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# IBEC Ventures

Consultants for Business as a Mission

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## Posts

- [Environmental Care and Creation Stewardship (A Business as Mission Priority)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/environmental-care-and-creation-stewardship-a-business-as-mission-priority/) - It is exciting for me to see the product of much hard work on the part of my good friend Mark Polet and his colleagues. Mark and his wife, Terri, are true BAMers in Asia, dynamic thought leaders, and friends of IBEC. BAMGlobal.org has published three pieces in this series (read them along with this Part
- [Unrealistic perfectionism in Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/unrealistic-perfectionism-in-business-as-mission/) - Young adults are increasingly stressed and depressed by the fear of other people’s judgment. And recent studies suggest that young adults feel growing pressure to be flawless.1 Wharton School of Business professor, Adam Grant states, “The spike is especially pronounced for concerns about making mistakes and being seen negatively by others. And this fear of
- [Business as Mission Quotes from World Cup Players](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-quotes-from-world-cup-players/) - Every four years, the best soccer players in the world join with those of their citizenship country in a competition that rivets most of the world. In 2026, it took place in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The following quotes by well-known players, some current, some retired, apply far beyond the soccer world. THINK
- [Jonathan Brake: The Myth of Perfect Leadership Conditions: Why waiting for the “perfect moment” is a leadership trap, and how to build your own weather](https://ibecventures.com/blog/jonathan-brake-the-myth-of-perfect-leadership-conditions-why-waiting-for-the-perfect-moment-is-a-leadership-trap-and-how-to-build-your-own-weather/) - Jonathan Brake is a member of the IBEC Ventures Leadership team and the Director of Consulting Services. He also writes for his own company blog called “The Forged Leader”, and we are reprinting an article from May 26, 2026. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- Today, I want to tackle a
- [Business as Mission Investing](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-investing/) - It is common for most Christians to make donations to causes they believe in. This is Christian giving and it is important, good, and often is necessary. “However, donations alone are insufficient and can be damaging” (Don Simmons, p.44). Don Simmons goes on to say that “when we deploy God’s resources through business, we participate
- [Using Context to Start a Conversation in a Business as Mission Operation](https://ibecventures.com/blog/using-context-to-start-a-conversation-in-a-business-as-mission-operation/) - My grandson, Kellan, recently returned from a high school trip to Greece. I asked him to tell me something significant that impressed him on the trip. Immediately, he referenced the experience of walking the streets of the Ancient Agora and climbing the Areopagus (Mars Hill). He said it impressed him that the apostle Paul (Acts
- [Next Steps to Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/next-steps-to-business-as-mission/) - The BAM Global Summit on May 7th, 2026, included many stories, workshops, networking, and plenary presentations. One of the several sessions I attended included a question asked of the panel of four experts on BAM startups, including our own Bob Bush. The questioner asked what they would suggest as next steps for someone at the
- [Freedom: For a Country – For an Individual](https://ibecventures.com/blog/freedom-for-a-country-for-an-individual/) - This week is July 4, a much-celebrated Independence Day holiday in the United States, often associated with freedom. Freedom is a word used in various contexts. Two hundred and fifty years ago in 1776, the United States declared its freedom from England. The word is also seen in relation to human trafficking, where current estimates
- [Jay Desko: Leadership Scan for BAM Leaders](https://ibecventures.com/blog/jay-desko-leadership-scan-for-bam-leaders/) - IBEC has greatly benefited from the expertise of The Consulting Group in Dublin, PA. In fact, we have our annual board meeting hosted by their Director, Jay Desko. Whether you are a founder or a leader at any level in a BAM company, you will benefit from Jay’s wisdom shared in April 2026. Check it
- [Beaudin Designs with a Kingdom Purpose](https://ibecventures.com/blog/beaudin-designs-with-a-kingdom-purpose/) - Simon Sinek has inspired millions with his popular TED Talk, “Start with the Why”. His more than 56 million viewers have been encouraged to understand the purpose of the business by asking the simple question, “Why do we exist?” Meredith Limoges, the owner of Beaudin Designs, has had a clear answer from the beginning: create
- [Business as Mission is Not New](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-is-not-new/) - Recently, I was reading the Bible verse which says: “What has been, will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Eccl. 1:9. I am sure that in our age of innovation and entrepreneurship, people might want to dispute it but let us take it at face
- [Bob Bush: A PhotoUp Manager Shares Key Leader Qualities](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bob-bush-a-photoup-manager-shares-key-leader-qualities/) - IBEC Managing Director, Robert Bush, reports on a visit to one of IBEC’s clients in the Philippines, a real estate photo editing company. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- If you want to find out what a company is really like, it’s easy to do…you talk to the people who work there.
- [Memorial Day 2026](https://ibecventures.com/blog/memorial-day-2026/) - Memorial Day is an important day for a nation like the United States. It is a day to remember and honor those who died while serving in the nation’s military. The day originated after the Civil War where more lives were lost than any other US war (620,000). Memorial Day is different than Veterans Day
- [Ryan Stowell: Reflections of a Startup Owner on BAM Coaching and Events](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ryan-stowell-reflections-of-a-startup-owner-on-bam-coaching-and-events/) - As an owner of a fourth-year BAM coffee startup in Northern Thailand, my wife Rebecca and I find ourselves hyper-focused on our own world day in and day out. That means trying to control costs, boost marketing, improve employee contact and relations, contact new prospects, inspect products before shipping, preparing loan payments for investors, receipts, accounting,
- [There’s always a Crisis … it means Opportunity is Knocking](https://ibecventures.com/blog/theres-always-a-crisis-it-means-opportunity-is-knocking/) - It has been a long time since I was in business school and it seems I don’t remember much; however, there is something I do remember. It is the question, “why does one start a business?” The answer (and the books remind us) is to either solve a problem, or meet a need, or follow
- [Pivoting, Diversification, and Innovation in Kyrgyzstan: Business as Mission on the Cutting Edge](https://ibecventures.com/blog/pivoting-diversification-and-innovation-in-kyrgyzstan-business-as-mission-on-the-cutting-edge/) - “My job is that of a detective,” stated Micah Lund shortly after we met. What? I thought we would be talking about a significant agribusiness, Oasis Agro, in Central Asia where he serves as the CEO. I had learned about his robust work in the development world with organizations like the Peace Corps and USAID,
- [Retire or Re-tire? (How and Why I got involved in Business as Mission)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/retire-or-re-tire-how-and-why-i-got-involved-in-business-as-mission/) - When I was growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s, it was common to retread automobile tires, sometimes called re-tire. It is the process of replacing the worn tread on a used tire with new rubber, giving the tire a second (or third) life instead of sending it to a landfill. That issue described me
- [Employee Fit Matters - Especially in a BAM Company](https://ibecventures.com/blog/employee-fit-matters-especially-in-a-bam-company/) - My youngest daughter is a Human Resource professional, currently working at Oregon State University. She recently shared a book she had just read entitled "FIT MATTERS" and knew I would be intrigued with the sub-title, “How to Love Your Job”. My first teaching job was in 1970 at Prairie High School in Alberta, Canada; my
- [Dave Kier: Continuous Quality Improvement](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-continuous-quality-improvement/) - IBEC Board member, Dave Kier, owned and operated a sizable animal feed mill in Iowa (see the IBEC video on the website.) This is one of the many lessons learned over the years in business. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed,
- [Why Easter Matters: (Does Easter Shape the Why of Your Work, Business, and Investing?)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/why-easter-matters-does-easter-shape-the-why-of-your-work-business-and-investing/) - I have often taught and referred to the Kingdom of God (and Heaven) as in the New Testament Gospels books. Approximately half of the references refer to this Kingdom as “here and now”, and half to the “not yet” or the afterlife. In thinking about the “here and now”, some scholars refer to the “Four-Part
- [Bob Bush: Job Creation and Jesus for the Most Needy of India](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bob-bush-job-creation-and-jesus-for-the-most-needy-of-india/) - IBEC Director, Bob Bush, and Director of Coaching, Jonathan Brake, recently returned from India where they were teaching and coaching BAM startups. Among other relationships, they had the opportunity to meet with Nisha Ghosh, owner of an architectural business in Bangalore. Nisha's love for India's impoverished women inspired her to start a new business called Zero. You
- [An MK Reflects on Moravians and Business as Mission (1)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/an-mk-reflects-on-moravians-and-business-as-mission-1/) - Jeanette Amundsen Klodt grew up in the home of career missionaries Roald and Harriet Amundsen in Unalakleet and Nome, Alaska where she was born. Her parents were classic pioneers and are credited with starting high schools, radio stations, a flying service, a vocational school, and children’s boarding homes as well as churches. While Roald saw
- [St. Patrick’s Day Prayer and Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/st-patricks-day-prayer-and-business-as-mission-2026/) - When I was a child growing up in Canada, we were always given a paper shamrock to wear on St. Patrick’s Day. A shamrock is a 3-leaf clover, and it is said that St. Patrick used it as a visual to teach the people of Ireland about the Trinity. Some years ago, I learned of
- [Of GRIT and Beyond - in Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/of-grit-and-beyond-in-business-as-mission/) - I have been a fan of Angela Duckworth’s research at the University of Pennsylvania since her first book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, was released in May 2016. It stayed on The New York Times bestseller list for 21 weeks. This week, I listened to an interview, where she affirmed that GRIT is certainly important, but it is not
- [Of Leadership, Failure, and Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/of-leadership-failure-and-business-as-mission/) - The following comes from a Nov 3/25 memo from Five Capitals. It is a great reminder for everyone involved in Business as Mission. You can’t lead without a few scars Failure isn’t final. It’s feedback. The best leaders don’t avoid mistakes, they mine them. They get curious, not defensive. They extract lessons, recalibrate fast, and move again
- [Trust and Confirm – even in BAM business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/trust-and-confirm-even-in-bam-business/) - President Ronald Reagan often quoted the Russian proverb taught to him by American scholar, Suzanne Masssie. The proverb doveryai, no proveryai (доверяй, но проверяй) means 'trust, but verify'. She advised him that "The Russians like to talk in proverbs…” Reagan applied the idea in his dealings with the Soviets where he added, “Don’t be afraid to see
- [President’s Day 2026 – A reminder for Business as Mission Leaders](https://ibecventures.com/blog/presidents-day-2026-a-reminder-for-business-as-mission-leaders/) - Each year about this time, I look up some data on who were the greatest of the US Presidents; and each year, I read the same thing. Almost every time, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are the top two presidents, followed often by FDR, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt etc. Such polling of experts is highly subjective,
- [The Bible in One Hand, a Newspaper in the Other](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-bible-in-one-hand-a-newspaper-in-the-other/) - In a May 1963 Time magazine article, entitled, “Barth in Retirement,” theologian Karl Barth stated that he advised young theologians to “take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both.” It is an oft-quoted statement, sometimes noted as “take the Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other.” Not bad advice
- [Business as Mission: Bigger than Us](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-bigger-than-us/) - We are more fulfilled when we are involved in something bigger than ourselves. –John Glenn If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. –James 1:5 Sometimes, I wonder if it is worth it. I wonder if my piece of the
- [Dave Kier: Knowing the Lord's Will in Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-knowing-the-lords-will-in-business/) - Dave Kier is a highly successful businessman and investor in the United States, as well as across Asia and Africa. He writes a daily devotional that integrates Christian living and profitable business. He has served on the IBEC Board for more than a decade. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- “Teach
- [Business as Mission Inputs and Outputs](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-inputs-and-outputs/) - Does the Bible talk about inputs and outputs? How about process and outcomes? Well, it doesn’t do so in business terminology, but it sure does. What is an input? Input metrics, also known as leading indicators or process metrics, focus on the resources, activities, or inputs that contribute to desired outcomes. They help us understand
- [Don Simmons: Invest in a Way Worthy of Your Calling](https://ibecventures.com/blog/don-simmons-invest-in-a-way-worthy-of-your-calling/) - Don Simmons is arguably the most articulate spokesperson for investing in a biblical manner. He is well qualified to do so and does it in a convincing manner. This article and video from November 2025 is worth reading, watching, and passing on to others. IBEC is grateful to have him on our board. Larry W.
