I'm fascinated by the words and images we use to promote our programs and services. That's what I'm exploring in this week's series. I was pleased when I stumbled upon this video clip of Michel A. Bell, author of Managing God's Money, as he was interviewed on Full Circle. Watch the video clip below to find out what Michel says a S.A.L.E. really is. (reading this through email? click here to see the video.) Ask yourself if this is something that happens to you or your clients. If … [Read more...]
The 4 Ways Witchcraft is Showing Up in Your Business, Part 1
King Saul was Israel's first king. He was selected by God to serve Israel because King Saul was one of the tallest men in all of Israel (1 Samuel 9:1). Despite starting out honoring God (and winning a few battles), King Saul started to trust his own strength and his own might. His arrogance rubbed God the wrong way and God removed the kingship from King Saul and his descendants and anointed another man, David. In 1 Chronicles 10:13, it's clear that God removed his favour from King Saul due … [Read more...]
Are You Practicing Witchcraft In Your Business?
As I continue to explore the reasons why I had an amazing year in my business in 2011, but a lousy one the years before that, I was struck by a passage in Os Hillman's book called Today God Is First: Daily Workplace Inspiration (thanks to my friend Sanyika Colloway Boyce for pointing this out to me). In the video below, I talk about that passage in Os' book and share my thoughts on ways faith-led entrepreneurs are practicing witchcraft in their businesses using an example from one of my … [Read more...]
National Fraud Prevention Month: The Nigerian Scammer’s Why
I've had the pleasure of seeing how others have avoided becoming a victim of the speaking scam due to my blog post outlining a years old speaking scam that nearly got me back in January 2012. But if you knew the scammers reason why they're participating in a scam, would you be less angry at them? That's the question I asked myself when one of the commenters, an American-based trainer and author, added to the comments area an email exchange he had with one of the scammers. The … [Read more...]
The 4 Step Formula to Break Free of Idols in Your Business
In this series on entrepreneurial idols, I shared one of my own, then shared the 6 common idols that entrepreneurs face. If you've identified an idol in your business, here's my suggestion on how to break through it. I used this in my own life to help put God first. This is based on the 4 R's. Step #1 - Reveal Awareness is the first step and you need to uncover what idols you're currently worshipping. This blog post may have helped make you aware, but now it's time to ask yourself … [Read more...]
National Fraud Prevention Month: What I Learned from the Jarrow Speaking Scam
It's National Fraud Prevention Month as declared by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Government of Canada. After almost becoming a victim of a speaking scam, I'd like to share my thoughts on how you can spot a scam so you're not a victim. 1. Separate yourself from the situation In the heat of the moment, it's easy to fall for the charm of the scammer. They seem helpful, empathetic and professional. Get off the phone or leave your computer quickly. Take a walk, take a … [Read more...]
The 6 Most Common Idols Entrepreneurs Face
When I speak to people about the prospects of self-employment, they cite a desire to control their own future, get recognized for their own efforts and provide financial security as reasons why they want to start a business. Sadly, it's these very desires that can turn into idols. In his book Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters, Timothy Keller gives a definition of what an idol is: "An idol is something that we look to for things … [Read more...]
Breaking Through Idols In Your Business
I was wondering why things just weren't working for me in my business. I was mired with an inconsistent cash flow, attracting prospects that drained me and operated a business model that left me feeling unfulfilled. That's when God revealed to me what was holding me back. In the video below, I share why you don't need to invest in another blueprint, secret or guru until you first identify the idols in your business. What are the idols holding you back in your business? (If you're … [Read more...]
4 Powerful Reasons Why Focus Will Help Faith Led Entrepreneurs Become Spiritually & Financially Successful
After sharing the 5 Reasons Why Distractions Are Dangerous for Faith Led Entrepreneurs and What We Can Learn About Distractions from Whitney Houston's Death, I'd like to end this series with tips on how to create more focus in your life and business. So, why does focus matter for faith-led, faith-centered entrepreneurs? Here are 4 powerful reasons. 1. Being focused allows you to act fast. My friend, Kelly McCausey, has been a long time fan of focus. She even interviewed me about the … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why Distractions Are Dangerous for Faith Led Entrepreneurs
There are many things that turn our time and attention away from God. For faith-led entrepreneurs, this includes television, family, making sales, conducting product launches and even other entrepreneurs. While it's inevitable that distractions will pop up, if they're allowed to remain in our lives and businesses, it can lead to dangerous results. Here are 5 reasons why distractions are dangerous for faith led entrepreneurs: 1. Distractions put us in touch with wilderness … [Read more...]