Who are You?
No, it’s not a “The Who” song (although you may not get it out of your head after this), this post is about how your faith defines you in your business. For many people, myself included, incorporating your faith into your business is a no-brainer. You see, my faith is the very core of who I am and I can’t make that go away or separate my life into neat little categories with no spillover.
Recently I started doing Periscope broadcasts (called scopes) and I’m having a ball with it. For those unfamiliar, Periscope is a live streaming video app that allows your viewers to interact with you as you’re streaming. You can see their comments and questions and answer them live.
Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher
Because education is such a central part of my life, I immediately thought about how I can use Periscope to educate people. What came to mind was to do a weekly series on how to incorporate your faith into your business.
I did the first one today. I covered how it’s okay that not everyone will be attracted to what you’re doing. Even if you’re not preachy, there are some people who won’t respond. Once you realize that you won’t win them all, you’ll feel freer to be yourself, knowing that you will attract the right people.
You can watch the recording below. (Please excuse the quality. I thought I had recorded it but didn’t, so I videoed it from the desktop replay.)
Incorporating your faith into your business doesn’t have to be difficult or turn you into a preacher. If it’s who you are, let everyone know!
Cassandra McIntyre says
Wonderful post Carol. Thank you for validating your thoughts with scripture.
carundle says
Thank you, Cassandra!
Beverley Golden says
In all areas of our lives, I believe the more we live authentically to who we are and what we believe in, the more of service we can be to others. I really appreciate how you always are true to your beliefs and walk you talk, Carol. Thanks for sharing how we can continue to be who we are without having to compromise or compartmentalize one part of our life for any of the others!
carundle says
Thank you for your support, Beverley! I appreciate you!
webly says
I concur with incorporating your Faith into your business. For me too it is the core of who I am and the very essence of my relationship with God. My journey strengthen my relationship with God and I can only serve better sharing genuinely.
carundle says
Nice to know that others embrace this way of business! Let’s pray for each other!
Lisa Mason says
Will try to scope with you soon! I agree that your faith plays a big role in your business and how you operate in all areas of life. Good stuff. 🙂
carundle says
Thanks, Lisa. Yes, let’s scope soon!
Susan Tolles says
It is so important to be authentic in your faith, allowing it to shine brightly in your work as well as your personal life. In fact, our work is our mission field! We are called to be God’s light everywhere we go, living according to the scriptures as we walk in integrity and truth. I love your Scope! Now I am inspired to try it myself. Blessings to you!
carundle says
Thank you, Susan, glad I could inspire you. Yes, do try scoping, it’s so much fun!
Tanya Smith says
Powerful stuff Carol, and I’ll admit I went from one extreme to the other and back over the years, especially when a Christian coach colleague told me a) I should include more scriptures in my writing; and b) I shouldn’t be working with non-believers as clients or colleagues.
As I matured in my business & marketing savvy (and in my personal, spiritual relationship with God) I realized that being my authentic self would shine for others in the work I do and in how I present myself daily. I didn’t have to beat others over the head with it, or understate it either. Just do what I’ve been gifted to do and inspire others through my life. It’s working and I love it.
carundle says
Sounds like you’ve given it a lot of thought, Tanya, and come to a better place for it. It doesn’t work to hide our light under a basket, but we don’t have to set others on fire, either.
Cathy Jennings says
Good for you, Carol — just jumping in and doing it!
I love the idea of tips/videos on incorporating our faith into our biz — interesting topic!
carundle says
Thanks, Cathy!
Gisele Grenier says
Wonderfully written post Carol, thank you for sharing your thoughts.
carundle says
You’re welcome, Gisele.
Kristen Wilson says
Interesting Carol… haven’t quite gotten onto the periscope band wagon quite yet.. .trying to figure out how to use it for my personal or business world… that isn’t being done via another format I already use.
carundle says
I love Periscope because of the immediate interaction and feedback.