- [Everyone Singing and Worshipping – Not Yet, but we are Getting Closer](https://ibecventures.com/blog/everyone-singing-and-worshipping-not-yet-but-we-are-getting-closer/) - It is Christmas time as I write this, and my wife and I with some friends just attended a joyful Christmas sing-along at a church in Everett. One comment caught my attention as the moderator referenced some verses in Revelation chapters 7 and 9. The verses talk about a great multitude “…from every tribe and
- [Bob Bush: New Year's 2025 Reflection- 2026 Challenge](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bob-bush-new-years-2025-reflection-2026-challenge/) - From reflection to action: Managing Director, Bob Bush, reviews 2025 at IBEC and calls believers to deeper marketplace impact in 2026. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- As we look forward to another year, let's not forget what God has done in 2025. Here at IBEC Ventures, He has impacted us
- [Christmas – Everywhere?  Not yet](https://ibecventures.com/blog/christmas-everywhere-not-yet-2025/) - Country singer Alan Jackson starts one of his Christmas albums with the song, “Let it be Christmas everywhere.” Good idea– but not yet a reality! Jesus came to earth about 2000 years ago, but it was not until about 950 years ago that His followers decided it would be a good idea to celebrate it
- [Business as Mission: What’s Our Competitive Advantage?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-whats-our-competitive-advantage/) - In a survey1 of business instructors both inside and outside of academia, it was discovered that 88% use a lean canvas to teach a business model. Even Fortune 500 companies use it internally to clarify business operations. It is clear that business plans are no longer the defacto standard for helping entrepreneurs think about their
- [Mats Tunehag: God is at Work: How the BAM Movement Has Grown Over 25 Years](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-god-is-at-work-how-the-bam-movement-has-grown-over-25-years/) - "Mats Tunehag is the best person to review the growth of the BAM movement over the past 25 years. Thanks Mats for your amazing leadership!" Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- By God’s grace we have seen an exponential growth of the global business as mission movement in the last 25
- [4 Ways BAM Companies Collaborate with Not For-Profits on the Ground](https://ibecventures.com/blog/4-ways-bam-companies-collaborate-with-not-for-profits-on-the-ground/) - If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. – Traditional Proverb Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. – Old Testament Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. – New Testament It is expected
- [Business as Mission – at a Birmingham Conference (No better cause for Thanksgiving)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-at-a-birmingham-conference-no-better-cause-for-thanksgiving/) - I can imagine that you are like me in this: You go off to conference where you participate, listen and learn (in my case, a BAM conference). You fly home exhausted, and your spouse picks you up. I ask her about her four days at home, and she asks me about mine! But mine is
- [From Enslaved … to Survivor … to Sustainable: Business as Mission in the world of Human Trafficking](https://ibecventures.com/blog/from-enslaved-to-survivor-to-sustainable-business-as-mission-in-the-world-of-human-trafficking/) - Her story begins in the northern reaches of the country, where she was born to a destitute family amid the chaos of a brutal civil war. Named Lawana, meaning graceful and beautiful, she grew into a striking young girl in a nation ravaged by conflict. The grip of a neighboring country, guerrilla warfare, and a
- [What makes a good Business as Mission Leader?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-business-as-mission-leader/) - The London Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC) is very much aligned with the BAM movement in its essential understanding of simple theological truths. The London Institute of Contemporary Christianity exists to help every Christian in the UK discover three simple truths: Wherever we are, we can join in with what God is doing – whether he’s
- [A Business as Mission Reminder](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-business-as-mission-reminder/) - There is an interesting story in the book of Nehemiah chapter 6. Nehemiah was busy doing a great work building the wall of Jerusalem when some of his enemies sent a message asking to meet with him in a nearby village. Nehemiah was sure these guys meant to do him harm. Four times, Sanballat, Tobiah,
- [A Business as Mission Company with a Fragrance](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-business-as-mission-company-with-a-fragrance/) - I wrote recently about the idea of buying a startup and growing it to greater success. Many find that more appealing than robust entrepreneurial startups. There is another idea to consider – distribution or some variation of that. Eurofragance Philippines Inc. (EPI) * is a distribution company of fragrances and flavors for 25 years with
- [Dave Kier: What’s Your Mission?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-whats-your-mission/) - I am grateful for the wisdom of IBEC Board member Dave Kier. He is a successful businessperson both in the eyes of God and his customers. Dave is making a difference in his home area in the Midwest as well as in countries in Africa and Central Asia. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC
- [Has Business as Mission Failed?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/has-business-as-mission-failed/) - I can’t believe what I heard! Did someone really say that? And, like so much on social media or talk shows nowadays, totally without evidence of course. The person categorically stated that Business as Mission has failed. Think about it for a minute. The simplest definition is one I hear Bill Job say – BAM
- [The Challenges of High-Risk Agricultural Industry in Romania– A BAM study](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-challenges-of-high-risk-agricultural-industry-in-romania-a-bam-study/) - I just returned from driving across eastern Washington and Oregon states. The area is largely agricultural, and it was the time of the wheat harvest. The grain is harvested and stored in large granaries, elevators or storage silos. However, this year with a bounty harvest, the storage facilities are overflowing, and wheat is being piled
- [Business as Mission Stories with Good Outcomes](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-stories-with-good-outcomes/) - Not all stories end happily; in fact, not all readers want stories to end with good outcomes. However, Business as Mission (BAM) seeks quadruple bottom line outcomes which are good. One of those outcomes has to do with the spiritual, faith, and discipleship. Some call them Kingdom outcomes. The book Missions Disrupted provides the reader
- [Nothing Replaces Boots on the Ground](https://ibecventures.com/blog/nothing-replaces-boots-on-the-ground/) - When I began to seriously study the science of how adults learn in the context of a team and in another culture, I learned things like: “Involve me, so I can understand” from Dwight Smith, author of Creating Understanding an expert of culture in Africa. “Coaching requires curious questioning” in my coach training from Bob
- [The Holy Spirit and Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-holy-spirit-and-business-as-mission/) - The conversation about measurement in business and determining what matters is a lengthy one. Andy Grove summarized the issue with — we need to “measure what matters,” and that is the difficult part. So, we talk about the language of Financial Analysis Dashboards, KPIs, sales metrics, customer retention rates, CAC, and much more. The world
- [7 business lessons from the 2015 World Series](https://ibecventures.com/blog/7-business-lessons-from-the-2015-world-series/) - I have loved sports all of my life and I love to watch major league sports especially at the culmination of the season. This year’s World Series was no exception. Sports may be a metaphor for life – and for business. Remember the Aaron Rodgers commercial in the school classroom when several professional people were
- [Capability, Character, and Coaching (Three Vital Factors for a Business as Mission Enterprise)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/capability-character-and-coaching-three-vital-factors-for-a-business-as-mission-enterprise/) - In the United States, it is almost time for football again. Have you ever heard of a 24-year-old signing a contract that will pay him $1 million dollars a week for the next five years (Contract of $255 million with $180 million guaranteed)? Quite amazing for sure, but there was another factoid that piqued my
- [4 Ps in a BAM Crisis: Preparation, Prevention, Planning and Partnering](https://ibecventures.com/blog/4-ps-in-a-bam-crisis-preparation-prevention-planning-and-partnering/) - This article was originally published on the website www.businessasmission.com on May 29, 2025. ----- This article is for BAM practitioners and those who support them in their work. It’s about what to do when something really bad happens and how to mitigate it happening in the first place. I have been visiting, observing, asking questions,
- [North American Labor Day and Business as Mission Businesses](https://ibecventures.com/blog/north-american-labor-day-and-business-as-mission-businesses-2/) - “Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.”1 My first contact with
- [What If? A Business as Mission Question](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-if-a-business-as-mission-question/) - Mike Baer is one of the most acclaimed of BAM spokespersons and writers. His didactic and logical mind links well with his experience in business and pastoral work. Additionally, his Business as Mission podcast is an important listen, and I recommend it highly. In a recent podcast, Mike reported on his trip to Argentina and
- [A No-name True Story](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-no-name-true-story/) - One of the most frustrating elements I experience with my attempts to tell stories of God at work through Business as Mission (BAM), is that I can’t tell some of them. I am not allowed to tell the story because there are risks involved. I have ways to learn about these stories, but I can’t
- [Bribery and Corruption in Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bribery-and-corruption-in-business-as-mission/) - One of the most difficult issues to manage when coaching Business as Mission startups is related to bribery and corruption. BAM Global has some great resources to help coaches process the issue from biblical, cultural, and historical perspectives. https://businessasmission.com/corruption-toolkit/ https://businessasmission.com/guidelines-business-ethics/ Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It may be petty corruption
- [Five Lessons from a BAMer in Africa](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-lessons-from-a-bamer-in-africa/) - A few months ago, I attended BAM Vancouver, a yearly congress in western Canada that I highly recommend. One of the many interesting speakers was Brian Albright, currently a business professor at Trinity Western University. I asked him if I could share some of his thoughts; realizing that I am incapable of sharing his passion
- [The Mystery of the Kingdom of God and the implications for Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-mystery-of-the-kingdom-of-god-and-the-implications-for-business-as-mission/) - I came to faith as a child in the early 1950s. What different times they were! Post-WWII North America was thriving, yet people feared the rise of communism. Christians were aware of their eternal hope, and they sensed that heaven was imminent. Dispensational theology was thriving, so believers were encouraged to help get everyone ready
- [Jesus with people as recorded by Luke in his Gospel (exclusive of teaching in the Synagogue and Temple)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/jesus-with-people-as-recorded-by-luke-in-his-gospel-exclusive-of-teaching-in-the-synagogue-and-temple/) - It seems the Jesus listened to the human condition, and then responded to real needs with love and care before initiating a spiritual teaching. Story and reference What happened first Spiritual Integration Simon’s mother with fever and other sick people arriving at sunset. (4:38ff) Jesus healed her and she got up; healed many after that.
- [Seven Truths and a Lie about the “Mission” in Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/seven-truths-and-a-lie-about-the-mission-in-business-as-mission/) - See if you can find the lie among seven truths written by Business as Mission authors. In the early church, evangelism was the prerogative and the duty of every church member. Communicating the faith was not regarded as the preserve of the very zealous, or of the officially zealous, or of the designated evangelist. Justice
- [Mike Baer: Nationals or Expatriates? The Key to Lasting Impact in BAM](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mike-baer-nationals-or-expatriates-the-key-to-lasting-impact-in-bam/) - Mike Baer is well qualified to answer the question 'Expatriates or Nationals?' in this article first published by Jo Plummer on March 7, 2025 on the Business as Mission website. Thanks Mike and Jo for your important role in the BAM movement. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- As the global
- [10 Ben Franklin quotes for business owners](https://ibecventures.com/blog/10-ben-franklin-quotes-for-business-owners-2025/) - Historian Richard Morris suggests that there are seven key Founding Fathers. Predictably they are John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Washington. If you are an entrepreneur or a business owner, you may identify most with Benjamin Franklin. Arguably, he may have been the most successful inventor, entrepreneur
- [Business as Mission Company Gives Hope](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-company-gives-hope/) - This is the story of Mwana Wa Pepa (MWP), a Tanzania company that gives hope in more ways than one and represents its hopeful meaning: “Don’t lose hope.” This story demonstrates how entrepreneurs think; it shows how problems are solved; it defines the Quadruple Bottom Line of BAM;* and it shows God at work, transforming
- [Retiring soon? Consider Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/retiring-soon-consider-business-as-mission/) - The word ‘retire’ is an interesting word requiring context for a clear understanding. I know someone who retired at age 52 (but began another career); military personnel can retire after twenty years; I am eighty and am considered ‘retired’ but still working. Common definitions state phrases like “leaving one’s job and ceasing to work’ or
- [Don Simmons- The Hidden Blessing of Pruning- Finding Wealth and Wisdom in Uncertainty](https://ibecventures.com/blog/don-simmons-the-hidden-blessing-of-pruning-finding-wealth-and-wisdom-in-uncertainty/) - This article by IBEC board member and author of THE STEWARD INVESTOR, Don Simmons, applies to those in leadership of Business as Mission businesses, and to any business. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5EG_QwXpB0 Have you ever felt like life—or the stock market—is cutting away at everything you’ve built? Lately, financial
- [The Purpose of Business (and ‘yes’ a BAM business)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-purpose-of-business-and-yes-a-bam-business/) - It is good sometimes to think about the most basic of things. Ideas like ‘why am I here?’ and ‘why am I doing this?’ We who are devoting our time and talent to business, especially Business as Mission, need to remind ourselves why we are doing it. I graduated from business school in 1969, one
- [BAM Entrepreneurs solve problems and follow opportunities](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-entrepreneurs-solve-problems-and-follow-opportunities/) - I hear the word "entrepreneur" a lot these days, as America is increasingly referred to as an entrepreneurial economy. However, the word is used with numerous nuances which begs the need to define exactly what one means with its use. It is often confused with words like creativity, invention, innovation, or disruption. Here, I want
- [Learn BAM by using Images](https://ibecventures.com/blog/learn-bam-by-using-images/) - Are you unsure or intimidated about teaching about BAM in your small group or church class? How about using videos which provide a case study or questions for discussion? Here is a way to help your small group or family understand Business as Mission (BAM) using videos to start a conversation. What is BAM? *
- [Business As Mission and Nuts](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-and-nuts/) - What do the following have in common: Nutella, Ferrero Roche, poverty, Oregon, agronomy, Turkey, unreached people, and Business as Mission? When I was a child growing up in northern Canada, each Christmas my dad would buy a gigantic bag of nuts still in the shell. Part of our Christmas tradition was cracking open the shells
- [What does the Bible say about work?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-does-the-bible-say-about-work-2/) - Most of the world just celebrated Labor Day on May 1, which is often called May Day. It is considered to be the workers day and it reminded me to think again of what the Bible says about work. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ************* What does the Bible say about
- [Quotes from the BAM Greats](https://ibecventures.com/blog/quotes-from-the-bam-greats/) - I just got off the phone with one of the “Greats’ of the BAM world. I have been privileged to know him and work on projects with him for twenty years. It got me to thinking, “I know a lot of the BAM greats and I learned a lot from them. Why don’t I share
- [What If it were different?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-if-it-were-different/) - “We may have found the single most searing, clarifying, helpful, world-altering fact… What the whole world wants is a good job.”1 It seems that everywhere one looks these days there is world stress, conflict and humanitarian crisis. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) lists Sudan, the Middle East and Myanmar as the top three crisis we
- [“Why is Good Friday good?”  A Business as Mission company in Asia](https://ibecventures.com/blog/why-is-good-friday-good-a-business-as-mission-company-in-asia-2025/) - Many BAM companies work in areas of the world unsympathetic to our Christian faith. Many have never heard the “Good News” of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. ITJ is a software company in south Asia. Jason and Mike started the company about 20 years ago and have experienced steady growth in creating custom software
- [Grace Kim: BAM: A Game Changer in a World of Trade Wars and Political Chaos](https://ibecventures.com/blog/grace-kim-bam-a-game-changer-in-a-world-of-trade-wars-and-political-chaos/) - "Some years ago I was invited by Jeffrey Lee to attend a banquet in Los Angeles. I learned that God was calling business people with roots in South Korea to use business to reach the unreached. Sfk Ministries has an amazing work and Jeffrey has a great blog which I am reprinting with his permission."
