Do you try to patronize mainly "Christian-owned" businesses (sunday, believe)

[Alpha8207]

Originally Posted by CelticLady1

Just curious, Alpha, (and maybe I just missed this in your previous posts, so forgive me, if I'm making you repeat yourself), but do you give the book to each of your clients, or just the ones you believe would be interested? I remember the first place my husband and I bought, the realtor bought us a couple of steaks and a bottle of champagne. So, if you mean the book to be a gift, with no "in your face" preaching, then I don't see why anyone should be offended by it. I actually have a copy of it, myself, from my step-daughter, but I do have to admit, I still haven't read it.

No, I give it to every client, regardless of how I think it will be received.

It's only been awkward about two times, for me anyway.

Once when I had helped an unmarried couple buy a house together. And once was when the client I was giving it to had used a LOT of profanity with me in the real estate transaction. Neither seemed to mind though and I've been around both since then.

Also CelticLady, it's not all I give them. Regardless of transaction size, everybody get s a $50 gift card somewhere and a PDL book.

In closing, thinking and praying about you and your situation. Let us know how it's going.

[kawgpz550]

The sad thing is, I have had worse experiences with someone with that little fish than I have with people with no faith at all

[Mooseketeer]

I try to patronise ethical and environmentally friendly shops if at all possible. Being an atheist I do not care as long as I know the goods I buy are not part of an exploitative chain. For example I would never shop in WalMart or buy Nikes.

[CelticLady1]

Originally Posted by Alpha8207

No, I give it to every client, regardless of how I think it will be received.

It's only been awkward about two times, for me anyway.

Once when I had helped an unmarried couple buy a house together. And once was when the client I was giving it to had used a LOT of profanity with me in the real estate transaction. Neither seemed to mind though and I've been around both since then.

Also CelticLady, it's not all I give them. Regardless of transaction size, everybody get s a $50 gift card somewhere and a PDL book.

In closing, thinking and praying about you and your situation. Let us know how it's going.

Well, I think you're doing fine, then, (for whatever that may be worth). Between the book and the gift certificate, I should think that folks would take it in the spirit in which it was intended.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate it.

[MontanaGuy]

If there's any atheist owned businesses they're not advertising that fact where I live.

[kawgpz550]

Originally Posted by MontanaGuy

If there's any atheist owned businesses they're not advertising that fact where I live.

Is there actually a "symbol" for atheism? Is it that little backwards fish with legs that says Darwin or ????? Seriously, I'm just curious!

[zonababe]

Originally Posted by kawgpz550

Is there actually a "symbol" for atheism? Is it that little backwards fish with legs that says Darwin or ????? Seriously, I'm just curious!

Kawgpz500 that was too funny!

[MontanaGuy]

kawg wrote:

Is there actually a "symbol" for atheism? Is it that little backwards fish with legs that says Darwin or ????? Seriously, I'm just curious!

There's been a sort of bumper sticker war between believers and non-believers and since Darwin is one of my heroes I'm familiar with what you're talking about. I don't think it would be good for business though, there's just not enough of us.

[Alpha8207]

Originally Posted by MontanaGuy

There's been a sort of bumper sticker war between believers and non-believers and since Darwin is one of my heroes I'm familiar with what you're talking about. I don't think it would be good for business though, there's just not enough of us.

Hey MontanaGuy, you never chimed in on my professional antics. I'm anxious to know your thoughts. And you know me, you won't offend me.

[Hoosier]

When it comes to books and cards I always try to patronize the local Christian bookstore..mainly due to the selection and content. The prices on cards are definitely higher, but they have the message I'm looking for nine times out of ten.

I have known too many Christians who have put the fish on their business cards and forgotten that people will hold them to a higher standard when they see that...believers or non-believers.

I had my own business and did not use the fish symbol. I wanted people to see Christ in me, rather than judge me because of a fish on a business card or website.

In regards to Alpha's scripture reference, as a believer I would be more drawn to a scripture reference than the fish symbol. IMO there is more thought put behind selecting a scripture than putting a fish symbol on the card or email.

In the business world I do not use my scripture references, the closing line "blessings" or anything that would relate to Christianity. Again, they will see Christ in my words and in my actions.

And as Kawgpz, and others, I too have been taken by people who have claimed to be Christians. In my experience the ones I will not trust until they prove themselves are plumbers, electricians, tree trimmers, basically anything high cost to my house. When I have people over to do bids and they see the photos of Jesus and scripture references in photos I'll get a comment in the conversation about how they go to church. At that point the trust level is gone and I usually won't contract that person or company. Don't play up to my faith just to get my business. I'm smarter than that...yeah believers in Christ are pretty smart people...even though there are a lot of people out there who think we're pretty stupid.