Feeling Unfit to be an Entrepreneur? Think Again.
Updated: Apr 20, 2021
I’ve been gifted with many talents, and basketball is NOT one of them. I’ve got tons of skills, but dribbling, passing, jumping, and scoring are not at the top of the list.
I consider myself an athlete, and I know which sports I’ve been gifted in playing and skilled at winning.
As an entrepreneur, I’m always considering my skills and gifts when accomplishing the vision of my business.
In partnerships, I know my ‘zone of genius' and I’m upfront with everyone at the table where my gifts and skills lay.
With my clients, I know the exact area of branding I’m a master at and I do what I can to stay in my lane.
One of my strongest tools in branding is asking the skills and gifts question to my clients. Why? Because it’s a strong indication of the need they are supposed to meet in the world.
A strong brand is where the needs of the world and your gifts and talents meet.
The Bible says that God gives people gifts for accomplishing the work he wants them to do, and it names some of the gifts and skills that God imparts. These include farming, craftsmanship, teaching, leadership, giving, wisdom, miracles, etc.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:6-8 NIV
When Paul discusses the gifts, he is usually referring to their use in the church. But if all work done by Christians is done for the Lord, then we can infer that the Spirit’s gifts are also given for use as entrepreneurs in our businesses.
Gifts and skills, therefore, provide an element of guidance for discerning God’s guidance.
A number of tools have been developed to help us entrepreneurs discern their gifts and make use of them in workplace settings.
I’ve developed one here: www.godpreneurtest.com
However, it is easy for me to pay too much attention to my skills and gifts. My constant analysis can lead to self-absorption, crowding out attention to the needs of those around me that God wants me to help.
God gives gifts for the common good, not personal satisfaction. In addition, God sometimes gives gifts only after you start that business in which you’ll need them.
Paying too much attention to the gifts you already have can keep you from receiving the gifts God wants to give you. This is one reason why people get stuck and don’t launch their business: feeling unfit to be an entrepreneur.
Nonetheless, the gifts you already have may give you some indication about how to best meet needs in the marketplace.
Great businesses meet needs in the marketplace.
Questions I Ask All My New Clients
What are the tasks and activities that energize you?
What gifts have you or others recognized in you?
Have others mentioned benefiting from your gifts?
What are gifts or skills you’d like to grow in?
Spend time in thought, and consider how you might use your gifts to serve others with a business idea.
Jesus, thank you for the gifts and skills you have given me as an entrepreneur. I pray for opportunities to develop and grow in these gifts, as well as use them for your glory. Amen.