- [It’s all about creating - God creates and so do we!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/its-all-about-creating-god-creates-and-so-do-we/) - Cambridge dictionary defines the word create as “to make something new, especially to invent something.” When God created, it resulted in lots of new stuff – water, dry ground, celestial bodies, creatures, plants, food – in other words, everything. I make a distinction between invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship. An invention creates something that did not
- [The BAM Ecosystem Shared](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-bam-ecosystem-shared/) - This interactive tool is very helpful in understanding where all the pieces fit as we follow, and indeed are a part of the BAM ecosystem. It is fun to see IBEC Ventures and Triventure mentioned more than once. It is in two parts so don’t forget to move on to Part 2. Thanks Jon and
- [Five factors to consider for retaining your best people](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-factors-to-consider-for-retaining-your-best-people/) - It saddens me each time I hear of a BAM company losing a key “essential” employee. I know that sometimes, it works out for the best in the end for both, but sometimes, it creates unnecessary stress on the company and the departing employee. My thoughts recently turned to how to retain your best talent.
- [Mats Tunehag: Investing, Charity and Justice](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-investing-charity-and-justice/) - This article, written and spoken by Mats Tunehag, is a must-read; or you can listen as you would a podcast. Nonetheless, every BAM practitioner, investor, encourager, mentor or learner needs to hear this message – all in six minutes or less. Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com https://www.thestewardinvestor.com/articles/investing-charity-justice
- [Wise Business as Mission Coaching](https://ibecventures.com/blog/wise-business-as-mission-coaching/) - If I were asked to list the top five authorities on Business as Mission (BAM), I would certainly have Mike Baer on the list. He has experience in BAM startups in Asia. He is a person of wise articulation and has written several books. He is the creator of Third Path Initiative which contains the
- [Mats Tunehag: Presentation at L4, Seoul, Korea, Sept. 2024 - Business: A Gift from God to Transform the World](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-presentation-at-l4-seoul-korea-sept-2024-business-a-gift-from-god-to-transform-the-world/) - We are privileged to reprint a message at Lausanne 4 last September by Mats Tunehag. He reminds of the importance of our part in the BAM endeavors. Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- Question about global poverty: has it decreased, stayed the same, or increased in our generation? Answer: Global poverty has
- [President’s Day 2025 – A reminder for BAM Leaders](https://ibecventures.com/blog/presidents-day-2025-a-reminder-for-bam-leaders/) - Each year about this time, I look up some data on who was the greatest of the US Presidents… And each year, I read the same thing. Almost every time, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are the top two presidents, followed often by FDR, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, etc. Of course, all such polling of experts
- [Business as Mission Coaching Lessons Learned](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-coaching-lessons-learned/) - Recently, IBEC Director Bob Bush and I were asked to speak to a regular session of the Pragma Advisors. We were asked to give an overview of lessons learned throughout our IBEC history of coaching in frontier markets. We decided to organize the lessons around the graphic above. Right Person We learned that it
- [Maybe It Is Not Your Business to Succeed in BAM’s 4th Bottom Line](https://ibecventures.com/blog/maybe-it-is-not-your-business-to-succeed-in-bams-4th-bottom-line/) - The Quadruple Line for Business as Mission is an important benchmark metric often used to measure alignment with the definition and values of the BAM movement. There is a tendency to utilize (and rightly so) metrics of business which rely heavily on an outcome-based mindset. Profit is important, and it is easily measured quantitatively. Job
- [Five Questions Culturally Intelligent Leaders Should Ask Themselves Everyday](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-questions-culturally-intelligent-leaders-should-ask-themselves-everyday/) - Global leadership is not about geography. It's about having the dynamic agility to lead anyone, anywhere. Coaches and business leaders in the international sector will find these questions both necessary and helpful. These are five reflection questions global leaders can ask themselves daily to integrate CQ with their very full schedule (via David Livermore’s Leading
- [Brazil: Then and Now from a Business as Mission Point of View](https://ibecventures.com/blog/brazil-then-and-now-from-a-business-as-mission-point-of-view/) - What makes for a prosperous country? A growing country? Economists would say Per Capita GDP is an excellent indicator. Nutritionists might say a country that can feed itself with healthy foods. Resource managers will measure renewable energy, water tables, energy resources, and environmental indicators. Climatologists will measure pollution indexes, deforestation, and weather stability. Researchers like
- [Business As Mission: Intro Video](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-intro-video/) - The link below contains a 3-minute video that helps us describe BAM to contacts who might not yet understand the term. https://businessasmission.com/start-here/ Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com
- [Bob Bush IBEC Managing Director: New Year’s Blog 2025](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bob-bush-ibec-managing-director-new-years-blog-2025/) - IBEC Managing Director, Bob Bush, takes a moment to extend gratitude for all that God did through IBEC in 2024, while providing a challenge to impact the world in 2025 with our God-given gifts. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- As we enter into another year here at IBEC Ventures, I
- [Mike Baer Article 19- Customer Satisfaction, Retention, and Expansion](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mike-baer-article-19-customer-satisfaction-retention-and-expansion/) - "Mike Baer is the founder of Third Path Initiative and a vital part of www.triventure.com, and a real friend of IBEC. He has given his permission to share the wisdom-laden article." Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- This is the nineteenth entry in our series on Starting a BAM Company. Customers are
- [What were the angels talking about?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-were-the-angels-talking-about/) - ”I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has been born … who is Messiah and Master…Glory to God in the heavenly heights. Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.” (Luke 2:10,14) Why was the first Christmas such a big deal? What
- [Want to know more about BAM?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/want-to-know-more-about-bam/) - I gave a workshop at a conference in Seattle in October on themes related to BAM. The coordinator asked that I provide a list of resources so the participants would have some "go to" places for next steps. Here is the handout I provided. Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- The best
- [Five Historical Examples of Spreading the Good News in the Marketplace Faith and Work: Did you know?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-historical-examples-of-spreading-the-good-news-in-the-marketplace-faith-and-work-did-you-know/) - Jesus is the primary example of integration of faith and the marketplace. He practiced a trade, and earned respect of the community, not entering “ministry” until he was thirty. Then his “ministry” was primarily in the context of the marketplace, not the synagogue (church). It is difficult to think of a Jesus teaching and not
- [Lausanne Movement: Work is Ministry](https://ibecventures.com/blog/lausanne-movement-work-is-ministry/) - In September 2024, the Lausanne Movement celebrated 50 years since the first Lausanne in 1974 when Billy Graham and John Stott declared the necessity that “the whole church take the whole gospel to the whole world.” This years’ Lausanne IV gathering in Seoul, Korea was attended by about 5,000 delegates. I was invited to attend
- [Dave Kier: Leadership Tip- Lesson From A Business Woman](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-leadership-tip-lesson-from-a-business-woman/) - This is Thanksgiving week in the USA. Let's take the opportunity to highlight one of the many things to be thankful for. I am thankful for historical models for us to learn from. Once again, IBEC Board member and entrepreneur, Dave Kier, shares some interesting stuff. Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com -----
- [Christmas Gifts From Businesses which Bring Freedom](https://ibecventures.com/blog/christmas-gifts-from-businesses-which-bring-freedom/) - Freedom businesses are businesses committed to the Quadruple Bottom Line just like any other BAM business, but with an added dimension. They focus on training and hiring survivors of human slavery. The employees have been rescued from the trafficking industry, and are being restored to the dignity God intended for them. The process is not complete
- [Business As Mission leadership lessons from World War I: Remembrance Day](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-leadership-lessons-from-world-war-i-remembrance-day/) - At 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918, the armistice for World War I was signed. This “war to end all wars” had involved most of Europe and cost the lives of nearly 17 million, plus that many or more wounded. My maternal grandmother’s sister served with the Canadian Forces and
- [Coaching is a must for business success](https://ibecventures.com/blog/coaching-is-a-must-for-business-success/) - My father’s father was a small businessman; three of my uncles owned their own businesses. All of them, as most of their generation, apprenticed with their family or with senior businesspeople. The world today is amazingly different. Robotics, Blockchain, metaverse, Generative AI, Coopetition, big data, and machine learning were unheard of a generation ago. Then,
- [Kijani Forestry – a Progress Report](https://ibecventures.com/blog/kijani-forestry-a-progress-report/) - Business as Mission (BAM) measures itself with four key indicators (KPIs). These are: Is the business continually moving toward profitability? Does the business create jobs? Does the business make Jesus known and make disciples? Is the business careful with creation? These questions are on our mind constantly as we coach and consult with BAM businesses.
