customer Success Masters?

Not because we’re louder or smarter. But because our words consistently bring life.

That is exactly what Solomon describes in Proverbs 10:11.

So, how does Proverbs 7 apply to marketplace ministry? Easy, avoid the appearance of promiscuous business.

Business is serious, but enjoyable at the same time. Playing loose with pricing, procedures, and processes to secure a transaction, in my opinion, is akin to displaying wanton behavior. Making a ‘deal’ with new or temporary customers outside stated pricing with loyal, committed existing customers is like adultery, once again, from my perspective.

Think on this: In the B2B2C marketplace, a producer selects resellers who uphold the product’s value by serving the end user professionally. Excellent resellers are catalysts that deliver tremendous pre- and post-sale customer service, creating high perceived value for the product/service or brand. The result is Momentum AKA sell-through. Everyone from the designer to the reseller, the end user, to fans in the stands enjoys the benefits of an excellent relationship by association. This momentum attracts the attention of rogue or unscrupulous, undesirable resellers. These resellers seduce the producer with huge purchase orders, paying in cash. They offer the end-user customer very little support. These resellers do not pioneer new brands, concepts, or campaigns to expand market share. They only “Click ’n Ship” established brands/products. Unfortunately, I speak from experience when I chased transactions to make quota.

Allowing ourselves and our organization to be seduced by the appearance of promiscuous behavior by rogue or unscrupulous resellers is like being with a w***e. Avoid it

Imagine walking into the lobby of one of America’s largest companies and seeing these words carved in marble: Integrity. Communication. Respect. Excellence. It looked impressive—until the company collapsed in one of the biggest corporate scandals in history. Today, let’s discover why trust isn’t built by what’s written on the wall, but by what’s lived every day.

Are you aware your Paths are in Full View? Today, we discuss Proverbs 5:21-23 from chapter 5 of Marketplace Proverbs Vol 2, Micro to Macro: The Ripple Effect of Influence, written by me and co-author Jon Kluiter.

The marketplace reflects human decisions, motives, and discipline. Proverbs 5 reminds us that the Lord sees our paths every step we take, in full view. He examines not only our outcomes but also the heart behind our decisions. This truth applies not only to individuals but also to businesses.

Are we rewarded for doing the Right Thing?

Today I am reading from chapter 4 of Marketplace Proverbs Vol 1, A Sales Navigator’s Compass to Customer Success Mastery™ Through The Wisdom of Proverbs, written by me and co-author Jon Kluiter.

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”--Proverbs 4:18-19 ESV

Proverbs 3:32-35 NIV

“For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence. The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.

Proverbs 31 is often read only once each year, especially on Mother’s Day, but it’s meant to be lived daily. It depicts a woman of strength, discipline, wisdom, and consistency. However, there isn’t a perfect Proverbs 31 person, man or woman. Today, we go deeper into the concept of consistency across all areas of our lives.

I bet you’ve been fooled by a report. A spreadsheet that looked great; the dashboard was green, and everyone said things were fine—until you discovered the truth for yourself. Today, we’ll discuss why wise Gospel-Centric Customer Success Masters do more than study the map; they walk the landscape.

C.S. Lewis wrote and shared his insights about one of the biggest temptations many of us face: the desire to be part of an “inner ring” and the fear of feeling like an “outsider.” Today we go a tad deeper into Mr. Lewis’ insights.

I started my career back in October 1965, while I was still a senior in high school, working part-time at Phipps Piano Company in Birmingham, AL. I loved helping customers find British VOX amps and VOX Phantom Guitars. After graduating in June 1966, I worked full-time in retail until January 2, 1971, when I had the exciting opportunity to join St. Louis Music as a territory sales representative. This journey has been filled with great experiences and opportunities to grow.

Back then, I wanted to know: How much can I sell? How successful can I become? When can I afford to buy a Cadillac? How far can I go up the ladder?

Today, the question is different. What am I building that will survive? Because one day, according to the Apostle Paul, everything I’ve built will be tested. Not by customers. Not by managers. Not by shareholders. By fire.

“The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.”— Proverbs 28:20 NLT