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What To Do First to Make a Profit

The PF Women Team at our Annual Team Retreat  ~ 2018 Today on Seth Godin's blog, he said: It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way. Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're  not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director.  Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year.  God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory! I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started inve
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Somebody's on the job!


Well, yesterday I reported on some deadbeats that caused a lot of grief by not doing their jobs, and the sad state of work ethic in our country. At the same time, I'm a big believer in giving kudos where they are due. When I experience good customer service, I want to shout it from the rooftops! Last night I experienced phenomenal customer service, with Littman Jewelers and one of their excellent employees named Matt.

Right before I went to Africa one day I looked down at my hand and noticed one of the diamonds was missing out of my anniversary "eternity" ring. My heart sunk. Couldn't believe it. Ugh. To make it worse, I had gotten so busy the last six months that I failed to keep up with my end of the service agreement and go (every six months like I'm supposed to) and get the ring serviced - the prongs checked and strengthened, etc. This and the fact that I wear the ring every day and work very hard with my hands might be a reason the diamond fell out. At any rate, I accepted the fact immediately that I would have to put the ring in the shop and pay for the replacement diamond, vs. having it covered under my service contract.

Last night we did our annual trek down to the Brandon Mall to Christmas shop. We always do our Christmas shopping there and eat at Buddy Freddy. It's a tradition all of us look forward to. This was also a convenient time for me to take the ring and put it in the shop though I dreaded paying for it, especially at Christmas and figured I might have to even leave it in a month or two once it was ready, til' I got the money to pick it up.

As soon as I gave Matt the ring I said, "Just so you know, I realize I didn't keep up my end of things and I'll need to cover this repair and I've just accepted that I need to bite the bullet and pay it." He said, "okay," and proceeded to take a look at the ring and look up the purchase on the computer and all the info about it.

A few minutes later he came over and said, "Mrs. Shrodes, it will be ready in a week and a half, and please don't worry about it...I am covering this for you."

I said, "what do you mean?" He said, "It's Christmas time. Spend your money on something besides a ring repair. I've taken care of it."

I couldn't believe it! I was shocked and so happy. I said, "You've made my decade! In fact, two decades since this is my 20 year anniversary ring. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."

Amazing! I am still just so grateful for this blessing and thanking God for it. Just a note to anybody thinking about buying some jewelry...I'd highly recommend Littman's for their great customer service. And Matt is a definite standout employee!

I'd also like to thank the Lord for His favor on this matter...I know God definitely is the ultimate one who paves the way for these kind of blessings.


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Melissa said…
SO cool! What a wonderful Christmas present! God does provide in ways we can not fathom! Hey btw I love the new look of your blog! Coolness!
2:03 PM
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