Business Development

Passing the Baton: Lesson I

2022-12-26T12:13:56-06:00January 9th, 2023|Tags: , , |

When I ran track in high school, I learned that relay races are won or lost during the handoff of the baton. In November, Disney terminated their CEO, Bob Chapek, and brought back Bob Iger, their previous CEO.   Although there was a lot of focus on Chapek’s failures, in my opinion the biggest failure was Iger’s mistakes. Iger was the ...

A Gospel Mission

2022-12-02T10:35:19-06:00December 16th, 2022|Tags: , , |

In this series, we’re looking at a framework as an answer to the question “How do I involve God in my business?” Previously, we’ve described the foundation, and what we call a first and second level business.   A level three business is focused on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Level 1 and 2 businesses can be just as godly, but ...

Zero Sum Thinking

2022-10-21T15:05:25-05:00November 9th, 2022|Tags: , , |

Some leaders conduct business with zero sum thinking. They believe that one person’s gain is another person’s loss. A win/win solution is hard to comprehend.  Zero sum thinking permeates many competitive situations. If your competitor convinces one of your customers to switch to their service, you might assume that you lost and they won.   But what if losing that customer ...

The Ten Commandments for Business: Commandment Five

2022-11-21T15:43:28-06:00October 21st, 2022|Tags: , , |

Early in the ministry I recruited our oldest daughter, Megan, to help with our bookkeeping. She did a remarkable job, but I knew eventually she was destined for a medical profession, not this ministry.  Many small business owners engage their children in helping with the family business. When these children are groomed for future leadership positions, it can sometimes ...

Develop Your Product First

2023-04-08T14:15:39-05:00October 16th, 2022|Tags: , , , |

A young budding entrepreneur contacted me recently about a new business she is working to start. Her first step towards entrepreneurship, however, was somewhat surprising to me.   Rather than researching her potential customer’s needs and why they would pick her product over the ones they currently use, she formed a corporation. She could have waited years before incorporating.   In ...

New Competitors

2023-02-10T21:55:27-06:00July 21st, 2022|Tags: , , |

When I was in banking, we occasionally complained about competing with credit unions and savings and loans. At least they were local, however, and we could compete using a more convenient location.  In today’s world, banks, and most other industries, are now competing with online alternatives. Leaders who refuse to seek counsel beyond their traditional industry consultants run the ...

Small Business Advantages: Part V

2022-04-01T20:55:33-05:00March 25th, 2022|Tags: , , |

In this series, we’ve been discussing advantages for small businesses. Our fifth and final advantage is local products and services.  For example, in Kansas City, many companies have tried to identify their brand with the Kansas City Chiefs football team. People are often fond of their hometown.   If potential customers feel you are part of their community, rather than outsiders ...

Rejoicing for New Beginnings

2022-03-18T12:55:45-05:00January 31st, 2022|Tags: , , |

For a few years, Unconventional Business Network has subleased space in a small and open format. We recently moved into our own office space with offices, conference rooms and significantly more space. As we head into 2022, the new year and new offices gives our team an opportunity for fresh beginnings, but more importantly, a moment to stop to rejoice ...

Small Sacrifices – Great Gain

2022-03-15T21:40:29-05:00January 21st, 2022|Tags: , , , |

We recently leased new office space which required us to obtain furniture. Desiring that our limited resources go to ministry rather than furniture, we asked our local community for help. Within hours, dozens of people generously exceeded all our furniture needs. Their generosity allowed them to participate in impacting business leaders around the world. In 2 Kings 4, a widow ...

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