Beth says
I think I incorporate my core beliefs and values into everything I do including my day to day business dealings. But I don’t think that necessarily means my “faith”. I happen to be Jewish and being part of a very small minority has made me extremely aware of how religion can make things a little messy. So I don’t discuss or think about religion per se and try to align with people merely based on whether I think they are good at what they do, honest and approachable.
Janell McIlwain says
I just love this article. I am truly a believer that you can’t be two different people. I applaud what you are doing. So many people lose sight that the One who gave can also take away. Kudos to you!
carundle says
Thanks, Janell! You’re right, I have to be me!
Sherri Frost says
The bolder I get with being ME in my business the more fun I have and the more I attract people who I really enjoy. When you are in business for yourself, you make the rules.
carundle says
I agree, Sherri! I’m the best me there is!
Vickie Maris says
Neat article Carol. And congrats on jumping in with your first scope! I just followed you! I am sold on Periscope and Meerkat for engaging with audiences and growing business. I watched the YouTube video of your scope. That was a clever way of capturing the replay and being able to embed it in your blog post. Kudos!
carundle says
Thanks, Vickie. I’m really loving Periscope. I’ve done 4 now and all except the first one are on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfAwPI7aIFidQ2sex20xs3A
Roslyn Tanner Evans says
I absolutely believe we should be our authentic selves and admire your stand. Personally, I don’t discuss or even comment on religious posts and I see many who do. To each his own.
I know I won’t be embracing periscope. Not fond of twitter or too much technology but again admire you jumping on the bandwagon, having a plan & just doing it.
carundle says
I agree, everyone should do what seems right to them. Although I don’t think faith and religion are the same thing. And I understand you not wanting to embrace Periscope, although I think it would be cool to watch you make some of your jewelry.
Gisele Grenier says
Hi Rosyln, I don’t discuss or comment on religious posts either just from the standpoint of possibly offending someone. I have faith in something larger than all of us, regardless of religion.
I wasn’t a fan of Twitter from day one, to put it mildly, I hated it. Looking at statistics, most of our followers are male, so it’s an ideal platform for Joe (hubby and business partner) to get on board with. I haven’t used Periscope yet, but it doesn’t cost anything but time to try out…unfortunately, time is something most of us are lacking…yes?
Varina says
It is so amazing that you can use periscope to send your message!!
carundle says
Thanks, Varina. It’s exciting!
Sharon MacLean says
You’re showing us how Periscope can be used in our lives. I love how you’ve applied the tool to our Christian faith.
carundle says
Thanks, Sharon! Have you tried Periscope yet?
Jackie Harder says
I think you’re absolutely correct that it’s OK that some people will not respond to your position about faith in business. Not everyone believes and those aren’t the people you want anyway. Better to have them self-select out than try to please everyone. Because you can’t.
carundle says
Exactly right, Jackie.
Eyauuk says
Being your authentic self will save you a lot of time and grief in the long run. People who can see exactly who you are can make accurate judgements about you rather than finding out something about you (your faith) that creates a negative experience. So being authentic is the way to go.
carundle says
This is so true. It’s really hard to pretend to be something you’re not.
Michael Kawula says
The way to get who you really want to do business with is by being yourself no matter what! The real you would come out in one way or another and all you’ve done up to then would be a waste of time.
carundle says
So true! We attract the right people when we’re being our truthful selves.
Lorii Abela says
Great post! I agree with your thoughts of incorporating your faith into your business. It is very essential to making it a core part of every day’s business’ routinary work. Sounds helpful. Thanks for sharing!
carundle says
Thanks, Lorii! It feels like drawing a line in the sand, one that needs to be drawn.
Katarina Andersson says
A nice initiative to do these educational periscopes.
carundle says
Thank you, Katarina!
Ginny says
I can’t wait to see you on Periscope! It looks like it will be so much fun!
carundle says
It’s so much fun, Ginny. Just dive in!