The great city of St. Louis was the location for the Christian product industry's mid-summer show-our 16th time participating. The International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) means taking time out to meet as a community, evaluate ourselves as individuals and as a company and to use the show's four days to make sure we are "on track" as Christ's kingdom builders.

Here are some lessons we learned from this year's show:

ICRS was an oasis this year. It was a Prov. 27:17 event with an intentional purpose and spirit of "iron sharpening iron." At Gracefully Yours, we experienced an outpouring of positive feedback and specific product ideas for 2011.

The spirit of judgment was missing. Colleagues spent time talking about what we can accomplish as an authentic community versus commiserating about the economy. We were better stewards of our time by focusing on "adding value" with new ideas, products and solutions to serve our customers.

We had collaborative meetings that were a blend of strategy and tactics. It was refreshing to share three common questions: Are we on track in terms of where we want to go? If things continue, if nothing changes, where will we end up? And, if we join in collective efforts, is the destination we will reach where we want to end up?

Our collective chances for succeeding at kingdom building will depend on our authenticity as a community centered around God's grace. Christian retail stores provide a wonderful opportunity for believers and nonbelievers to discover God's truth for their lives. It's our defining legacy-work together with stores as God's Truth Centers to introduce and-re-introduce-grace.

Recognize that our culture is going full speed ahead. People don't have time for things that don't help. Make sure you are clear about who you are serving and with what specific content. Success comes with achieving your goals without compromising core values.

Don't be your own worst enemy. Remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "Most of shadows in this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine." If you see yourself making the same miss-takes, reverse your course as soon as possible and move forward to change the results. ICRS attendees had a spirit of embracing miss-takes and rolling forward, fast.

One visitor at our booth said it best, "Give it your best shot!" Design your finest product, one that will consistently draw a unique audience that keeps coming back for more. Maintain your creative edge, but stay centered as a kingdom builder.

Draw close to God now as a business community--don't get stranded out there on your own. Embrace this authentic community that wants to do life with you. Let others come alongside to encourage and spur you on to greater things.

Transcend the whole business model. Don't always consider margin, and ask about trust as well.

Is your company on track? Let's go into the rest of 2010 living confidently, understanding that Jesus is faithful. Work courageously, knowing that this authentic community has your back.

Rick Tocquigny
CEO
Artbeat of America/Gracefully Yours greeting cards
Host of the national radio show "Life Lessons"
www.blogtalkradio.com/search/rick-tocquigny-life-lessons/

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