- [IBEC – Global Frontier Missions in Partnership](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-global-frontier-missions-in-partnership/) - Partnerships in business are common today. Did you know that WhatsApp became successful because of the partnership between Brian Acton and Jan Koum who complemented each other in their journey toward their eventual sale to Facebook ten years ago for $22 billion? Other successful partnerships include the likes of CVS and Target stores, Apple and
- [8 Truths Every Effective Leader Tells Themselves (Almost) Daily](https://ibecventures.com/blog/8-truths-every-effective-leader-tells-themselves-almost-daily-1024/) - The Center Consulting Group (PA) led by Jay Desko, has been a wonderful partner with IBEC. Not only do they host our annual in-person board meeting, but Jay also leads the board in strategic thinking and planning. The following article is used with permission. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- Try
- [Kindred Exchange- ⁠Internship Opportunity](https://ibecventures.com/blog/kindred-exchange-⁠internship-opportunity/) - While teaching college courses, it seems we were always looking for cross-cultural internship opportunities for our BAM students. How gratifying to get an offer of an internship opportunity in Africa, which places the student at the heart of what God is doing there. Business as Mission is well known to the founders of Kindred Exchange,
- [Ten Years of IBEC Blogs](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ten-years-of-ibec-blogs/) - I was recently reflecting on the ten years of consistent weekly IBEC blogging from August 2014 to August 2024. While I did not personally write each blog, I am grateful for permission to reprint others’ excellent writings, and to also have guest authors on our IBEC site from time to time. I am also grateful
- [Measuring your impact](https://ibecventures.com/blog/measuring-your-impact/) - Every BAM business is interested in impact. The C12 article linked below is well worth the read but pay special attention to Brandon West's 4-minute video at the end. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com https://www.joinc12.com/article/measuring-impact-business-ministry/?utm_source=Contacts&utm_campaign=Nurture-KPI-Ministry&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2e29195c4d-72cc8e3e48-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=72cc8e3e48&mc_eid=8ecac3ba0f
- [Growth Mindset or Fixed Mindset?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/growth-mindset-or-fixed-mindset/) - I have been intrigued with just about any article or book on business startups over the past ten years or so. I am also aware that to start something that endures is incredibly difficult, and there are far more failures than long-term successes. I then became interested in Walker Deibel’s book, Buy Then Build –
- [Integrity in a BAM Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/integrity-in-a-bam-business/) - This blog is the final part of a series of four which link Olympic themes to that of a BAM startup. I apologize for those who are not sports fans and appreciate your tolerance for these four weeks. ----- The idea of fairness, justice, integrity, and fair play is as old as created man, and
- [“I really hope I do my job so I can inspire the next generation.” - Business as Mission is passing the leadership baton](https://ibecventures.com/blog/i-really-hope-i-do-my-job-so-i-can-inspire-the-next-generation-business-as-mission-is-passing-the-leadership-baton/) - This blog is part of a series of four which link Olympic themes to that of a BAM startup. I apologize for those who are not sports fans and appreciate your tolerance for these four weeks. ----- The 2024 summer Olympics are over and as always, there are many stories of inspiration, surprising successes and
- [What – Ten weeks on the job and a Gold Medal?- The vital role managing/coaching](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-ten-weeks-on-the-job-and-a-gold-medal-the-vital-role-managing-coaching/) - This blog is part of a series of four which link Olympic themes to that of a BAM startup. I apologize for those who are not sports fans and appreciate your tolerance for these four weeks. ----- Frankly, I wasn’t paying much attention to the USA Women’s soccer team in the Olympics until a few
- [Business as Mission: What can we learn from the Olympics?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-what-can-we-learn-from-the-olympics/) - This blog is part of a series of four which link Olympic themes to that of a BAM startup. I apologize for those who are not sports fans and appreciate your tolerance for these four weeks. ----- The sports world shares many themes with the world of work. As we watched the various sports during
- [Mats Tunehag: How Do We Define Success?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-how-do-we-define-success/) - Mats Tunehag has given permission to reprint this article which Don Simmons also used recently in THE STEWARD INVESTOR. I think we are all grateful for Mats’ leadership to the BAM movement. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ------ If our sole success criterion is church planting and growth, Rwanda was
- [Character – the start and heart of Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/character-the-start-and-heart-of-business-as-mission/) - We are living in a time in history where character doesn’t seem to matter as much as it used to. We see it in politics. We see it in business. We see it in sports. We see it in education. We even see it in the church. How can we keep it important and relevant
- [Patrice Tsague: Freedom to Dream](https://ibecventures.com/blog/patrice-tsague-freedom-to-dream/) - IBEC appreciates the pioneering great work being done by Patrice Tsague and the Nehemiah Project. We have permission to republish this article along with the 6-minute video. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ------ Then they said to one another, “look this dreamer is coming!” – Genesis 37:19 (NKJV) Are you aware
- [Is your business at risk?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/is-your-business-at-risk/) - This week’s blog is similar to last week, July 15, 2024 as we think about what makes our startup fail or even brings us down some years into it. Toby Miles* has written about the seven reasons why missional businesses fail, and I have expanded on them here. Think about it - are you at
- [Why Might Your Business Fail?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/why-might-your-business-fail/) - I recently realized that sometimes, business owners seem oblivious to economic, social and planning factors, which can bring them down. I have been the board chair of an association of businesses committed to a wonderful social cause, but I have been increasingly concerned that some feel that their social enterprise will somehow survive because of
- [From Hostile to Allied](https://ibecventures.com/blog/from-hostile-to-allied/) - IBEC has received permission to reprint this story set in country that is unfriendly to mission workers and Jesus followers. I am grateful to know Brandon and cross paths with him occasionally. A segment of his journey is told in the book, “Missions Disrupted” 2022. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com -----
- [INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM in Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/independence-and-freedom-in-business-as-mission/) - This week, Americans celebrate Independence Day; a term used by many other countries which celebrate their freedom from colonial powers. Some other countries call it National Day like Spain and Thailand do; but what does it mean to be independent? Independent from what? What does it mean? How about freedom? Is freedom absolute or conditional?
- [IBEC Brazil: IBEC Managing Director, Bob Bush](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-brazil-ibec-managing-director-bob-bush/) - IBEC Managing Director, Bob Bush, takes a moment to share a powerful account of his trip to Brazil in May 2024. We are excited to witness how God continues to advance His Kingdom and message across the world through the medium of BAM! Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- Here at
- [8 Truths Every Effective Leader Tells Themselves (Almost) Daily](https://ibecventures.com/blog/8-truths-every-effective-leader-tells-themselves-almost-daily/) - IBEC is very grateful for our partnership with The Center. They have given permission to share this article by Jay Desko originally posted on their website www.centerconsulting.org. All BAM businesses would do well to consider these eight truths. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- Try this experiment: think about something that
- [Underdogs in a Top Dog World Going up Against the Giants – and Winning](https://ibecventures.com/blog/underdogs-in-a-top-dog-world-going-up-against-the-giants-and-winning/) - The Biblical narrative of David and Goliath is well known. To a lesser degree, similar events are scattered through the historical landscape. Sparta’s 300 Greeks held the giant Persian army at Thermopylae; Hannibal and his elephants defeated Roman legion after legion, and Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna in an 18-minute battle with less than half
- [The Number One Principle to Consider When Volunteering Overseas](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-number-one-principle-to-consider-when-volunteering-overseas/) - It is natural for us in our privileged world to respond to those who are unemployed or victims of exploitation, or those suffering in heartbreaking poverty in a developing country slum, or a child begging on the street of a faraway city, or millions without access to basic education. We want to go there, do
- [Memorial Day and Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/memorial-day-and-business-as-mission/) - Memorial Day is an important day for a nation like the United States. It is a day to remember and honor those who died while serving in the nation’s military. The day originated after the Civil War where more lives were lost than any other US war (620,000). Memorial Day is different than Veterans Day which originated
- [BUSINESS AS MISSION: Working Together for God's Glory](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-working-together-for-gods-glory/) - IBEC is proud to be a part of BAM Global and recently participated in the BAM Global Summit. I found this graphic which they distributed last year to be very helpful, and I am grateful for Jo Plummer and Mats Tunehag making it possible. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com
- [An Alaskan mother; an Alaskan entrepreneur](https://ibecventures.com/blog/an-alaskan-mother-an-alaskan-entrepreneur-2024/) - Yesterday was Mother’s Day. I always think about my mom who passed away 24 years ago; and I often remember my mother-in-law, who also is long gone from this life. I learned many things from my mother-in-law business owner. Doris was the founding owner of a seafood company in Kenai, Alaska. I worked for her
- [Lessons for BAMers from Costco](https://ibecventures.com/blog/lessons-for-bamers-from-costco/) - Most North Americans have heard of the big box warehouse store, COSTCO, and so have others in another dozen countries. The membership-only club has 125 million members, 900 warehouses, and 316,000 employees worldwide. It has grown since its first warehouse in Seattle, WA was started by Jeff Brotman and Jim Sinegal in 1983, and is
- [Dave Kier: Leaders Create the Want](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-leaders-create-the-want/) - IBEC Board member, business leader and entrepreneur Dave Kier shares more insights and leadership. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- There are many aspects of my career as a leader I wish I could go back and change, but there were a few areas God revealed to me that were very
- [A Business as Mission Perspective on Creation Care](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-business-as-mission-perspective-on-creation-care-2024/) - Business as Mission articulates its value proposition with 4 bottom lines, often called the Quadruple Bottom Line. In simplest terminology, they are Profit, People, Purpose, and Planet which incorporates the raison d'être of BAM – businesses are profit-making, job creating, disciple making, and creation caring. What does this final one mean for BAM businesses?
- [Triventure – how does it work?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/triventure-how-does-it-work/) - IBEC is a partner in the strategic Courses (training), Coaching and Capital progression called Triventure. This is based on the belief that initially, an individual needs training in the principles of Business as Mission, and they also need a coach, and capital. Towards the end of the training, a coach is assigned who will provide
- [BAM Global Summit - May 9th, 2024](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-global-summit-may-9th-2024/) - IBEC and Triventure are sponsors of this year’s BAM Global Summit, which is a virtual one-day gathering of all things BAM. For now, this has replaced the physical gatherings we have been accustomed to prior to the pandemic. We encourage you attend the May 9th gathering. Watch the short video below– it takes less than
- [Easter, Eggs, Cadbury, and Human Change](https://ibecventures.com/blog/easter-eggs-cadbury-and-human-change/) - The National Retail Federation estimates that $24 Billion will be spent in the US on Easter this year, and $3.3 Billion of that will be on candy, mostly chocolate. Overall, chocolate sales increased 24% in the 5-year period from 2009-2014. Yes, candy is big in America, and chocolate is big. Moreover, chocolate reigns supreme at
- [Seven HR habits for Effective BAM leaders](https://ibecventures.com/blog/seven-hr-habits-for-effective-bam-leaders/) - I asked my daughter, Trudy, who is a SHRM certified HR professional with twenty years of experience, about this subject and she was able to help me refine my initial ideas. These are seven HR habits which contribute to a successful BAM operation. All examples are from current BAM companies in Africa, East Asia, SE
- [Jay Desko: If your consultant Doesn’t Provide These 7 Essentials, It’s Time to Move On!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/jay-desko-if-your-consultant-doesnt-provide-these-7-essentials-its-time-to-move-on/) - It is estimated that there are over 900,000 management consulting businesses in the U.S. alone! Every consultant works hard to make what they do sound special, proprietary, and epic. But when you pull back the curtain on consulting, it really comes down to how motivated and capable the client is and how capable and experienced
- [Vision in Progress](https://ibecventures.com/blog/vision-in-progress/) - I never have been much of a dreamer, but as I get older, I sometimes dream about what things could be like if we were really to make significant tracks in the direction of the original vision for IBEC. That original vision is still stated on our website: Our Vision: We envision an increasing number of
- [Sports and Entrepreneurship](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sports-and-entrepreneurship/) - It is that time of year again in the United States – the Super Bowl is over, and the all-star pro hockey and basketball games are over; it is almost time for March Madness. Then, baseball starts, and the basketball and hockey play offs until baseball rules the sports news until August when pro football
- [Dave Kier: Leaders Know Their Giftedness](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-leaders-know-their-giftedness/) - By Dave Kier, Businessman and IBEC Board member. We don’t like to talk about our giftedness because it makes us sound egotistical, but the fact is that we all have different abilities. Those who start a business or ministry must have the gift of entrepreneurship or seeing needs and a way to fulfill them. Some
- [President's Day 2024: Did You Know?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/presidents-day-2024-did-you-know/) - Did you know …? Today, February 19th (third Monday in February) is known as President’s Day, but did you realize that all states do not think of it in the same way? Some consider it to be Washington’s day; some Washington and Lincoln; some all presidents. There are even states that celebrate these two birthdays
- [The Quadruple Bottom Line – Part 4](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-quadruple-bottom-line-part-4/) - The Quadruple Bottom Line of BAM is a guide of sorts and a template for metrics for owners. It is part of our fabric at IBEC that we keep all four areas in mind as we coach and rejoice as we see progress. We thank God and work hard to further the progress into
- [The Quadruple Bottom Line – Part 3](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-quadruple-bottom-line-part-3/) - The Quadruple Bottom Line of BAM is a guide of sorts and a template for metrics for owners. It is part of our fabric at IBEC that we keep all four areas in mind as we coach and rejoice as we see progress. We thank God and work hard to further the progress into
- [The Quadruple Bottom Line – Part 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-quadruple-bottom-line-part-2/) - The Quadruple Bottom Line of BAM is a guide of sorts and a template for metrics for owners. It is part of our fabric at IBEC that we keep all four areas in mind as we coach and rejoice as we see progress. We thank God and work hard to further the progress into more
- [The Quadruple Bottom Line – Part 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-quadruple-bottom-line-part-1/) - The Quadruple Bottom Line of BAM is a guide of sorts and a template for metrics for owners. It is part of our fabric at IBEC that we keep all four areas in mind as we coach and rejoice as we see progress. We thank God and work hard to further the progress into more
- [Quotable Quotes from 2023 BAM Global Conference](https://ibecventures.com/blog/quotable-quotes-from-2023-bam-global-conference-2024/) - Several hundred from all over the world were in attendance at a recent conference. The following few quotes represent many more in an excellent program led by Mats Tunehag, Jo Plummer, and Joao Mordomo. We chose to do a Kingdom Business not because we had to, but because it embedded us into the community (Josiah
- [National Human Trafficking Prevention Month](https://ibecventures.com/blog/national-human-trafficking-prevention-month/) - A week from today, I speak to the student body at Prairie College in Canada. This blog is a part of what I am sharing with the group. My goal is to provide awareness to a gigantic and evil problem in our world today. In 2010, President Obama designated January as NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION
- [Another Year – 2024](https://ibecventures.com/blog/another-year-2024/) - As we start another year, should we look back and rejoice, or look forward with anticipation, or both? Jeremiah, the biblical prophet of 600 years before Christ, said: "Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask … where the best road is…” There was plenty of rejoicing at a recent IBEC Board meeting (November 2023) as
- [Christmas 2023](https://ibecventures.com/blog/christmas-2023/) - I am writing to Christian believers who work in the marketplace, particularly in missional businesses – in North America and abroad. Let’s think of Christmas in terms which might change us a bit – and be a glory to Jesus this year. The celebration of Christmas started in Rome about 336, but it did not
- [Taylor G. Peterson: "Let the Spirit Transform Lives and Communities"](https://ibecventures.com/blog/taylor-g-peterson-let-the-spirit-transform-lives-and-communities/) - We at IBEC have been privileged to have Taylor Peterson serve as our Marketing Communications Manager. What that has meant for me is that he is the one who takes the words of the blog and sets them up to look good, does the behind the scenes IT work, and finds a graphic to go
- [Ready to Start:  Eight Foundational Rules for a Business as Mission (BAM) Entrepreneurial Operation System (EOS)- Part 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ready-to-start-eight-foundational-rules-for-a-business-as-mission-bam-entrepreneurial-operation-system-eos-part-2/) - Last week we shared four of the eight principles to consider when starting a BAM startup. They were Purpose, Principles, People and Problem. This week we look at Product, Process, Place and Passion. Think about it. Everything that exists started somewhere. Adam and Eve were in startup mode when God gave them jobs to do.
