Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 291 – Service over Sales

I want to share a recent experience that illustrated the power of service over sales, and how genuine service builds trust and loyalty.

It takes a bit to tell the story, but it is worth the read. The specific technology does not really matter. It is the ending that does.

Terri was having trouble accessing our server from her iPad. Files were disappearing or being overwritten by zero-byte files. After some initial troubleshooting, I assumed the problem was the iPad itself and concluded that buying a MacBook Air would solve it.

So off we went to the Apple Store.

After listening carefully and asking thoughtful questions, the Apple sales associate suggested that the issue was likely not the iPad at all, but the connection. Instead of selling us a new computer, he recommended we address the connectivity first. He identified the appropriate hub, but did not carry it themselves, and sent us to another retailer.

We then went to London Drugs. There, the associate explained that the iPad did not supply enough power to run all the connected accessories, and that we needed a powered hub. They did not have the right one either, and pointed us to yet another store.

So off we went to Memory Express.  The associate there listened again, assessed our needs, and talked me down from a monstrously large $250 powered hub to one that was compact, fit our requirements perfectly, and cost $112.

A $1600 purchase became $112. What was really purchased, however, was my loyalty to all three firms. Each chose service over sales. Each acted in my best interest rather than their own short-term gain. As a result, all three are now trusted parts of my supply chain.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:3–4

This is not just good business practice. It is biblical.

Client loyalty is built when we serve with integrity and care. It makes long-term economic sense, and it also creates space for deeper relationships. It is in the context of trusted relationships that we are given time, credibility, and permission to share the Light with those we serve.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10

What are we doing today to prioritise service over short-term sales for our clients?

Prayer

Gracious God,
You are a servant King, slow to seek advantage and quick to show love.
Teach us to place the good of others above short-term gain,
to listen well, speak truthfully, act with integrity in every transaction, and building lasting relationships to Your glory.

Amen