Lesson 7

This week we talked about a company named, "Zippo's." I find Zippos' philosophy quite interesting. I love how everyone is trained the same, no matter what department they will be working. Often in companies, I feel there is always a hierarchy, managers might look down on employees, etc. With Zippos, it doesn't matter if you are a lawyer or work in customer service, everyone must learn how to answer the phone and do the basics. I see their point in training this way as like they have said, during the busy months if they hire a temp, they will not be invested in the business as much as those who work there permanently. I also like how Zippos pay people to quit. Paying people to leave makes sense. If you have a business, you want to hire those who believe the way you do and value your company. By offering to pay someone to quiet, and a significant amount at that, you know those who do not take it will be valuable employees. This idea is a great way to staff your business.

We also talked a lot about the importance of customers. Why it's better to keep your old customers coming back versus finding new customers. Finding customers is a lot harder and more expensive as you have to use ads, sales, and other forms to bring new customers into your store. If you can do things to keep the old ones coming back, and they the customers like it, they could tell their friends about you and gain new customers without paying for advertisements.

I want to get to our $100.00 challenge. This week we were to go to the Kiva site and find someone we are going to donate our money to so they can explain their business. What I decided I wanted in my search was a woman, single parent, maybe widow and one who is really struggling. It took hours upon hour to search. There were ones I wanted to help yet their time was closing. I finally decided on Ester Cherotich from Machakos, Keyna. She is 64 years old, a widow and mother of nine children. Ester wants to add stock of fruit to sell. By helping those who need help we are following Christ example of being charitable. We are so blessed here in the United States, even if we struggle day to day, month to month, we are still better off than most of these people asking for a loan on the Kiva site. We can all give a little, even if it's $5.00 per month. I feel there is always something we can sacrifice to help others. I am hoping my donation will help someone out there have a better life. If I can help someone obtain more supplies for their business or even start a business, how wonderful that will be. I want to help all of them, yet I know I cannot do that as I don't have the funds I would need to pull that off. I can help one or two people per month fulfill their dreams. Some people are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, yet I can see myself becoming addicted to the Kiva site, in a good way, and helping those who could use my help. I am a mother who owns a small in-home daycare and struggle each month not knowing if I will have enough money to pay my bills, yet Father has blessed me with so much, the least I can do is help others.