business as missions
Aug
24
Faith Based Entrepreneurship Program is Sweeping the Schools in America!
Global Entrepreneurs Institute, GEI, is a certified faith-based, mentoring training course through La Red Business Network. GEI is a specialized one year course using the 40 La Red principles and La Red Kingdom Concept booklets during the year with an experienced GEI coach. This course will take you deep into the meaning of what it means to live a principled life and how you can effectively impact others around you. Both websites have an enormous amount of information for learning and/or teaching entrepreneurship.
For more information, go to:
http://www.lared.org/online-training/
Check this out…
Anti-Virus Youth Program:
Anti-Virus is a workbook that has been designed by the youth for the youth in America to bring values and principles into their lives. Also done by the La Red group, this youth workbook is a values-driven curriculum for the youth of America. The target ages for this workbook are grades 7-12. They do on-line trainings for schools, youth centers and athletic groups via the internet.
Very Affordable
The AntiVirus book is only $10 and the The Wisdom of Ben Franklin is only $5. I have not personally seen these books yet, but would guess they are worthwhile to check out at this price. While other titles such as Kingdom Concepts-How God Rules, Wisdom For Today’s Leaders and It Is Time, described “This book is for people who have ears to hear, people who God has prepared to participate on what is taking place on the earth in this generation” are just as reasonably priced and available instantly as a download.
Contact Tanya Miller, tanya@lared.org or 330-231-8060 or go to the below website for more information.
http://www.lared.org/online-training/online-training-courses/
Homeschool teachers: I need your honest opinion.
How easy do you think these courses would be to integrate as a semester course for your high school homeschooler? Are you normally one to adapt courses to what is needed? Do you think the courses listed here would be better integrated into a larger entrepreneurship course or are fine as a ‘stand alone’ course?
More From HomeschoolEntrepreneur
Nov
17
Help For Entrepreneurs From Springwise
In our last post we mentioned some unique ideas and food for thought from Springwise for your entrepreneurial urges, but forgot to mention several of the new businesses from Springwise that offer business or start up help. I’ve really noticed that business services and any sort of help you can offer to new or established businesses seems to be a sure success these days.
Could your Ebay business use some Kabbage?
Are you a struggling Ebay seller that has done well, but desperately need operating capital? Well, you don’t have to be desperate to ask Kabbage for help. Targeted specifically at well managed Ebay sellers, Kabbage is a new company that saw a need and met it. Many Ebay sellers have started from scratch and found Ebay to be an amazing venue to start a home business. However, you may have more business than you have capital to move forward. That’s why Kabbage was born.
When you apply, this company takes a look at your current Ebay business, and if they see potential in what you have done so far, they might help you out-almost immediately. Even if you have done a great job managing your money, capital is always one of those ‘minor details’ that can make or break a good business. Here is a company that saw the dilemma and provided a working solution:
Check it out: Kabbage
Visa has donated 1 Million to Kiva to help US Entrepreneurs
We’ve mentioned Kiva before, but mostly as a goodwill effort to entrepreneurs overseas. Now, in an effort to help entrepreneurs in our own America, Visa poured a million dollars into Kiva exclusively for US business start-ups.
Business Opportunities initially told Springwise about this, but you can go here to find out more and see if you qualify for assistance: http://www.kiva.org/
Human IPO.com-An amazing platform for new businesses
This is so amazing of a resource that it probably deserves a post of its own. It’s somewhat of a business incubator on steroids.You can find connections for your business, mentors in your niche, and so much more.
Entrepreneurs can use HumanIPO to build a business by sharing their ideas in order to find partners, mentors, consultants, foreign sales agents and investors. The home page of their website tells it all, so you really have to go there. Check it out: http://www.humanipo.com/
Need a Presentation Done? How does $99 sound-and is 48 hours too long?
Who would think you could get a quality presentation done for your business for as little as $99 and in only 48 hours? Sound impossible?
See for yourself: PPT Salon (for “well-groomed presentations” )
These were all in last week’s Springwise newsletter. As you can see, Springwise is a wealth of ideas for any entrepreneur wanna-be. Even for those businesses that are already up and running, as evidenced by Kabbage and Kiva.
