A close friend of mine challenged me recently with the following quote: "you are either a content creator or content consumer - which do you want to be?" Those words have inspired me to start contributing to my blog again. Instead of picking one topic like Spiritual Formation (which is what I designed the site for) I will post the rambling sand insights from a new business owner, who also happens to be a husband and a father; as well as a seminary trained pastor.
The blog started off well. It was originally based on spiritual formation. Unfortunately I found myself considering posting things on the topic that I wasn't even personally involved with in my own life. That led me to stop posting. My friend also inspired me in our recent conversation by mentioning his recent journey with his personal care and getting into shape. His original goal wasn't to start some sort of movement or following, but it just kinda happened that way. I have often felt like I probably don't have anything worthwhile to contribute to blog readers. I now realize that I am just a man, going through the same things other men and women are experiencing and maybe we all just need to be transparent share our thoughts and experiences with each other. You never know who God puts in front of a comment and if it may have some sort of impact in their life.
Topic # 1: starting a business is very hard. It is no wonder that the success ratio of people who enter into the financial advisory services industry is very low. If you can stay positive and use discernment with the financial choices you make, AND last your first three years, you will likely stay in the industry and retire from it as well. A very high percentage don't prosper enough to last past the first year and that number only decreases slightly for the second year. All that being said, after much prayer and discussion with family and friends, I feel this is where I am being called. I have the opportunity to meet great people each and every day (or evening) and help them to be better stewards of their time, talents, and finances. I love meeting with people. On the other hand, getting appointments is very hard work. I don't love calling strangers and friends on the phone. I am a social extrovert - but I am also pretty shy and even nervous approaching people via the telephone. I value my friendships and am constantly concerned about damaging those personal relationships in any way, shape , or manner with my job. We all know what it is like to be approached by people selling things to friends and I constantly pray that God's hand be on everything I do and in my daily interactions with people. There are so many things to learn: what to invest into the job, how much time to invest into marketing myself, how to be respectful of people's opinions and not take denial personally, all the unforeseen expenses that come with owning a business, and so on. I am also trying to teach my children the value of working hard, but balancing work and family and ministry appropriately. I figure that there may be many people who are currently going through similar experiences right now and I welcome you comments and feedback. Think of this blog as a sort-of sounding board or "think-tank" for those of us having similar experiences. As the Scripture says in Proverbs 27:17, "As irons sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
I will keep my posts reasonable in length, so for now I will close today with my life verse from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Recharging my Spirit through Him daily,
Bill Blanck
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