Being in God’s business. I do my best, He does the rest (Part 2 of 2)

I left my company to start my own business without any experience but with a knowing and great peace in my heart.

God was faithful. I approached a Christian colleague of mine to start a business in setting up a convenience store. He agreed and we became business partners. All these while, God was guiding both of us. My business partner went to the Internet to search for a good location with a good rental price. We were directed to a few places by the Holy Spirit but most of the rental was S$2,500 which we declined. It was until we came to this small 20 sqm shop which we liked. Although the asking price was also S$2,500, both of us felt good about that place.

So my business partner decided to negotiate for a lower rate like S$900. After a few months, the response came and they said the management has agreed to rent us the rate that we asked for. This rate was actually impossible to achieve based on market rates; given the fact that the location was also next to a bus stop!

Everything was directed by God, I want to give praise to the Lord for directing and showing us what to do. Even though we have no experience in setting up this kind of business, God gave my business partner the gift and inspiration on every matters pertaining to branding, logo design, getting suppliers, managing finances, handling logistics, etc. We actually started the business without any loans as well.

However there were two “handicap” areas which we had. Firstly, there was no water supply to our store too. This meant that we would not be able to sell certain type of food and drinks that you see in 7 Eleven stores. Secondly, there was no loading and unloading bay to facilitate movement of goods too.

Nevertheless on March 15 2006, we opened our store for business.

Customers began to feedback to us that they liked our store very much. We even had endorsement from a 7 Eleven Business director who gave our service and store a rating of 6 out of 10. This meant that we are on par with global competitors considering we do not have any prior experience in setting up a convenience store, manage one or even handling customers.

God is great! All glory to God. I always believe that God will not allow His Children to suffer lack. God came to give us a life and life more abundant. John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” I have turned from a secretary to a credible business owner.

Always believing, keep on believing. God is faithful.

Susie