Had to share this great website with you . . . . again. -Springwise.com
Have you used any of these websites? Would love to hear your experience1
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Oct
05
40 Free Lessons On Faith Based Principles
I mentioned in our last post (the Mountain Movers Conference for Christian Entrepreneurs) that I had more to share on one of the speakers mentioned there. Dr. Jerry Anderson, President of LaRed Business Network, has a website you will want to check out very soon. I believe the original intent of LaRed was to serve the business community help develop leadership with values-based educational resources . It looks like LaRed has accomplished this as well as become a positive influence in the government sector and develop resources for the youth of America. You will like this website for the many free resources they offer that you can use in your entrepreneurial training at home.
In their Business Case Studies videos, you will “see and hear firsthand accounts their international trainers are experiencing growth and impact in the mountains that they have been called to influence. They believe that becoming an influence is the greatest power there is and creating personal power will last much longer than positional power.”
In Change Yourself and Change Your Organization, you will find 40 principles placed in a specific order to help you get to know yourself, measure your actions and your reactions. Recommending that you set aside one hour to study one principle per week, you will be planting a seed that will begin your transformation. There are 10 principles in 4 areas - Character, Vision, Courage and Leadership. Each lesson has questions for review and reflections and steps to take action to put what you have learned into practice.
These are all available in HTML for online viewing, PDF for easy printing, and MP3 format so you can listen online or put it on your player for later. All this has been made available completely free of charge. You read that right. Free. This is one instance that you get far more than you paid for!
Online training courses are also available through their Global Entrepreneurs Institute (GEI). GEI is a certified, faith-driven leadership training course through La Red Business Network. GEI is a specialized one year course using the 40 La Red principles and La Red Kingdom Concept booklets. The intent of these courses are to take you deep into the meaning of what it means to live a principled life for God and how to directly impact others around you. (not sure if these are free or not)
Anti-Virus – A One Semester Course For High School Students
LaRed has developed a program specifically for the youth in America called “Anti-Virus” to impress the value of principles and values in the marketplace. This course is designed to be used as a one semester junior high or high school course for life character and attitudes.
Written with the help of the youth of America as well as educators, they have helped refine the message so that this is not just another initiative, but a life changing, life modeling development course for students so that when they get into the public sector and marketplace they have the life skills and attitudes necessary to succeed. We highly recommend this course as part of your high school training, entrepreneur or not! The book, Anti Virus is very reasonably priced at just $10.
Find these 40 Values Based principles to download and print free (available in HTML and PDF) at:
http://www.lared.org/principles/values-based/
Sep
19
Does Your Business Reflect Who You Are?
This morning I received a letter from Becky Longoria, one of the owners of our homeschool umbrella school, that deeply touched my heart. This letter also inspired me to encourage any current or future entrepreneur to actively think about what truly inspires you and how your business can reflect your faith in a tangible way.
Published at the end of this post is this letter written to all the ‘customers’ of Aaron Academy. This letter is proof that the families that sign up with Aaron Academy are far more than ‘customers’. It’s a shining example of a family business that truly expresses their faith.
David and Becky Longoria started Aaron Academy 11 years ago with a heart’s desire to serve the homeschool community in a tangible way. In TN, it’s the law that homeschool families register with what we call “umbrella schools” or a Church Related School. There are many ways that an umbrella school can serve and protect their registered families, but many agencies simply collect the money and file the papers. The Longorias had a bigger vision how the homeschool family could be served by an organization of this type.
David and Becky Longoria do much more than simply file the required paperwork, as evidenced by this letter sent from “Becky’s Desk” to their registered families. I can personally attest that every time I talk with them, they make me feel like family, like a true friend. It’s who they are and it’s reflected in how they do business with everyone.
It hasn’t been easy for them, starting a business like this is complicated and very demanding. However, their passion to serve homeschooling families was blessed by God and He has been faithful in some amazing ways every step of the journey. They now have a large building on a main thoroughfare just outside of downtown Nashville, complete with many tutorials and one of the best developed homeschool sports programs in the country. Think about it – their sign for homeschooling is prominent and right up there with the likes of the Holiday Inn and Trinity Broadcasting.