- [Ready to Start:  Eight Foundational Rules for a Business as Mission (BAM) Entrepreneurial Operation System (EOS)- Part 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ready-to-start-eight-foundational-rules-for-a-business-as-mission-bam-entrepreneurial-operation-system-eos-part-1/) - Think about it. Everything that exists started somewhere. Adam and Eve were in startup mode when God gave them jobs to do. Where did they start when God said “…work and take care of the Garden”? How about naming the animals? Where did they start? And so on until today – innovations and businesses all
- [You will Probably Fail in Business; Unless…….](https://ibecventures.com/blog/you-will-probably-fail-in-business-unless/) - “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” -Henry Ford Some time ago, a group of four businesspersons, including two IBEC leaders traveled in Asia to observe and consult with three BAM social enterprise businesses.
- [Bob Bush: We are Thankful – 2023](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bob-bush-we-are-thankful-2023/) - IBEC Managing Director, Bob Bush speaks for all of us in IBEC when he affirms “…I have so much to be thankful for as God continues to bless…” Read about our involvement in South Asia. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- It's hard to believe that we will soon be celebrating
- [Acquisition Entrepreneurship – what is it and why do it?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/acquisition-entrepreneurship-what-is-it-and-why-do-it/) - I am a baby boomer, and among the oldest ones since my father entered WWII early and returned in 1943 on a stretcher following his third airplane crash. I was born in 1944. There were lots of babies born in the 1940’s and they are now retiring, and business owners are selling their businesses. This
- [Sound of Freedom – a movie success, but how should I think and act now?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sound-of-freedom-a-movie-success-but-how-should-i-think-and-act-now/) - My wife and I viewed the movie Sound of Freedom the first week it came out and have been in several conversations since. For many, it was a new reality; some reacted and sensed some bias and over statement; some did not know what to think or what to do next. It is always good
- [What is the Lion’s Den?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-is-the-lions-den/) - Well, it has to do with lions, and we may first have heard of the biblical Daniel in a den of lions. Of course, he had a miraculous escape, and is a spectacular true story we often tell our children. The metaphor remains to this day, and ten years ago, a group of kingdom-minded business
- [You can do it too - BAM coaching or consulting: Here’s why!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/you-can-do-it-too-bam-coaching-or-consulting-heres-why/) - What do an engineer from Michigan, a coffee shop in Bangkok, Thailand, and a language school in northern India have in common? Read On! An article in “The Balance” suggests that in a list of ten second career choices, consultant and coach are two of the ten common second careers.1 In a recent IBEC Coach
- [Engineering Spreadsheets for the Glory of God in East Asia](https://ibecventures.com/blog/engineering-spreadsheets-for-the-glory-of-god-in-east-asia/) - In the 2022 book Missions Disrupted: From Professional Missionaries to Missional Professionals, I shared 27 stories of transformational businesses which were turning a profit, creating jobs, stewarding God’s creation, and making disciples of Jesus. One of those stories, “Engineering Spreadsheets – Relevant to God’s Purposes” (p. 73ff) tells the story of Brandon and Ashley who
- [The Moral Obligation of a Christian in Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-moral-obligation-of-a-christian-in-business/) - Have you ever heard a statement made so succinctly that it made a deep impression? I encourage you to take one minute and 14 seconds to listen to Tom Ngboi, the Uganda Country Director for Kingdom Exchange. I also encourage you to keep an eye on www.kingdomexchange.org, as it is an amazingly wise contemporary forum
- [Building a Team: Patrice Tsague](https://ibecventures.com/blog/building-a-team-patrice-tsague/) - I have known Patrice Tsague since the time my wife and I lived in Oregon. I taught classes at Multnomah University as an adjunct, and I invited Patrice to the class. It was a highlight for all of us. I recommend the Nehemiah Project for their training materials, Patrice’s devotionals and just about anything they
- [Business as Mission in a Nutshell](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-in-a-nutshell/) - In the book Missions Disrupted: From Professional Missionaries to Missional Professionals I feature 27 stories of missional businesses which have come to some level of success in all four aspects of the Quadruple Bottom Line (QBL). These are: Profitable and sustainable Job Creating business model Disciple-making goal Stewardship of all of creation However, the book
- [A Very Readable AI Insight – Business as Mission Needs to Understand](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-very-readable-ai-insight-business-as-mission-needs-to-understand/) - A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog related to AI, but I took a spin that reminded us of that which is certain, while starting and operating businesses related to Business as Mission. Since then, I came across an article by well informed authors who write about AI in terms I can understand. I
- [Hans Nielson Hauge (1771-1824) – BAM in another Century](https://ibecventures.com/blog/hans-nielson-hauge-1771-1824-bam-in-another-century/) - Jan Erik Larsen and son Viggo in the Husoy, Norway Prayer House. My wife and I spent a week in Norway last month exploring the roots of our son-in-law in that country. It was a privilege to be with his family, and learn about this amazing country. One of the interesting things was to have
- [Fulfillment at work](https://ibecventures.com/blog/fulfillment-at-work-2023/) - Monday is Labor Day in the US and Canada, a national holiday that dates back to the 1880s. It has its roots in the labor movement and is celebrated in September in North America, distinct from most of the world which celebrates the International Workers Day on May 1. Our Christian faith has much to
- [Dave Kier Leadership Tip: Lesson From The Big Mack](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-leadership-tip-lesson-from-the-big-mack/) - IBEC Board member Dave Kier writes a regular "Leadership Tip" using stories from his career as a business owner. This one includes several principles which apply to us all and he uses a real-life example from a well-known company. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- I am starting to write my
- [Wondering about the Origin of a Good Idea?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/wondering-about-the-origin-of-a-good-idea/) - Here are seven questions that can provide you with a framework for a good idea: Are you passionate about it? Do you have the gifts, skills, and experience to carry it out? Is it unique, and can you monetize it? Is there a growing market for the idea? Does the idea align with your calling?
- [Untruths I have been told about Business as Mission (BAM)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/untruths-i-have-been-told-about-business-as-mission-bam/) - As I have travelled around the country, given seminars in churches, schools, various small groups, and taught full courses in four colleges/universities, I have heard many comments which have intrigued me at best, and disturbed me at worst. I was reflecting on some of them recently and share them with you here, with my perspective
- [The Important thing is not to stop Questioning – Albert Einstein](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-important-thing-is-not-to-stop-questioning-albert-einstein/) - I remember when one of our kids questioned everything with “Why” when he was a toddler. He even continued into his teen years. We learned to take advantage of his curiosity and use it as a “teaching moment”. He became an avid learner. Why should a BAM practitioner continually listen carefully and ask good questions?
- [Three Key Elements of Entrepreneurial Success](https://ibecventures.com/blog/three-key-elements-of-entrepreneurial-success/) - I read lots of stuff on entrepreneurialism and even teach a class in college on the subject. Recently, I discovered an article by an entrepreneur which covers it in a succinct and accurate manner. The author, Diane Bryant, introduces it with this paragraph in the Sept 21, 2022, issue of Fast Company magazine. After a
- [Quotes from a Very Important Book](https://ibecventures.com/blog/quotes-from-a-very-important-book/) - Last year, IBEC Board member Don Simmons, CFP published a book which everyone should read. It is entitled The Steward Investor – Investing God’s Resources for Eternal Impact. Don has over thirty years of experience in asset management and knows the power of investing in redemptive businesses to build people and communities. He is an
- [Freedom Café: Seven BAM lessons from a Growing Bakery and Coffee Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/freedom-cafe-seven-bam-lessons-from-a-growing-bakery-and-coffee-business/) - Sometimes, your employees rise to greater heights than you. Judy, Philip’s wife, once worked for me in the USA, then they married and moved to Asia and as a team they started a bakery and coffee shop in a major city in South Asia. It takes a long time. 8 years ago, they wondered if it
- [Of Freedom, Liberty, and Independence](https://ibecventures.com/blog/of-freedom-liberty-and-independence/) - Words such as freedom, liberty and independence have a nuanced ambiguity inherent in their meaning. For example, are we free from something or to something or both? Is liberty unrestricted or restrictive, begging the question of liberty’s true meaning and value? Is the meaning of independence specific to a historical event, or is it something
- [AI and the issue of what is real in Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ai-and-the-issue-of-what-is-real-in-business-as-mission/) - Let’s talk about how AI is everywhere right now. The subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is pretty much on all news mediums. I looked up the definition in the Kids section of Merriam Webster where it states, "The power of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior." While many people champion the potential of AI,
- [Quotable Quotes from 2023 BAM Global Conference](https://ibecventures.com/blog/quotable-quotes-from-2023-bam-global-conference/) - Several hundred from all over the world attended the conference on April 27. The following few quotes represent many more in an excellent program led by Mats Tunehag, Jo Plummer, and Joao Mordomo. We chose to do a Kingdom Business not because we had to, but because it embedded us into the community (Josiah in
- [Memorial Day 2023](https://ibecventures.com/blog/memorial-day-2023/) - Memorial Day is an important day for a nation like the United States. It is a day to remember and honor those who died while serving in the nation’s military. The day originated after the Civil War where more lives were lost than any other US war (620,000). Memorial Day is different than Veterans Day
- [“She makes everyone around her better” (a lesson for every Business as Mission company)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/she-makes-everyone-around-her-better-a-lesson-for-every-business-as-mission-company/) - There was something which I thought about during the “March Madness” this year. It was this: if someone had to describe you at work in one sentence – what would they say? My wife and I enjoyed watching the women’s college basketball championships this year and particularly the journey and achievements of one young lady,
- [Happy Mother’s Day to a Business Woman – Proverbs 31!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/happy-mothers-day-to-a-business-woman-proverbs-31/) - Ever since I heard Craig, the founder and long-time CEO of Ibex, speak on the business woman of Proverbs 31 I have been intrigued by the passage. I have since discovered hundreds of publications online on this virtuous woman who was not only a wife but also a mother and a business person. Did you
- [Business as Mission at the Lima Farm - Repurposed  for the Glory of God](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-at-the-lima-farm-repurposed-for-the-glory-of-god/) - The word ‘repurpose’ is relatively new in the English language with the first known use dating only back to 1984. It means to give a new purpose or use to. What if you had over 100 acres of prime foothills1 farmland in beautiful Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), a small land-locked monarchy in southern Africa? What if
- [The Complexity of Operating Social Enterprises Abroad](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-complexity-of-operating-social-enterprises-abroad/) - A recent headline in the Harvard Business Review caught my attention. The subtitle screamed, “Companies operate in an increasingly complex world: Business environments are more diverse, dynamic, and interconnected than ever – and far less predictable.”1 And if that is true in North America, it must be even greater for start-ups in the overseas arena.
