Wednesday, May 2, 2012

day 881: Capital: Part Three - Value


"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth"

 The issue with lots of investors (and Board of Directors for that matter) is that for what they were selected doesn’t necessarily translate to what the company or organization needs.  Investors what bring capital to the table many times don’t have either relevant industry experience or subject matter knowledge to really help the company along in the early days.  What they bring forward it money and something that they have accomplished along the way that got them into the investor seat.  This could have been that they were part of a company homerun exit for the firm and because of this they brought them inside to the investment firm.  Lots of times though that same very successful person will not have the depth of operating experience that the CEO/Founder craves.  They will certainly have tons of financial savvy and knowledge, connections with other investors and that network can be important for sure.  There are many investors who feel like their greatest contribution is helping the company land the next round of funding at an up valuation. And again, there is great value in that, but it’s not everything.  Founders/CEOs/Senior Team members should really not look to their financial investors to be the be all and end all. Instead they should be sure to look to round out their Board, fill in the gaps and ensure that around the table is a great blend of people who all share the same values, principles and desires for the future of the company.

Paul tells us where it is that we must stay focused and look towards for what we need to grow. How easy it is for us to get “distracted and swayed” by the advice of the world around us.  Look no further than the number of self-help and self-improvement books that are published each year.  Need a new diet, a new attitude, a new outlook, a new look, a new anything, and there is a book for it.  Add in the motivational and inspirational speakers, CDs, podcasts, websites, etc. and there is no shortage for ways to better and grow.  But, Paul tells us not to expect that true growth and value-add to come from these things.  He directs us back to the one always trusted, always relevant and always value-adding voice and that is the voice of God in our lives.  As we look around us to for the value that others can bring to us, let’s not put our faith there.  Let’s be sure and recognize that the truth only lies with Him!

Reference: 1 Corinthians 3:7  


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