“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Speak with grace, seasoned with salt, to each individual person.
Depending on who you speak to about the statement, there are various view points and insights to consider, but the collective body seem to agree on a couple of important points that I believe are very transitional to business today.
In biblical times SALT was not only used for flavor, it was used to preserve food for longevity. It was also commonly used as a form of currency because of its importance to the way of life then. In other words… it had value. So, when we ‘hear’ Paul say “let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt”, are we to assume he meant to add some flair to our words. I don’t think so. In context of that statement, it appears he’s speaking to a body of people; strong in their faith in a church in Colossae but who keep that information locked in commune. I believe he’s telling this body of people, you know the value of your words you need to share it to those outside of your circle in a way that holds true to your belief in a manner someone else outside that environment can “digest” or understand, without hammering the message, yet preserving it; safeguarding the integrity of it.
This is more than relatable to our mission of small business brand owners today.
We need to bring our message, our mission, and our story to those outside of our circle. We do this through marketing campaigns of that message where we, hopefully, are in control of the context of that message and brand. But, we also rely heavily on our advocates to spread that message and share our brand’s vision and story with others in and around their circles in an effort to bring more awareness of the brand to new eyes and ears; much like Jesus used his Apostles to deliver the message, or found his disciples spreading the Word. But, beware the false prophet. And, in our case, beware the overzealous advocate that twists the narrative, or the malicious person who flat out distorts the image of your brand.
Growing Up and Growing Pains
In order to grow — you need to go outside of your own circle. Period. And, you need to bring that message of who you are, what you stand for, and what you value you bring to the table in a way that makes sense to them in a place where they “live” and are ready to receive your message.
But, you also need to be prepared — not everyone who comes across your path will see your value at first, believe in your mission, or even care to see you succeed. So…
- How will you monitor and manage these growing pains and keep your brand in tact?
- How do you keep the integrity of your brand’s voice and story in tact and on path?
- How will you speak of your brand in grace; season it with salt to preserve it, and yet cater it to those who need to hear it and understand it?
ANSWER – You need a team; your own circle of business-apostles who are the same page and helping you to grow, monitor and manage your brand’s voice and integrity. These team members come in different shapes and sizes from your business partners, to your employees and staff. They include your extended teams as well – attorneys, brand managers, accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers, to marketing and promotional teams, and more. Everyone needs to be on the same page with the same overarching goals. And, YOU, need to listen to feedback from your trusted circle of advisors to make sure the message is being received to the intended audience in a clear and accepted manner. You may find you need to shift or redefine the narrative. That’s okay as long as you don’t lose yourself; who and what you stand for, in the process.
No matter who is involved or what challenges you may cross in the process, remember you can do this. Just Breath.
What are your thoughts on Paul’s simple, yet powerful statement? We’d like to hear.
#mondaymorningmotivations #justbreathe #back2basicsmn