I know riches hasn’t been one of the perks of this business, but I do know they love their work. Every day was a walk of faith from the beginning, and it is still hard work but it’s been worth it. Now they are one of the largest umbrella schools in the state and have blessed many, many families in more ways than I’m sure even they won’t know until they meet the Lord. They live the dream of having their own business doing what they love, and serving the Lord by serving others from their heart.
This is the letter I received today, as a ‘customer’ (and may I add a very loyal one!) to Aaron Academy. I hope it inspires you, too, to go before the Lord and ask Him how you can reflect Him in your entrepreneurial pursuits. Talk about it with your children…as they are coming in AND going out…
(written as “From Becky’s Desk”)
In the Palm of His Hand:
Periodically, well known scripture verses will leap off the page, challenging, convicting, and enlightening its readers.This type of revelation happened to me last week as I was studying the Word, specifically the Book of John. The words and message from chapter 10 verse 29, made me think critically about my faith in God and His ability to sustain Himself as Lord through my unbelief.
Personally, I have experienced many changes in my walk with the Lord, my relationship with my family, the growth of Aaron Academy, and my own struggles of contentment. As an employer I have spoken to and dealt with many families who have lost their jobs or have struggled financially during this past year. This breaks my heart, and I sense the urgency to reach out to these families and show them that God is in control. All of these trials stem from a society that considers good evil, and evil good. Family values are disregarded because we have lost sight of our Creator.
As parents, home educators, we wonder how we can change this mindset and establish a better future for our students, our children. We desire to give the best gifts to them, such as spiritual, educational, and future opportunities. Overall, we want what is best for them. Considering the love for our children and the calling we have from God to instruct them compels us to return to our loving Father who will always give His children good gifts.
In John 10:29 Jesus says, ‘My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” This scripture reminds us that our children belong to Jesus and we are in the palm of His hand. This should make our hearts sing for joy! We are secure in Jesus because He is our strength and peace today. Knowing we are snug in the palm of His hand reveals how much he cares for us. Let us remember what Hebrews 6:18 says, “It is impossible for God to lie.” Thus, we learn that He will provide for us and we can trust Him.
Embracing these truths, let us stand, facing our future with peace in our hearts and a renewed faith in God. The staff and I have the honor of praying for you, our parents and current members. We pray blessings, provisions, and peace for each and every one of you as you endeavor to begin another year instructing, ministering, and teaching your children. We would count it a privilege to put your need(s) in our prayer book and lift them before the Lord each day. Together we will stand and believe God for answered prayers, knowing his hand will never tire!
Remember, this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
You can view Aaron Academy and the services they provide on their website at http://aaronacademy.com/
Please note: This post was in no manner solicited or paid for by Aaron Academy.
Sep
03
10 Ways To Survive The Family Business
The family business. Has somewhat of a ring to it, doesn’t it? I don’t mean the ‘ding’ you hear at a boxing match, either. It’s a dream of 82% of Americans to have their own business. It usually includes the hope of at least one other family member being a part of it, too. However, the reality of the day to day life can be a rude awakening and can surface personality traits we didn’t know we had!
If you homeschool then you already have some good experience with working together as a family. I’ve heard parents say they don’t homeschool because they would kill each other. I’m sure we all have our moments, but I think I can speak for most homeschoolers when I say we generally enjoy being with our children. I’m not saying if you don’t homeschool you don’t enjoy your children, but it’s already a natural part of our day, so working a business together as a family would seem to be a natural transition. So you would think.
Maybe it’s the time pressure that business can bring, or it could be the money thing, or a host of other excuses. There is no question that working a business with children can be frustrating. There. I said it. I know that there are many character building lessons for children that can be developed when you work a business with them, but I think it’s more a refining device for us. So, keeping in mind our children are really just on loan to us from the Lord, training them also trains us.
I guess it all boils down to loving one another more than ourselves. It may be very difficult and hard work, but the rewards far exceed any monetary gain. It may also be a way to pay off some debt or take that family mission trip or vacation. Whatever your motivation, here are some ways to survive the “Family Business”:
1. The purpose-filled life business. If you don’t already have a business, try to choose a business that helps others, one that gives your family a sense of purpose. This may sound idealistic, but I’m convinced that if you sit down as a family and pray about something you can all do to serve others you’re sure to come up with something. It may not make you rich, but if it’s a need in the marketplace, there will be business. Resist the urge to give your services away, unless of course your family can afford it. You are thinking of an entrepreneurial venture that does good, not a ministry (at least right now).
