If you want to be the best, most effective person, church, ministry, or organization around, you must become the Investor of Choice. Many choices are available to the community around you. People will invest only in what they believe to be strong, proficient, and profitable from their vantage point. That includes selecting friends and relationships.

In 1985 the Zastava Koral was introduced into the subcompact Auto market of America. With a top speed of 88 miles per hour and other import drawbacks the auto life cycle in the U.S. was short-lived. Due to political unrest and the outbreak of civil war in its home country of Yugoslavia, the company’s export business was doomed as parts suppliers were cut off and manufacturing difficulties escalated. People in the U.S. (and other ports abroad) were ordering these cars, sold in the U.S. as the Yugo. But the cars were coming in mix-matched; some with bucket seats of two different colors, or a blue dash panel with a brown steering wheel and other mismatched parts.

The Yugo proved also to be unreliable for many owners and parts were scarce and difficult to receive. The short-lived Yugo died a very humiliating death – in the export markets. Consumers were not going to invest in a vehicle that was so unreliable and riddled with troubles. People will invest time, talent, and treasure where they see value.

To be an investor of choice means to provide a service or product of value to the people you are trying to reach. Too often we slip into the perception that what we have is of great value. Yet, what we are portraying to others does not impart that same level of value. In order to produce value, we must first value what we have. In the church, we must value the people in our midst and the people outside that we have not reached yet. For people outside the church to see value in the church, they must perceive the value placed on our current members.

When value is given to current members (and attendees) they will more likely value the vision of the church. This will always bring about a greater effectiveness to the mission of the organization of the church. What commitment will you make to become an Investor of Choice? People invest in what they value. Don’t create a Yugo. Value your people, they will value the vision of the organization.

 George Yates is a Church Health Strategist and coach partnering with pastors, churches, individuals, and organizations, assisting patrons in becoming effective in fulfilling their God-given purpose.