Soundbites

Rubbing shoulders for God

Business brings us into contact with countless people who will never likely darken the door of a church.... Every time we have contact with a customer, employee, competitor or supplier who make up the daily relational interaction of business, we have the opportunity to give them an impression about God. This happens as a result of how we interact with them in the various roles that we play with one another as we “do business.” We have the same opportunity as we relate to them as neighbors, relatives, friends or others we rub shoulders with simply by living in the world. — Buck Jacobs, Owner/CEO of Fruit, Much Fruit

Buy low, sell high?

Usually God favors the people who try to do good. So, when you find the crowd is desperately trying to sell, help them and buy. When you find that the crowd is desperately trying to buy, help them and sell. It usually works well. — Investment guru and legendary philanthropist Sir John Templeton, explaining how he made billions in the stock market

Why we work

Through work people not only transform nature, adapting it to their needs, but also achieve fulfillment as human beings and indeed, in a sense, become more human. — Pope John Paul II

Idol check-up

The difference between doing God’s will in the workplace and turning work into an idol is so small that you have to check yourself almost every day. We need to be in the Scriptures regularly and to have people to whom we are accountable. We need to be part of a church fellowship that calls us back to a focus on Jesus Christ. — Dennis Bakke, quoted in Why Work? Careers and Employment in Biblical Perspective

Letters “Classic” issue

The cover of the latest Marketplace is a classic. I can not remember a picture which better shows the phenomenal juxtaposition of the traditional bucolic African rural life (although romanticized by me, I am sure) with the latest “cool” high tech cyber world. Speaking of Ray Dirks, the photographer, much the same can be said for the rest of his photography and artwork in the magazine.

But I hasten to also compliment you for the very pertinent and informative articles on a range of different topics.

Price of principle

More and more I have come to the conclusion that a principle isn’t a principle until it costs you money. — Advertising executive Bill Bernbach

Ron Enns’s review of how food is a “football” between various global factors is brief, informative and ominous. Spencer Cowles’ presentation on micro-enterprise is also very informative, though he does not say much about the role MEDA has played in its development. Art DeFehr, when he decides to retire, should turn to writing thrillers.

More observations could be made, but probably the most unforgettable are the anecdotes on company communication in Roadside Stand. I especially like “Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say.”

I am inclined to say this is the best Marketplace yet, but my wife Freda insists that “they are all the best.” — Cal Redekop, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Travel tips for business diplomats

Want to show your (and your country’s) best face when you travel? Here are some practical ideas abridged from a pamphlet produced by Business for Diplomatic Action, an organization founded by MEDA convention speaker Keith Reinhard. 1. You’ll never go wrong with a smile. It’s a worldwide equalizer. Impatience and rudeness are turnoffs everywhere. 2. Show your pride, but respect theirs. Go ahead and be proud of your country, and let them be proud of theirs. 3. Think big, but talk and act smaller. In many countries boasting is considered rude, and creates resentment. 4. It may be Greek, but try anyway. People love it when you try to speak their language, even if you make some flubs. 5. Be careful with your hands. Common North American gestures, like crossing your fingers or signaling “okay,” can mean something very different in other cultures. 6. Leave the slang at home. Our colloquial expressions may be meaningless (or worse) to others and may seem insensitive.

13. Watch your politics. Avoid expressing opinions about local issues, and don’t argue about North American politics. 14. Read a map. Everyone’s country is important to them. Learn the local geography and avoid insulting mistakes. 15. Dress up. In some countries casual dress is a sign of disrespect. Err on the side of more formal attire. 16. Take a local tour. Few things make a better impression than showing your interest in another country. ◆

To see the complete text go to www.businessfordiplomaticaction.org

7. Listen at least as much as you talk. Show interest in their way of life. 8. Save the lectures. Judge not. Try to understand other viewpoints. 9. Think locally. Try to find topics that are important in the local popular culture, like their sports heroes or TV personalities. 10. Slow down. Not everyone eats, talks and moves as fast as we do — or appreciates instant solutions to problems. 11. Speak lower and slower. Match your volume and tone to theirs. Avoid loud, aggressive talk. 12. Your religion may not be theirs. Respect those who believe differently and who don’t know your Bible. In many cultures religion isn’t a subject for public discussion.