2. Assign work according to ability. Sit down together and list all the tasks that need to be done and what abilities or talents are needed to accomplish them. Then discuss what talents and abilities each family member has. Make a list of the positive qualities each member has and be generous with the adjectives. Keep it positive. Let each family member add their own weaknesses and/or tasks they absolutely detest. Do not mention anyone else’s weaknesses except your own to keep the peace. Make encouragement the rule. Oh, one more: remember that children are children – not miniature adults.
3. Respect each other. When you live with each other 24/7, it’s easy to get too comfortable with each other. It’s not hard to be courteous to people at church that you hardly know, but will find it easy to be abrupt with those you love most. Respect is a good habit to develop if you haven’t already.
Don't forget to take much needed breaks!
4. Pay children for the work they do. If you get paid, they should be paid if they contributed. Taking children for granted when you work at home is one of the reasons many adults who grew up in a family business want nothing to do with it. If they kept the baby happy and the house clean so you were able to work, there should be some reward. Yes, families help each other out, but if there is a business involved, a worker deserves their wages. Payments should be made in a timely manner and not be withheld for reasons not related to the work. Hope deferred makes a heart sick…
5. Delegate a portion of your family income for something special. It may be a charity or mission that is dear to your heart, or maybe a mission trip for your entire family. You could use it as your field trip fund to go places ordinarily out of your price range or a special vacation. I’m sure you can think of something!
6. Have a set time that your business is ‘closed’. It’s too easy to work 24 hours a day when you work at home. When you work for yourself, the work is never done. Your children will soon resent the family business if it always consumes your attention. Have at least one night a week as “Family Night” and make it special. If you have several children, make a point to have regular one on one, or one with Mom AND Dad’s sole attention.
7. Set frequent goals with rewards they can look forward to. Going out for pizza after a job everyone worked hard doing for weeks makes finishing it a celebration.
8. Try to keep things light and joyful. If the atmosphere has been stressed, or everyone is getting tired and cranky but there is work still to be done, take an energy break. Set the timer for 15-30 minutes and have a nutritious snack do the opposite of what you have been doing. In other words, if you have been sitting doing a repetitious job, get up and take a walk, or go shoot some baskets or just have fun for a few. If you have been up and around working physically, have everyone get comfortable and rest for a few and encourage each other with what they are all doing right. Put some praise music on if you just can’t take a break.
9. Invest in your workspace. Again, keeping your work area light and joyful, bright and clean organized. It pays for itself when the work area is pleasant. If you are on your feet a lot, there are special mats you can buy that cushion your stance. There are shoes that are better for your feet that you can buy. A stereo and some good worship music can make all the difference, too. Keeping things organized sometimes only takes a set of drawers or a new cabinet. Headphones that WORK are nice if you are one the phone much.
10. Accept each other for who they are, and know there will be times everyone will not get along. Make it a family and business rule to never let the sun go down on a disagreement. Parents set the example here. Try to make it a habit to begin and/or end each day with a brief time of prayer for each other. Not a prayer for the business, or more customers, or that the equipment will hold up, but for each other. It’s hard to stay mad at someone you pray for daily.
If you homeschool then you probably already have a list of your own that keeps things running smoothly. Adding a business to the mix can really bring out the best…and the worst… in all of us. That’s our human condition. It’s how we handle it that are the lessons we are really teaching our children.
Some other resources to help you on your journey:
Mom Advice encourages parents that they can indeed homeschool and run a home business, but not with out organizational skills. She gives some advice in her article, Homeschooling and Home Business, and offers some tangible tools including a printable planner and other downloads you can use (free) at: http://www.momadvice.com/resources/downloads.aspx
Entrepreneur.com offers an article, Running a Successful Family Business From Home that tells us 6 ways that 5 family businesses have made it work.
More From HomeschoolEntrepreneur
Welcome to Homeschool Entrepreneur!
Equip your children with a life skill that will stay and grow in them forever. Business training in the home not only creates a natural learning environment for any age. The "Family Business" draws families together and provides opportunity for discussions you won't find in any book . . and the extra money comes in handy, too!
Look at this Homeschool Entrepreneur’s Business:
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