The DOs and DONTs of Marketing and Sales

by Patrice Tsague, NPIM

But I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Marketing and sales from a biblical approach is a process of identifying markets and developing tools consistent with the Word of God to inform a specific target market about the availability and benefits of your product or service which results in the exchange of goods or services for an amount of money or its equivalent. What are the do's and don'ts of a biblical approach to marketing and sales.

DO'S

Market Consistently. Marketing is about consistency. You must establish a schedule of how and where you are going to market based on your target market and the type of business you are in.

Market According to the Purpose of Your Heart. Remember what your motivation is for being in business. Your motivation must not be money, but rather to serve others while glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ. What is the purpose of your heart? Is it truly to serve the people or is it to make a lot of money?

Market Cheerfully. Enthusiasm fuels the sale and causes your customer to become curious about your product or service. If you are not excited about your product or service, why should anyone else be? Be cheerful about your product or service.

Market to the Spirit and Not to the Flesh. Never, under any circumstance, use ungodly marketing approaches to draw customers to your business. The world uses the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life to entice people to its products or services. You must focus on the benefits of your product or service and emphasize the need it meets in people's lives.

Be Kind to Potential Customers. You never know who will be that next customer or who will refer that next customer to you. Exercise kindness to everyone the Lord brings in your path, whether they buy something from you or not. Every seed you sow will work towards your harvest.

Be Patient. Patience is God's plan to give you everything that he has in store for you according to His will for your life. There will be difficult times but remain patient and trust in God who gave you the strategy and called you to be in business.

Trust God for the Harvest. After you have done all you can, you must trust the Lord to bring the harvest. You must have confidence in the fact that if you have done all you can in the natural and have remained in right standing with Him, in due time, He will cause the harvest to come forth.

DON'TS

Do Not Market Grudgingly (Reluctantly). Do not begin the process of marketing a product or service with uncertainty. This can create the impression that you do not believe in your own product. This could also impact your enthusiasm; so make sure you eliminate anything that can cause you to be reluctant or hesitant.

Do Not Market out of Necessity. The worst time to begin a marketing and sales campaign is when you are in great need. The time of great need is when most gimmicks are created to sell as many products as possible.