BAM: A Better Way to Change the World
Ranked #11,031 in Business & Work, #268,316 overall | Donates to Acumen Fund, Grameen Foundation
Business as Mission: A Bright Tomorrow
As a new year begins, we often reflect on the past and try to make changes for the new year. We want to do better and so we make a new year's resolution. Time and time again we fail to accomplish these goals; sometimes we go a week before forgetting, a month before caving in, even halfway through the year before we question ourselves.
The problem isn't a lack of desire or because we are faint-hearted. As Seth Godin pointed out in his blog, our problem isn't getting a new plan, it's having the right commitment.
As I reflected on this last year, I realize that I want to do something more significant than what I have done in the past; something that will have a lasting impact on many around the world. In this last year, I've done many different things from smoking fish to selling shoes on eBay.
While I've had some great times doing these different businesses, there wasn't much that I could really grab hold of and say with confidence that I'd do it a 1000 times over if I never got paid for it at all.
As I thought through in what ways I wanted to leave my mark on history, whether to those around me or, if I get a chance, on a global scale, there was one thing that stood out above the rest - something that I want to commit to creating in this new year.
I commit to creating a business as mission that will impact the world.
Pictured: "Sunset at Ulladulla Harbour" by Sam Ilic
The problem isn't a lack of desire or because we are faint-hearted. As Seth Godin pointed out in his blog, our problem isn't getting a new plan, it's having the right commitment.
As I reflected on this last year, I realize that I want to do something more significant than what I have done in the past; something that will have a lasting impact on many around the world. In this last year, I've done many different things from smoking fish to selling shoes on eBay.
While I've had some great times doing these different businesses, there wasn't much that I could really grab hold of and say with confidence that I'd do it a 1000 times over if I never got paid for it at all.
As I thought through in what ways I wanted to leave my mark on history, whether to those around me or, if I get a chance, on a global scale, there was one thing that stood out above the rest - something that I want to commit to creating in this new year.
I commit to creating a business as mission that will impact the world.
Pictured: "Sunset at Ulladulla Harbour" by Sam Ilic
Business as Mission is like...
A box of chocolates? Close, but no cigar Forrest.
Answer to Win Squidoo Points!
First, What is Business as Mission?
...And Why Should I Care?
To give a more definitive definition, it is a for-profit commercial business venture that is Christian led and operated in a cross-cultural environment, either locally or internationally.
Sometimes they will take the form of a social entrepreneurship, though not required in ordered to be classified as a BAM, because like any business, they come in many different shapes and sizes.
Even those of you who may not agree with my religious beliefs, don't understand who that Jesus guy was, or think the Bible is a bunch of bullarky myth; there is still a lot of benefit that comes from the creation of a for-profit business seeking to impact the world.
Our economy is very dependent on businesses as they create jobs, wealth, and often inspire people to accomplish great things. Major corporations don't simply become a major corporation overnight, they start at the bottom rung like any other business.
Some Quick Facts
Small businesses:
- Represent 99.7% of all employer firms
- Employ more than 50% the private-sector employees
- Pay 44% of the total U.S. private payroll
- Have generated more than 64% of all new jobs during the past 15 years
- And create more than 50% the private gross domestic product
- Represent 99.7% of all employer firms
- Employ more than 50% the private-sector employees
- Pay 44% of the total U.S. private payroll
- Have generated more than 64% of all new jobs during the past 15 years
- And create more than 50% the private gross domestic product
Looking to Learn More About BAM?
Top 4 BAM Books + 1 Free eBook
Here are the top 5 books voted on by the Business as Mission Network. Click on the links for a brief blurb from the BAM network.
1. God is at Work by Ken Eldred and David Yonggi Cho
2. Lausanne Forum Papers. Free eBook, just for you, my loyal follower!
3. Business as Mission by Michael Baer
4. On Kingdom Business by Ken Eldred and Tetsunao Yamamori
5. Great Commission Companies by Steven L. Rundle and Tom A. Steffen
1. God is at Work by Ken Eldred and David Yonggi Cho
2. Lausanne Forum Papers. Free eBook, just for you, my loyal follower!
3. Business as Mission by Michael Baer
4. On Kingdom Business by Ken Eldred and Tetsunao Yamamori
5. Great Commission Companies by Steven L. Rundle and Tom A. Steffen
Businesses Take Time
...and money, energy, persistence, failures, and successes
Having been founded in 1971, it was until 1987 that Starbucks first selling pre-made drinks and began to rapidly expand soon after.
It took Amazon.com six years before it made its first profit, which gave a whopping $.01 dividend per share to those lucky shareholder individuals. Mind you, if those Amazon shareholders held out until today, that stock has increased 10-fold since its initial public offering, an increase of $170 per share. These two companies alone employ over 50,000 people.
While I have not had a business become as big as Starbucks or Amazon, though I wouldn't mind if I do, if I'm able to provide just 10 jobs to people around the world, that creates hope for 10 families and their succeeding generations.
Business Poll
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Why Create Just One Business?
...Why Not Change the Whole World?
What if instead of creating one business, we create two? That's another 10 families that have been blessed with a new job. And why stop there?You might say to me, "Sure, that's great in theory, but it also takes a lot more time, money, and energy." You are correct if I were the only one out there creating a business, but what if we teach people how to create a business, something that Acumen Fund is already doing? Now we've decreased the amount of time and energy it takes to create each of these businesses.
