Have you ever walked away from a business conversation feeling completely blindsided?
That happened to me recently.
I agreed to a virtual one-on-one with someone I hadn’t met before through a networking platform I use for relationship-focused connections.
Normally, I like to engage with people in group settings first to see if we connect on a personal level.
But this time, I ignored that instinct—and I wish I hadn’t.
What I expected to be a warm, values-centered introduction quickly became something very different.
Instead of a genuine, two-way conversation, I found myself being evaluated.
The other person launched into pointing out everything they felt was “wrong” with my online presence—offering unsolicited feedback I hadn’t asked for or expected.
If I had invited that kind of input, it still would’ve been tough to hear—but at least I would’ve been prepared for it.
Instead, it caught me entirely off guard.
I left the conversation feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, and questioning whether I was doing anything right at all.
(This was the meeting I referred to in my last newsletter Faith Over Hustle. If you haven’t read that one, please check it out here.)
I initially didn’t respond very well to this situation, which made things worse and may have ruined my testimony.
I did write an email of apology afterward, but the damage may have been done.
This is one of the reasons I wanted to write a newsletter about this subject — while we may be able to avoid these kinds of situations, most likely, we will have to learn a lesson through them as well as how to navigate them.
This experience was a powerful reminder: not all feedback is helpful, and even well-meaning people can unintentionally cross boundaries.
5 Gentle Reminders for Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs
1. Trust your gut. As Christian business owners, we often describe our gut feelings as nudges from the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to lean not on our own understanding but to trust in the Lord. When something doesn’t sit right, take it as a cue to pause and pray.
2. Boundaries are biblical. Clear boundaries aren’t harsh—they’re holy. Saying “no,” “not right now,” or “this isn’t a fit” is an act of stewardship. Your time, energy, and mental space are valuable and deserve protection.
3. Relationships before revenue. People do business with those they trust. Especially in service-based work, genuine connection is more powerful than any pitch. When relationships come first, sales follow naturally—without pressure or pretense.
4. Tough moments don’t mean you’re failing. Even the most faithful and seasoned entrepreneurs face days that make them question everything. Hard moments aren’t always a sign you’re off course—they can be refining fires that clarify your mission.
5. Grace and truth can coexist. Jesus showed us how to speak truth with love. You can hold firm to your values, advocate for yourself, and still respond with kindness and clarity—even in uncomfortable conversations.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve had moments in your business where you felt disheartened, disconnected, or like giving up—you’re not alone. These experiences don’t define your worth or your calling.
- You can build a business rooted in integrity and love.
- You can lead with discernment and still show compassion.
- Youcanguard your peace while staying true to your mission.
The work you’re doing matters—not just for your clients, but for the Kingdom.
Keep showing up. Keep trusting God.
The right people, partnerships, and opportunities will come—exactly when they’re meant to.
