When constructing a business, much like building a house, the materials you choose determine its strength, longevity, and ultimate value. Are you building with materials that will withstand the test of time, or are you cutting corners for short-term gains?

The apostle Paul, writing to his friends in Corinth, posed a profound question: Are you building with gold, silver, and costly stones? Or with wood, hay, and straw? He warned that what is built will be tested by fire—only the structures made of quality materials would endure.

(As I write this it is hard not to see the pictures of the aftermath of the fires in southern California. My heart goes out to all of those who are standing in the aftermath.)

While Paul was speaking about life, this principle also applies directly to business. Every decision you make—how you treat your people, develop your ideas, optimize your processes, and grow your revenue—determines whether you’re creating something of lasting value or something that will crumble under pressure.

What Materials Are You Using to Build Your Business?

Consider these key questions:

• Are you investing in long-term value or chasing short-term profits?

• Are you building a resilient business that can weather economic downturns, or are you simply trying to keep things running?

• If a business appraiser or investor evaluated your company today, would they see something built to last or something fragile?

Just as home appraisers assess a property’s value based on the quality of its construction, a business’s worth is also measured by the strength of its foundation. Revenue and profit are quantity metrics, but valuation is a quality metric.

Businesses built with weak foundations struggle to sell, and many fail entirely—83% of businesses that go on the market never find a buyer. However, businesses constructed with care and quality command a premium price because buyers recognize their ability to withstand the inevitable fires of the economy.

The Lasting Materials of a Strong Business

What are the essential building blocks of a high-value business?

1. Engaged People: The Culture Development Engine

A business is only as strong as its people. Engaged employees create a thriving culture that attracts top talent and fosters innovation.

2. Great Ideas: The Strategic Innovation Engine

Businesses that innovate stay relevant. Investing in strategic innovation ensures long-term success in an ever-changing marketplace.

3. Efficient Operations: The Process Automation Engine

Streamlining processes and leveraging technology reduces waste, increases productivity, and enhances customer satisfaction.

4. Consistent Growth: The Revenue Growth Engine

Sustainable revenue growth isn’t just about making more sales—it’s about building lasting customer relationships and creating predictable income streams.

Build for Value, Not Just Survival

Every day, you’re making choices that shape the future of your business. Are you investing in materials that will hold up over time, or are you settling for quick fixes? Businesses built with quality principles—strong culture, innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth—don’t just survive; they thrive and command high valuations.

Take a step back and assess: Are you building something of lasting value? If not, now is the time to start. Your business is worth it.

You said:

At the end of the article add some content about the foundation. For our lives Paul says there is no other foundation than Jesus Christ. The same goes for our business. His love, creativity, intentionality, and mission are the foundation of great businesses. I get to see this in action in the busineses in my C12 CEO Peer group.

ChatGPT said:

What Building Materials Are You Using for Your Business?

When constructing a business, much like building a house, the materials you choose determine its strength, longevity, and ultimate value. Are you building with materials that will withstand the test of time, or are you cutting corners for short-term gains?

The apostle Paul, writing to his friends in Corinth, posed a profound question: Are you building with gold, silver, and costly stones? Or with wood, hay, and straw? He warned that what is built will be tested by fire—only the structures made of quality materials would endure.

While Paul was speaking about life, this principle also applies directly to business. Every decision you make—how you treat your people, develop your ideas, optimize your processes, and grow your revenue—determines whether you’re creating something of lasting value or something that will crumble under pressure.

What Materials Are You Using to Build Your Business?

Consider these key questions:

• Are you investing in long-term value or chasing short-term profits?

• Are you building a resilient business that can weather economic downturns, or are you simply trying to keep things running?

• If a business appraiser or investor evaluated your company today, would they see something built to last or something fragile?

Just as home appraisers assess a property’s value based on the quality of its construction, a business’s worth is also measured by the strength of its foundation. Revenue and profit are quantity metrics, but valuation is a quality metric.

Businesses built with substandard materials struggle to sell, and many fail entirely—83% of businesses that go on the market never find a buyer. However, businesses constructed with care and quality command a premium price because buyers recognize their ability to withstand the inevitable fires of the economy.

The Lasting Materials of a Strong Business

What are the essential building blocks of a high-value business?

1. Engaged People: The Culture Development Engine

A business is only as strong as its people. Engaged employees create a thriving culture that attracts top talent and fosters innovation.

2. Great Ideas: The Strategic Innovation Engine

Businesses that innovate stay relevant. Investing in strategic innovation ensures long-term success in an ever-changing marketplace.

3. Efficient Operations: The Process Automation Engine

Streamlining processes and leveraging technology reduces waste, increases productivity, and enhances customer satisfaction.

4. Consistent Growth: The Revenue Growth Engine

Sustainable revenue growth isn’t just about making more sales—it’s about building lasting customer relationships and creating predictable income streams.

The Foundation Matters Most

Even the highest-quality materials won’t last if they’re placed on a weak foundation. In our lives, Paul reminds us that “no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). The same is true for business.

When Jesus is the foundation, businesses reflect His love, creativity, intentionality, and mission. Leaders who build on this foundation make decisions with integrity, care for their people, and create businesses that serve a greater purpose. I have the privilege of witnessing this firsthand in the businesses within my C12 CEO Peer Group, where faith-driven leaders build companies that endure because they are rooted in something greater than profit alone.

Build for Value, Not Just Survival

Every day, you’re making choices that shape the future of your business. Are you investing in materials that will hold up over time, or are you settling for quick fixes? Businesses built with quality principles—strong culture, innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth—don’t just survive; they thrive and command high valuations.

But above all, the foundation determines the outcome. Is your business built on solid ground? If not, now is the time to start. Your business is worth it.

Originally published on Darrell Amy's LinkedIn.