I heard someone recently use the phrase, “in this business,” and it got me thinking. The phrase is part of a family of clichés wherein the author tries to explain why something he or she is an expert on is different than other realms of business or life.
The most frequent occurrence seems to be with people in the movies and TV. “In this business, you either give the people something they like and will pay for or you end up in the gutter.” Dang – thanks for pointing that out. I guess I never knew that’s the way Hollywood works and it’s way different than the rest of the commercial world.
One the most annoying examples I recall was when Joe Sensor was doing color commentary for the Vikings. Listening to the Vikings on radio is tough to begin with but when he would preface nearly every comment he uttered with, “In this league…” and follow it with something like, “you either execute or you don’t get things done.” Wow – brilliant – never would have guessed that in the NFL you have to execute.
I suppose there is an appropriate use of phrases of this sort but it’s difficult to use it without sounding condescending. I was trying to imagine an appropriate use of the phrase that would be appropriate, relatively insightful, and in my business.
Some potential phrases might include:
In this business, you really need to focus on mission, vision, and identity – Not sure this is distinctly different than selling pancakes or Cheerios but it might be).
In the church racket, you either got to build relationships or forget about it. -Again probably applies to many other service organizations but does distinguish us to some extent.
If you want to survive doing God’s business, you really need to focus on improving the morality of everyone’s behavior or you’re wasting their time and money. -Too harsh? -Accurate?
I tell you what, in my numerous years in the faith building game, one thing you must really focus is on adding value with contributed resources, or those contributions will disappear. -Probably too much left unsaid but accurate nevertheless.
Listen, my friend, if you only focus on one thing in this gig, don’t be a hypocrite. – Definitely not distinguishing but probably valuable.
Anyway, how about it – can you come up with a statement from your perspective that would differentiate the church ‘business’ from others?
Tags: business, church business, Condescension
