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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Over the years, some people have asked if I’ve ever considered taking our Unconventional Business events into Oklahoma City. But it never seemed like the right time. Recently, however, we hired someone who previously lived in Oklahoma City. As she encouraged us to consider moving into Oklahoma City, we began praying. Since then, the Lord divinely introduced me to someone ...
We recently have been researching moving into a new market. So, I reached out to another faith at work ministry in that community to discuss collaborating rather than competing. One of their leaders began offering ideas on how they might partner with us. The true sign of his heart, however, was when he offered to introduce us to their biggest ...
Recently, a friend introduced us to a niche I never knew existed, a motorcoach resort. Just like some people prefer staying in luxury hotels, there are many RV owners who prefer a luxury place to stay during their seasonal travel. Buying a motorcoach resort lot allows these high-end RV owners to also invest in property rather than renting. Our friend’s ...
Most people who start a new business have technical skills in their industry, but frequently have little or no bookkeeping experience or knowledge. Since bookkeeping costs money and does not create revenue, it’s usually the last thing an entrepreneur wants to consider. Wise business decisions can only be made with good information. If you do not know whether your company ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