- [“Socially conscious business can change the world” - Week 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/socially-conscious-business-can-change-the-world-week-2/) - This second week has two sections; one addresses structural questions for socially conscious businesses and lastly - how can a socially conscious business be sustainable and really change the world? L3Cs and Benefit Corporations - the Basics of Structure The absence of clear legal guidance has been a major challenge to the architects of social
- [“Socially conscious business can change the world” - Week 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/socially-conscious-business-can-change-the-world-week-1/) - “Socially conscious business”, “Values-driven approach”, “social entrepreneurship”, “Social purpose corporation”, “Benefit Corporation”, “Mission-driven business”, “Business for Transformation (B4T)”, “Triple Bottom Line”, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)”. These terms and others like them prevail in our world today. What do they mean? How do they connect? Are they relevant? This series of two blogs will explore these
- [What one BAM Company did at Easter time](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-one-bam-company-did-at-easter-time/) - It seems that Easter eggs, bunnies and candy dominate the Easter scene in the west and apparently, the number one business marketing tool in the United States for the Easter season is the Easter egg. But a BAM company in Asia wanted its employees to understand the real meaning of Easter. This story is found
- [Sandra Lynn: 6 Mistakes Even Smart Marketers Make (and how to avoid them)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sandra-lynn-6-mistakes-even-smart-marketers-make-and-how-to-avoid-them/) - An experienced strategic marketing advisor, business consultant, and seasoned 7x entrepreneur, Sandra Lynn has helped hundreds of leading businesses worldwide develop new areas for digital growth. She’s an MBA with over 20 yrs experience online serving global organizations, investing groups, and entrepreneurial leaders in over 17 countries. This has also led Sandra to the heart
- [Dave Kier Leadership Tip: Leaders Bring Clarity](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-leadership-tip-leaders-bring-clarity/) - Entrepreneur, business person, and IBEC board member, Dave Kier, challenges us again in this Leadership Tip. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ***** You would be surprised how many go to work without understanding their purpose. Corporate leaders establish a mission statement that sounds grand and noble, but as time goes by,
- [Will Your BAM Startup Succeed?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/will-your-bam-startup-succeed/) - HubSpot for Startups / Jan 4, 2023, had an interesting article on the most significant factors for success for startups; and conversely what causes failure. There may be some helpful news for BAM startups. The following comes from HubSpot with the additions in italics being mine. How startups can succeed in 2023 While the success
- [St. Patrick’s Day Prayer and Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/st-patricks-day-prayer-and-business-as-mission-2023/) - When I was a child growing up in Canada, we were always given a paper shamrock to wear on St. Patrick’s Day. A shamrock is a 3-leaf clover, and it is said that St. Patrick used it as a visual to teach the people of Ireland about the Trinity. Not long ago I learned of
- [Auntie Anne’s Pretzels](https://ibecventures.com/blog/auntie-annes-pretzels/) - This week, I was preparing my lesson plans for the college course I teach on missional entrepreneurship. After reviewing Guy Kawaski’s TED talk on “The Art of the Start” and thinking about his insistence on making mission statements state why you exist in 3-4 words, I came across a case study profile of Anne Beiler,
- [Taylor G. Peterson: Celebrate Me Home: A Missionally-Minded Prayer](https://ibecventures.com/blog/taylor-g-peterson-celebrate-me-home-a-missionally-minded-prayer/) - In early January, the Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, collapsed on the field when his heart stopped cold. Fortunately, expert help arrived immediately, and after a week or so in the hospital, he demonstrated a remarkable recovery. What was interesting to me was the references to prayer by the commentators, and the kneeling of players
- [Entrepreneurial Quotes from US Presidents](https://ibecventures.com/blog/entrepreneurial-quotes-from-us-presidents/) - President’s Day in 2023 is on Feb 20. Did you know that at least 8 US Presidents were entrepreneurs? They took innovations or innovative resources and monetized them into productive yield. They represent a wide range of business sectors: mining, farming, oil drilling, real estate, retail, newspaper, law practice, gas production, and sports. Here is
- [Dick Weidner: Reflection](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dick-weidner-reflection/) - Dick Weidner, the leader of Legacy Ventures Network, takes time to share some insightful knowledge on the concept of "Reflection", and how we can use it to find and effectively accomplish our God given purpose. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ---------- One of the dictionary definitions for “Reflection” is, “To ponder
- [Bono on Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bono-on-business/) - What do you think of when you hear the name, Bono? U2 and rock music, right? Every day, we hear testimonials on the news media. Sometimes spokespeople are famous, but not competent to speak up on a subject. Not so with Bono and business. There are many commendable aspects for this 62-year-old rockstar. He loves
- [Bob Bush: Connecting Kingdom Investors with BAM Practitioners](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bob-bush-connecting-kingdom-investors-with-bam-practitioners/) - This week, we are featuring an insightful post pertaining to Connecting Kingdom Investors with BAM Practitioners, written by IBEC Managing Director, Bob Bush. We are continually blessed by his Christlike wisdom and leadership. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- God is doing amazing things with Business as Mission, and one of
- [BAM that works – a 25-year Longitudinal Study](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-that-works-a-25-year-longitudinal-study/) - Sometimes, I encounter people who have never heard of Business as Mission, and even more commonly, people who fail to grasp the whole picture. This true case study is factual in every way except that names and locations have been fictionalized because of certain political risks. Year 1: Twenty-four years ago in Asia, Many Sparrows,
- [Lila Quotes Her Mother](https://ibecventures.com/blog/lila-quotes-her-mother/) - My mother said, ‘The world needs to know what happened to me so that it does not happen to anyone else.’ In the community where I was born, the majority of families struggle to meet their daily needs of food, education, and medical care. Our family was no different. So, my mother, a talented seamstress,
- [The Human Trafficking Crisis](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-human-trafficking-crisis/) - In 2010, President Obama designated January as NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH. It was established with the intention of re-dedicating ourselves to the prevention and ending of human trafficking – in all is its forms. Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar business, trading in people. Fifty million people are enslaved worldwide, and 80% of those rescued
- [Dave Kier: Leaders as Influencers](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-leaders-as-influencers/) - This Leadership Tip by IBEC board member, Dave Kier, perhaps would be better read in December. Yet, it is still valid for the first month of the year. It is not too late to do a "managers analysis." Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com How do you close out a year? A
- [The Jesus of Christmas, the God-Man at work!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-jesus-of-christmas-the-god-man-at-work/) - This is a sacred time of year to remember the birth of Jesus, our Savior. We will sing our sacred songs and watch the children’s play, and marvel at the yard displays that seem to get bigger every year. Yes, it is a fun time of year. But I got to thinking since most of
- [Small is Beautiful – in Football and in Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/small-is-beautiful-in-football-and-in-business/) - I am not a soccer (‘football’ to the rest of the world) aficionado, but I do take a special interest every four years in the World Cup event, which takes place this year in November and December. My interest is framed pretty much by my 21 years living in a country (Brazil) which is soccer
- [BAM Innovators and Entrepreneurs – have you thought about this?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-innovators-and-entrepreneurs-have-you-thought-about-this/) - I have been teaching innovation and entrepreneurship for several years and in each class, I try to extract innovative ideas and allow entrepreneurs opportunity to release their idea, hopefully into the monetization stage. I teach and model the lean startup grid for the business modeling, which we do with the class. But something just hit
- [Dave Kier: More from Less](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-more-from-less/) - Business entrepreneur and builder, Dave Kier, shares some unique wisdom in this Leadership Tip from October 2022. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com ----- There is a misconception that having more people, more money, and more assets produces more results. When we built our “mega” feed mill, it was rated at 350,000
- [Keeping the end in mind?  Good idea - but it may be more about the Journey (A Business as Mission reflection)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/keeping-the-end-in-mind-good-idea-but-it-may-be-more-about-the-journey-a-business-as-mission-reflection/) - Matt lives in a crowded city in Asia’s largest country where his business demands a driver to take him from place to place. Naturally he has become close friends with the driver, Wang Wei who had plenty of opportunities to observe Matt’s family and he saw something quite different from what he was used to,
- [Bob Bush: Thanksgiving Message 2022](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bob-bush-thanksgiving-message-2022/) - As we approach Thanksgiving, Bob Bush, Managing Director of IBEC, shares personal experiences and insights. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com Back in 2015, I was asked to share my Thanksgiving message with our IBEC Ventures audience, and as I read through this message once again, it made me realize a couple
- [Dick Weidner: The Big Picture (Legacy Kingdom Fund)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dick-weidner-the-big-picture-legacy-kingdom-fund/) - Dick Weidner is a career long accountant and financial advisor. He finds time along with his New Jersey business to provide stewardship leadership and the capitalization for kingdom startups. He puts out a regular memo and it is our privilege to reprint some of them here. He is the Founder of Legacy Ventures Network which
- [Everyone Needs a Coach](https://ibecventures.com/blog/everyone-needs-a-coach/) - Last month, I was part of a BAM Global workshop led by IBEC Director, Bob Bush. Because the workshop topic was BAM coaching and consulting, I agreed to share some thoughts on why everyone needs a coach. Here is a few of my thoughts that day. Coaches see the big picture. We live in a
- [Bringing Shalom to the International District in Albuquerque (A Business as Mission study in the USA)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bringing-shalom-to-the-international-district-in-albuquerque-a-business-as-mission-study-in-the-usa/) - What comes to your mind when a certain city is mentioned? How about New York – the Statue of Liberty? Miami – white sand beaches? Dallas – Cowboys? San Franciso – Golden Gate? The largest city in New Mexico is Albuquerque; what do you think of? How about the largest hot air balloon festival in
- [Dave Kier: Leadership Tip: Belief + Knowledge + Relationship = Sale](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-leadership-tip-belief-knowledge-relationship-sale/) - IBEC board member, Dave Kier is a regular writer of a daily devotional and also Leadership Tips. His wealth of experience as a successful businessman and an investor in agriculture in Africa for the glory of God give him immense wisdom. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com Long ago. I read a
- [Dave Kier: Leadership Tip: The Inquisitive Leader](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-leadership-tip-the-inquisitive-leader/) - IBEC board member, Dave Kier is a regular writer of a daily devotional and also Leadership Tips. His wealth of experience as a successful businessman and an investor in agriculture in Africa for the glory of God give him immense wisdom. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com There is an affliction of
- [Business as Mission because of Honest Scales](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-because-of-honest-scales/) - BAM business consultants and mentors Greg and Alice recently returned to North America from a country in Asia, where they support nationals in their startup projects. Greg shared that the greatest joy was to meet national workers who are flourishing under great odds and adversity. One of the businesspersons they are mentoring is a feed
- [House of Diamonds](https://ibecventures.com/blog/house-of-diamonds/) - A diamond can be described as a precious gemstone. The prophet Ezekiel validated diamonds as precious stones (Ezek. 28:13), and Malachi suggests that God makes his precious ones as jewels (Malachi 3:17). So, a diamond is a stone, right? A House of Diamonds means a place of dwelling for precious diamonds, right? Not always!
