Friday, June 1, 2012

Abstaining from Bad Business

This week the Torah discusses the Nazir. The person that decides to fore-go wine, vinegar, grapes and no hair cuts or shaving. Why would a person do this? What does this have to do with business?

Someone may choose the life of a Nazir as a tribute to God. Perhaps out of penance. The Prophets discuss how Samuel's mother cried to God for a baby and he would become a Nazir and live with the priests. And he became the one of the greatest prophets and leaders.

The devotion to keep up on the path of the Nazir shows dedication but also reveals a clear state of view for the individual. The path forward is never easy, having a clear purpose will lead you to greater things.

When you started out in business, you probably took any client you could until you realized you had a great business and were able to focus your opportunities. Defining the clients you wish to seek out and maintaining that perspective is what makes good companies become great ones. Choosing to eschew bad clients is just as important as finding the best employees.

Bad business and clients will bring you away from your core competence just as the Nazir views wine as a diversion from the true path they seek with God. Stay clean and follow the rules but the Torah reminds us not everyone is on the same wave length and for some the more defined relationships bring more benefit.

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Parsha Naso in the book of Bamidbar, Numbers 4:21-7:89
It is said that the Torah or Bible could be interpreted in over 70 ways. More likely these days 100's of ways. In light of this idea, I am writing some posts that bring a business sense to what we can learn on a weekly basis. Enjoy, Shabbat Shalom

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