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Finance Fridays

She sees her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindles with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy
When it snow, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet. (Proverbs 31:18-21)

I was listening to the Michael Baisden show one afternoon during a discussion about business. He shared the statistic that most new businesses in the minority demographic, are started by women. He and his co-host seemed startled by that number and thought that more men should be more active in this area. But it all made since to me – this is not that argument about “anything you can do I can do better” – absolutely not (wrong blog, press “back if that’s what you are looking for). I’m saying it makes since because God’s ideal woman in Proverbs is a business woman. But this scripture really could apply to anyone – this ideal “virtuous person” should be diligent in taking care of business because that’s how we can afford to share and help others who are in need.

This scripture tells us, if we want to be financially independent enough to really help others, we’ve got to have our own business, and then we’ve got to do what’s necessary to ensure that it’s profitable.

I studied the entire chapter of Proverbs 31 more depth while I was reading Donna Partow’s Becoming the Woman God Wants me to be – it was the study of this book of wisdom that inspired me to start a blog and start earning some online income. Partow’s book is actually what encouraged me to get into online marketing. It’s a great way to earn residual income that will allow you to still remain in your home so that you can be of service to your family and still have profitable business.

She also encouraged developing several streams of income – even if each is small they’d add up over time. That way, when the time comes to lend a hand – our finances would be in order and we’d be able assist the poor and still keep our families well-fed and dressed without worrying about which bill won’t get paid.

I chose freelance writing and online marketing consulting for small businesses in my area, because that’s what fits within my range of expertise. That’s how you determine what type of business is best for you – look to your passions and your abilities and consider how you could use them to support a business. Then start small, start using your talents to slowly begin generating extra income.

If you enjoy making custom jewelry, start by making a few pieces of jewelry for family and friends, then have them refer customers to you – you could also build a website or blog and sell what you make online.

Whatever your talents are, that’s what you rely on to start your own business – that way, it won’t really feel like work and when you get paid for doing it, it’s a rewarding bonus.

…and her lamp does not go out at night
Then prepare to stay up late and get up early to do what’s necessary to get your business going. I wake early and often stay up late just so I can write and fit in related activities so that I’ll still have time to take care of my family and other responsibilities. The goal is not to get rich over night, but to slowly build a business that will eventually allow more financial freedom.

If you would like more information or help on how to get your business started and how to create a blog that will get your business noticed, feel free to contact me (highlyfavored@affiliateshelpdesk.com) for more information or assistance with getting started.

If you enjoyed reading this, you might also enjoy these past Finance Friday posts:

Consumptive spending is wasteful spending

Why tithe?

What does H&M, Walmart, and trash have in common?

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