- [Mats Tunehag: The A to Z of BAM: U to Z – from Untapped to Zero](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-the-a-to-z-of-bam-u-to-z-from-untapped-to-zero/) - This is the final post in the 5-part Business as Mission A-Z. Last week we shared section P-T; today U-Z. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com U – Untapped The Church is bigger than we think. If we want to see holistic transformation through business for generations to come, we
- [Mats Tunehag: The A to Z of BAM: P to T – from Power to Tikkun Olam](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-the-a-to-z-of-bam-p-to-t-from-power-to-tikkun-olam/) - This is the fourth in the 5-part Business as Mission A-Z. Last week we shared section K-O; today P-T. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com P – Power Rabbi Lord Jonathan Saks said, ”Poverty crushes the spirit as well as the body, and its alleviation is a sacred task”. There
- [BAM Companies Develop their Workers](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-companies-develop-their-workers/) - September is considered Labor Day in the United States and Canada. With its roots in the labor movement in the late 19th Century, the day commemorates the workers with celebration and holiday. Earlier this year, I completed a project started as an award by the Pollard Fellowship. My goal was to study the ServiceMaster Company
- [Mats Tunehag: The A to Z of BAM: K to O – from Kingdom to Opportunity](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-the-a-to-z-of-bam-k-to-o-from-kingdom-to-opportunity/) - This is the third in the 5-part Business as Mission A-Z. Last week we shared section F-J; today K-O. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com K – Kingdom Christ is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. The early Church confessed Christos Kyrios – Christ is Lord.
- [Mats Tunehag: The A to Z of BAM: F to J – from Freedom to Justice](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-the-a-to-z-of-bam-f-to-j-from-freedom-to-justice/) - This is the second in the 5-part Business as Mission A-Z. Last week we shared section A-E; today F-J and we will continue in September. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com F – Freedom Winston Churchill said: “All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a
- [Mats Tunehag: The A to Z of BAM: A to E – from Avodah to Environmental](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-the-a-to-z-of-bam-a-to-e-from-avodah-to-environmental/) - Mats Tunehag has given permission to use this ingenious description of Business as Mission A-Z. We will share in five weekly blogs, two in August and three in September. This week will be the first in the series: A-E. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com A – Avodah The Hebrew
- [Startup Talk](https://ibecventures.com/blog/startup-talk/) - There is a lot of startup lingo in the startup world, and I have tried to capture here some of the most commonly used terms. The list is not exhaustive, and the two links will give many more terms. I have built this list from the articles listed below along with my own terms which
- [Seven Macro Questions All Staff Need Answers to as Part of a Business as Mission Company](https://ibecventures.com/blog/seven-macro-questions-all-staff-need-answers-to-as-part-of-a-business-as-mission-company/) - There are many components to a startup anywhere in the world, but a business endeavoring to be a Kingdom company achieving the Quadruple Bottom Line has extra requirements. Those requirements help to ensure the integration of faith and work so that both “mission” and “business” achieve results. These seven questions are frequently used at the
- [BAM Startup Owner Listen up: Questions are Greater than Answers](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-startup-owner-listen-up-questions-are-greater-than-answers/) - Some years ago, I stood on a bridge over the Drina River in Gorazde, Bosnia. I was with five others, one a resident and four others visiting from abroad. We had just observed the carnage of the Balkan war all around the town, and now we looked down at the once-beautiful river, which now reeked
- [Business as Mission startup – what business are you in? (What I learned from Coworking space owner, Joel Ballew)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-startup-what-business-are-you-in-what-i-learned-from-coworking-space-owner-joel-ballew/) - On May 17-19, 2022, the largest coworking conference in the world took place in Seattle. I wrote about coworking on this blog on October 3, 2021, and at that time I described it as a phenomenon which “…provides proximity to shared values, community workspace, synergy and close amenities. Since 2010, coworking spaces have grown at
- [Who Is Really #1?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/who-is-really-1/) - Dave Kier writes regularly with all kinds of practical advice based on a successful career in the animal feed business in Iowa, integrated with a vibrant faith. The IBEC Board of Directors is the beneficiary of his wisdom, and we are blessed by him and all our board members. Here is a recent “Leadership Tip”
- [Books to read the summer of 2022](https://ibecventures.com/blog/books-to-read-the-summer-of-2022/) - Many of us at least casually review book lists such as Christianity Today’s Yearly Book Awards, New York Times Bestsellers, Bill Gates “Summer Reading List” or one of many others. Here is a list of five recently published books you might want to consider reading this summer. I highly recommend each one. Missions Disrupted
- [Listen and Learn:  A key to a Business as Mission Startup](https://ibecventures.com/blog/listen-and-learn-a-key-to-a-business-as-mission-startup/) - One of the first Business as Mission companies that I got to know about fifteen years ago was a coffee retail operation in a capital city of west Asia, in the former Soviet Republic. I learned a vital bit of “how to” as I talked to a team member and then visited the operation. I
- [Five bits of Advice from a young Business as Mission Practitioner](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-bits-of-advice-from-a-young-business-as-mission-practitioner/) - Watch for a new book with a publishing date for next month, July 2022. The title is MISSIONS DISRUPTED: From Professional Missionaries to Missional Professionals, and it includes missiology, business theory, and 27 stories of missional professionals, mostly businesspeople. Here is a taste of one of the stories, just a summary of something more profound
- [Using Videos to Teach Introductory Business as Mission Content](https://ibecventures.com/blog/using-videos-to-teach-introductory-business-as-mission-content/) - I have always loved to teach using case studies with a visual medium. In early 1964 Marshall McLuhan famous coined the term, “The medium is the message.” Most simply stated, he meant that the way content is delivered affects how it is perceived. We at IBEC Ventures believe that the integration of faith and work
- [BAM Startup Seed of Hope in Thailand demonstrates that it is all about solving a problem](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-startup-seed-of-hope-in-thailand-demonstrates-that-it-is-all-about-solving-a-problem/) - Starting a business is both simple and complex. It is simple in that it essentially must solve a problem or meet the need of a customer who will pay for the solution. It is complex because it has myriads of components since the “…startup is greater than the sum of its parts; it is an
- [A Time to Remember an early Business as Mission effort](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-time-to-remember-an-early-business-as-mission-effort/) - Memorial Day at the end of May each year signifies a time to remember fallen service men and women in United States wars. It has its roots in the Civil War, when about 620,000 died in that incredible conflict. Beginning in 1866, it was called Decoration Day, but gradually a national holiday emerged so people
- [Refugees at Work - For the Glory of God](https://ibecventures.com/blog/refugees-at-work-for-the-glory-of-god/) - Nizar and Akram returned to the refugee camp, tired but happy. They had learned to do woodworking and are part of a team which is building doors and windows, and small handcrafted items to sell in the city where they are refugees. They are happy because they have a meal to look forward to. They
- [Dave Kier: Expectations](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-expectations/) - Dave Kier is a long-time entrepreneur, business leader and IBEC board member. He wrote this earlier this year with a focus on a culture of high expectations, and it is Part 2 of two blogs on team culture. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com Whether we realize it or not, we all
- [7 ways to know a BAMer (and a cowboy) is for real](https://ibecventures.com/blog/7-ways-to-know-a-bamer-and-a-cowboy-is-for-real/) - In early June each year the rodeo season in Oregon kicks off with the Sisters Rodeo. Four hundred cowboys drive into town with their horse trailers and teammates and compete for the prize money of champion calf roping, steer wrestling, bronco riding, bull riding and similar high risk activities. And many would-be cowboys also ride
- [Business as Mission: Three Ways to Measure Company Culture](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-three-ways-to-measure-company-culture/) - ***This is the first of a 2-part series on Company Culture.*** In our last blog related to company culture in July 2021, we defined it as: “…the way of life in a company at its core; it is the way the company operates toward fulfilling the goals and includes the core values and behavior of
- [National Day of Prayer – 2022](https://ibecventures.com/blog/national-day-of-prayer-2022/) - May 5, 2022, is preserved as the National Day of Prayer in the United States. I have selected two items on prayer by two of the leaders of the BAM movement. The first is a reprint of a survey of kingdom business owners by Jo Plummer and published on the businessasmission.com site on Sept 1,
- [Business as Mission in East Africa (Harikari Coffee)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-in-east-africa-harikari-coffee/) - "Our goal is to use coffee retail to develop an education program which will empower youth to gain employment for themselves but will allow them to teach others also." What if… … God called a missional couple to a major city in east Africa in 2014. … That city was Dar es Salem, Tanzania -
- [Savhera - From Startup to Forbes Next 1000 award in 3 years](https://ibecventures.com/blog/savhera-from-startup-to-forbes-next-1000-award-in-3-years/) - “The Forbes Next 1000 list celebrates the ambitious sole proprietors, self-funded shops and pre-revenue startups who are redefining what it means to build and run a business today, especially in the “new normal.” They are proof-positive that American entrepreneurship remains resilient, vibrant, and ever-changing.” That business owner is Vanessa Bouche, owner of Savhera. In Vanessa’s
- [“Why is Good Friday good?”  A Business as Mission company in Asia](https://ibecventures.com/blog/why-is-good-friday-good-a-business-as-mission-company-in-asia/) - Many BAM companies work in areas of the world unsympathetic to our Christian faith. Many have never heard the “Good News” of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. ITJ is a software company in south Asia. Jason and Mike started the company about 20 years ago and have experienced steady growth in creating custom software
- [Dick Weidner: Just A Sack Lunch](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dick-weidner-just-a-sack-lunch/) - Richard Weidner is leader of the Legacy Kingdom Fund and a respected New Jersey businessman. He represents the third element of Triventure (www.triventure.com) along with the other two components: Third Path Initiative and IBEC Ventures. The following is an article he wrote in February of this year. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures
- [Ukrainian Refugees: A Crisis or an Opportunity?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ukrainian-refugees-a-crisis-or-an-opportunity/) - Help Create Jobs for Ukraine Now Please donate to the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis using this link today - be sure to reference Ukraine Crisis in the notes section of the donation tab. We are raising money to translate our Triventure training materials into the Ukrainian language. Our goal is to help build and grow Kingdom businesses for those
- [For BAM Company Owners and Managers: Be a Leader who Cares](https://ibecventures.com/blog/for-bam-company-owners-and-managers-be-a-leader-who-cares/) - I have been in a leadership position most of my adult life – classroom teacher, school principal, international mission president, US mission vice president, founder and Director of consulting group, board chairperson etc. etc. So what? Sometimes when I reflect, I shiver. I did not do everything right – far from it. I wonder if
- [Business as Mission: Don’t be a BlackBerry](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-dont-be-a-blackberry/) - One-time phone giant BlackBerry officially ended its phone service in January 2022. At its peak, BlackBerry had 80 million users and 20% of the worldwide smartphone market; I was a proud user of one of them. As a Canadian, I was proud of a company originating in the land of my birth, but now they
- [Imani Collective in Kenya – A Growing BAM Company Is there a Metric?  Does it Matter? Discovering what really matters](https://ibecventures.com/blog/imani-collective-in-kenya-a-growing-bam-company-is-there-a-metric-does-it-matter-discovering-what-really-matters/) - There is plenty of talk these days about metrics. One learns watching the Winter Olympics that score cards and timing are everything. My high school senior granddaughter works hard in her anatomy and physiology class since college admission people care about her grades. And of course, business metrics include such things as YOY sales growth,
- [Best Coaches I have Known](https://ibecventures.com/blog/best-coaches-i-have-known/) - I believe Bill Gates is correct when he asserts that “everyone needs a coach”. A 2021 IBEC survey (http://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-coaching-how-do-we-create-value/) highlighted the value of coaching. In fact, 42% of the respondents surveyed indicated they wished they had started with a coach. IBEC is a coaching firm and as such I have had the opportunity to observe
- [Qualities of the Greatest American Presidents and how their Qualities can be those of BAM Startup Leaders](https://ibecventures.com/blog/qualities-of-the-greatest-american-presidents-and-how-their-qualities-can-be-those-of-bam-startup-leaders/) - Americans stop briefly during the month of February to honor two of their greatest presidents, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln. There are myriads of surveys which claim to rank the greatest or the best, but almost all of those rankings have Washington and Lincoln in the top five. Both scholars and the public seem to
- [Just Start Somewhere](https://ibecventures.com/blog/just-start-somewhere/) - This recent item by Neal Freyman stimulated my thinking relative to business startups. Good morning. How are great works of art produced? What sparks creative genius? We don’t really know. After all, Michelangelo didn’t exactly tweet out a play-by-play as he was painting the Sistine Chapel. Thoreau wasn’t livestreaming from Walden Pond. But recently, we
- [Slaves want (need) jobs](https://ibecventures.com/blog/slaves-want-need-jobs/) - IBEC serves businesses in many sectors – manufacturing, coffee shops, IT services, tourism, agriculture, textiles, accessories, apparel, education, and many more. One of the more recent business sectors is one called ‘freedom business.’ A freedom business is a business which addresses root causes and systemic issues of human slavery through employment of victims. More than
- [Four Principles for Starting a Business Internationally](https://ibecventures.com/blog/four-principles-for-starting-a-business-internationally/) - When I travel, I often pick up a copy of Entrepreneur magazine. The summer 2021 issue included a section on international franchising, which intrigued me. While the topic does not directly relate to IBEC, there were several principles which are of interest to any business startup, whether working internationally or only domestically. Apparently, O’tacos is
- [The Task Still Ahead and Plugging the Resource Gaps](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-task-still-ahead-and-plugging-the-resource-gaps/) - IBEC's Managing Director, Bob Bush, contributed to this installment. Section 1 was published last week. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com By: Jo Plummer of businessasmission.com The business as mission community is contributing to a wider ‘listening process’ in the global evangelical mission community as part of our connection the Lausanne Movement.