"Okay," you say, "but there's no need to re-invent the wheel and it can be still very time consuming and expensive." Point well taken, however, what if you could get involved to help out this business while you sat at your laptop? Take a look at vWorker.com, a site with over 350,000 workers who complete tasks all from their computer; anything from creating spreadsheets to full websites. Some help out with legal advice while others give business advice.
If those same principles are transferred over to these business in countries who have the right business ideas but not the resources necessary to be successful, we can begin to make a huge difference and become a light in this dark world.
Why Create a Business to Support Those in Need?
Why Not Donate to Charity?
Isn't that just giving a man a fish instead of teaching him to fish? Sure, there are many people who are at the point where they need the fish first, but we must make sure to teach him how to get more on her own, otherwise he will be forever dependent on us.
It caught my attention when I read this article from Chuck Bentley about who qualifies for charity. I know especially those in the US have a habit of giving money to a problem and hoping it goes away. That's like putting a band-aid on a hemophiliac.
By teaching them how to run their own business, they begin to become self-reliant.
What Business(es) Are You Currently Running?
Or what business have you dreamed of starting?
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dlcass
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:45 pm | delete
- I do a little eBay on the side, selling antiques. It is fun and interesting, and I feel like I am finding new homes for pieces of history. That's a mission of sorts.
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Thrinsdream
Feb 2, 2012 @ 3:43 pm | delete
- A small media company, and my partner and I have just started up a fitness site and the latter is what I am learning to grow and is my dream.
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jdquey
Feb 7, 2012 @ 5:59 pm | delete
- Sounds like a good idea, hope you do well with it!
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How Successful Will These Business Be?
In 1983, Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus created an organization called Grameen Bank which gives small loans known as microcredit or "grameencredit" that enables people in undeveloped nations to start a business for themselves.The concept came from the idea that the poor have skills that are under-utilized and that with the right guidance, they could begin to start their own businesses. Contrary to the stigma that the poor are that way because they will not work for it, though that can be the case for some, Yunus decided to give these rural communities an opportunity to do something different with their lives.
Many people are looking to improve themselves, which is why in 2008 Americans spent $11 billion on self-improvement books, CDs, seminars, coaching and stress-management programs despite the failing economy. By the way, that's 13.6% more than what was spent in 2005. No, the issue isn't always an unwillingness to work.
What they need are the right principles to live by.
So What Exactly Will This Business Be Doing?
A Reader's Digest Summary
2. Create a website with information about each business.
3. Allow people to follow the progress, see photos, watch video clips, and get interested in each project.
4. As needs arise, and people feel led to do so, the website will allow people to give financially or with their own time, talents, and abilities to contribute to the project from their own computer.
5. Continue to mentor and check in with business owners, but allow them the dignity to run the business (and learn from their failures) on their own.
6. Develop more sustainable businesses.
Got Any Ideas For My Business?
Napoleon Hill once said, "All achievement... have their beginning in an idea."
Your ideas will help achieve this vision and create a better tomorrow. Let me hear about them here!
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Thrinsdream
Feb 2, 2012 @ 3:52 pm | delete
- Lyricist? The world needs songs.
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jdquey
Feb 7, 2012 @ 6:00 pm | delete
- Good idea, I'll keep it in mind!
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What Can I Do?
The biggest help is if you would be willing to let a few friends know about this! Like it, tweet it, Pin it, Digg it, Reddit, and sneeze it. There is an easy tool below to speed things up for you. I thank you in advance for your help!
If you have any tips, suggestions, or other forms of feedback, let me know in the comment section below as they are always welcome. While I've had experience in creating a successful business, there are always things that you might notice that I will not.
You can also check out my blog and follow my progress as well as other thoughts I have as I create this business. I will post everyday about this project and other helpful, related material. Costs nothing to subscribe and you can find a lot of great information along with some free material to make positive changes in your own life.
Keep watching this lens as I update it. Check back weekly as there will be plenty of new content to cover!
Start to consider in what ways you can make a change in this world. It may not be earth-shattering, but many small noises can create a huge avalanche. Maybe consider sponsoring a child at Compassion International. If you downsize your coffee drink that you by at Starbucks everyday, you can sponsor a child without spending more and help accomplish your new year's resolution of losing weight (check out the calories, sugar, and fat content when going from a grande mocha to a tall mocha.
Finally, if you like to write, consider writing what your passionate about and support organizations like Acumen Fund or Grameen Foundation that are already out there giving dignity to those in poor settings.
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Interested in Reading More?
Blog updated daily.
A mixture of ideas, thoughts, challenges, ways to grow, struggles, and successes on this journey to start a new business.
Any Other Thoughts?
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Thrinsdream
Feb 2, 2012 @ 3:53 pm | delete
- I wish you all the success. Great article. With thanks and appreciation. Cathi x
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cogentcoach
Jan 13, 2012 @ 3:53 pm | delete
- I always start my work with clients on goals, both for the business and for themselves as a business owner. Many people are looking to make a positive impact. "If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough!"
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jdquey
Jan 14, 2012 @ 11:42 am | delete
- Thanks for the input and the reminder!
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JoshK47
Jan 10, 2012 @ 12:08 pm | delete
- What a wonderful idea - great stuff. Blessed by a SquidAngel!
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APackageAtTheDoor
Jan 10, 2012 @ 12:17 am | delete
- Noble idea, good luck!
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by jdquey
There is a desire within each of us to leave a lasting mark on this world. How will you accomplish that in 2012?
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Looking Towards the Future