- [Jo Plummer- Business as Mission: The High and Holy Calling of Business and Breaking the Sacred-Secular Divide](https://ibecventures.com/blog/jo-plummer-business-as-mission-the-high-and-holy-calling-of-business-and-breaking-the-sacred-secular-divide/) - It was a privilege for IBEC personnel to participate in this study. See if you can find the contribution of yours truly. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com By: Jo Plummer of businessasmission.com The business as mission community is contributing to a wider ‘listening process’ in the global evangelical mission community as
- [Dream BIG this year](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dream-big-this-year/) - Dick Weidner, of the Legacy Ventures Network (a partner with IBEC), shared the following quote from George Barna’s book The Power of Vision. It seems to be a wonderful thought for the start of the new year. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com “There is great power in dreaming big. God’s vision
- [Rachel Nelson- PUT YOUR TALENT ON THE TABLE:  A Challenge to Faith-Driven Investors to help End Human Trafficking](https://ibecventures.com/blog/rachel-nelson-put-your-talent-on-the-table-a-challenge-to-faith-driven-investors-to-help-end-human-trafficking/) - "IBEC appreciates the work of the Freedom Business Alliance as they see to create jobs for those formerly trapped in human slavery. CEO Rachel Nelson first published this article with the Faith Driven Investor network." Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com A Challenge to Faith-Driven Investors to help End Human Trafficking By
- [Christmas Traditions in some of IBEC’s countries](https://ibecventures.com/blog/christmas-traditions-in-some-of-ibecs-countries/) - In 2021, IBEC has been blessed to have clients and partners in more than 25 countries. Many of these countries have Christmas traditions, some of which are nation-wide, others are regional depending on the reach of the Gospel of Jesus and his miraculous birth. Did you know? … In Kenya, Santa is depicted as arriving
- [A Few Overseas Opportunities with Business as Mission Companies](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-few-overseas-opportunities-with-business-as-mission-companies/) - IBEC partners with a well-connected international company which regularly puts out information like the following: Many BAM companies in the regions where we work are able to pay competitive local-level salaries for qualified individuals. Expats are generally expected to have an additional financial support structure to provide for needs of repatriation, health insurance requirements, etc.
- [Student Perspectives on Integrating Faith and Work](https://ibecventures.com/blog/student-perspectives-on-integrating-faith-and-work/) - Last month I was privileged to teach a college course to twelve students in Canada. The course was entitled THEOLOGY OF BUSINESS, which essentially led us down a path of exploring how we should integrate faith and work in the marketplace. One of the exercises required the student to think about how their proposed career
- [“If we build it, they will come” Not necessarily!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/if-we-build-it-they-will-come-not-necessarily/) - I recently analyzed something that has intrigued me for some time. I knew that in the early years of IBEC, we made plenty of mistakes, and so I wondered how I could save others from some of those same mistakes. One result was included in a speech I gave at the B4T conference in the
- [Thanksgiving 2021: A Biblical Reflection](https://ibecventures.com/blog/thanksgiving-2021-a-biblical-reflection/) - 1. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We were delighted that three IBEC-coached businesses were featured at the Lion’s Den in October 2021: Kijani Forestry (Uganda), Imani Collective (Kenya) and Co.Labor (Colombia). Thanks to the hard work of Bob, Gary, and others.
- [2021 BAM Book List](https://ibecventures.com/blog/2021-bam-book-list/) - Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers Harry Truman It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it. – Oscar Wilde There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island. – Walt Disney Of making
- [A Must Watch – just three minutes!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-must-watch-just-three-minutes/) - Have you ever heard of Harakati Coffee? How about the country of Tanzania? Have you ever heard of Seed of Hope Coffee? How about the country of Thailand? Do you ever wonder how a Business as Mission company gets its start? How about the path to capitalizing a company? Think Triventure – Think IBEC Ventures
- [Time to shop for Christmas: The Power of what you wear!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/time-to-shop-for-christmas-the-power-of-what-you-wear/) - Some time ago, I wrote about the story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle getting off the plane in Australia with Meghan wearing a pair of jeans made by victims of trafficking in Cambodia. The BAM company is Outland Denim and is committed to all the principles of BAM’s Quadruple bottom line: profitability, job creation,
- [What is it that we do?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-is-it-that-we-do/) - Last week, we presented two 3-minute videos to answer the question of WHY Business as Mission and WHY IBEC. We tried to answer the question of why we care about poverty and job creation; and why we care about making disciples of Jesus. Standard definitions of WHAT Business as Mission is, include the basic ideas
- [Time for 2 short videos? - Why of what we do](https://ibecventures.com/blog/time-for-2-short-videos-why-of-what-we-do/) - Most of our readers are probably familiar with Simon Sinek’s TED talk where he emphasizes the importance of the WHY of any endeavor. “People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe”. His Golden Circle demonstrates the importance of the WHY question. These
- [Dave Kier: Leadership Tip #10- Having the Long Look](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-leadership-tip-10-having-the-long-look/) - IBEC Board member, Dave Kier, regularly encourages his clients with words of wisdom like this Leadership Tip #10. As I write this, Dave is again in Zimbabwe and Zambia, building a feed plant to help feed a nation, all for the glory of God. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com Sometimes a
- [Coworking – a growth industry and a BAM opportunity](https://ibecventures.com/blog/coworking-a-growth-industry-and-a-bam-opportunity/) - When I graduated from business school, no one had heard of coworking spaces; in fact, my three kids who graduated from business school hadn’t either; but my oldest grandson, a current junior in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business sure has. So, what is the idea of coworking space? While a group of engineers may have
- [What gets you up in the morning?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-gets-you-up-in-the-morning/) - An email like the one which arrived today gets me up in the morning. I first met JW in an airport in Asia. Phil and I had visited his agency as IBEC consultants, and later, we provided some training seminars there. Time went by and Bob began to serve JW via zoom, connecting to his
- [How does the K-curve relate to BAM?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/how-does-the-k-curve-relate-to-bam/) - A K-shaped recovery is an economic recovery where the performance of different parts of the economy can diverge widely. This type of recovery is called K-shaped because the path of different parts of the economy when charted together may diverge, resembling the two arms of the Roman letter "K." Retail Technology and software services Large
- [Exodus and Work](https://ibecventures.com/blog/exodus-and-work/) - The authors of the Theology of Work Project1 have documented that every book in the Bible has reference to God being a God of work, as a prototype for mankind likewise being commanded to work for the glory of God. One of those books is the book of Exodus. Someone who had been asked to
- [North American Labor Day and Business as Mission Businesses](https://ibecventures.com/blog/north-american-labor-day-and-business-as-mission-businesses/) - “Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.”1 My first contact with
- [Business is a Team Sport](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-is-a-team-sport/) - I have always been a sports fan and so the Olympics always provide intrigue, cheers, pride, and lessons for life for me. The summer of 2021 was no exception, especially when the unexpected erupted from the television screen. The USA Olympic men’s swimming 4x100 relay medley brought together four of America’s best – Caeleb Dressel,
- [Business As Mission: what do I have to offer?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-what-do-i-have-to-offer-2021/) - This question is sometimes asked by North American Kingdom business persons who own or manage businesses: “What can I offer as consultant, advisor, mentor or coach?” It is a natural question for business persons living and working in a very different context from a business startup in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. What is
- [A Good Coach is a Nonnegotiable for a Business Startup](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-good-coach-is-a-nonnegotiable-for-a-business-startup/) - In a recent survey, IBEC Ventures reported an important finding: 42% of the respondents said that they regretted not starting with a coach. One said, “If I had to do it over again, I would start with a coach.” In business, the importance of a coach cannot be overstated. It is true in most aspects
- [Patrick Lai: WORKSHIP - A Must-Read New Book](https://ibecventures.com/blog/patrick-lai-workship-a-must-read-new-book/) - Occasionally on this blog, I recommend new publications or websites. I want to take a moment to review WORKSHIP – Recalibrate Work and Worship, by Patrick Lai. I believe it is a must read for anyone who is hazy about what it is we are involved with – Business as Mission. I recommend that you
- [La Mesa Coffee – Bangkok, Thailand](https://ibecventures.com/blog/la-mesa-coffee-bangkok-thailand/) - Gary patiently explained to me that coffee does not equal coffee does not equal coffee. I had no idea that it matters where the coffee came from, or who grew and harvested and roasted it, and that the journey to my mug was really a work of art! What? It turns out that there are
- [“Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast”: Seven tips for a healthy Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/culture-eats-strategy-for-breakfast-seven-tips-for-a-healthy-business-as-mission/) - What is that supposed to mean? I think of myself as a strategy guy so why is culture so threatening? Peter Drucker made the statement so maybe I had better find out what he meant by it. It seems that business guru, Drucker, says that the culture of a company may be more important than
- [Peter S Heslam: Woke Capitalism](https://ibecventures.com/blog/peter-s-heslam-woke-capitalism/) - Used With Permission Connecting with Culture Business Issues & Trends Spiritual alertness is a recurrent theme in the Psalms. The language often used is of being ‘awake’ to God. Even though David was hiding from King Saul in a cave, he wrote these rousing lyrics: ‘Awake, my soul! Awake harp and lyre! I will awaken
- [IBEC coaching – how do we create value?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-coaching-how-do-we-create-value/) - A couple of months ago, IBEC’s Managing Director, Bob Bush, designed a survey with the objective of identifying the current needs of the business owners we serve, so as to create increased value for our clients. Eighteen responded. The survey had five questions designed to reveal business pain points. What are the greatest challenges you
- [Dave Kier: The Story of My Other Life](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-the-story-of-my-other-life/) - I met Dave Kier some years ago when he joined the board of IBEC Ventures, a Business as Mission consulting group I founded in 2006. I quickly learned of his amazingly successful career in the agribusiness world where he had grown a small animal feed business (DFS Feeds) into one of the largest in Iowa,
- [Five BAM Mistakes We Should Have Avoided](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-bam-mistakes-we-should-have-avoided/) - Some years ago, while leading a workshop at a conference in Arizona, a local business owner asked the question, “are there no failed startup enterprises in the BAM world?” While I readily agreed, I was stimulated to think about the question in a more profound way. There certainly are gigantic risk factors in starting and
- [“The Forgotten Middle” of Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-forgotten-middle-of-business-as-mission/) - I recently listened to Mike Baer’s interview of George Maru of Ambatana in Nairobi, Kenya. George as an environmental engineer is connected to Empower Hope of Kenya and articulated a term which is important in creating understanding in the BAM world. It is the “Forgotten Middle”. The term is well known in educational circles as
- [A model Business as Mission company - A fragrant aroma of offering to God: Bethel Avodah Foundation, Inc. (Ministry of Eurofragance Philippines Inc.)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-model-business-as-mission-company-a-fragrant-aroma-of-offering-to-god-bethel-avodah-foundation-inc-ministry-of-eurofragance-philippines-inc/) - Most of us realize that our God is a Creator-God, and He even gave mankind the ability and responsibility to create. Deuteronomy 8:18, specifically states that God gives us the ability to create wealth. As creators in the image of God, we create all kinds of things – a colorful flower bouquet; a crab cake;
- [Graduation Wisdom for Life and Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/graduation-wisdom-for-life-and-business/) - This is graduation time in North America. My mind retreats some decades to when it was a privilege to give the commencement address at two different high schools. Now this week I am attending my second grandson’s graduation from high school. My advice for him comes first from the scriptures: The book of Proverbs, with
- [Business is a calling; it is a gift; it is ministry](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-is-a-calling-it-is-a-gift-it-is-ministry/) - “God did not call me to be a minister or a missionary; He called me to be a businessman – and I see no difference.” (Michael Cardone of Cardone Industries) I have recently been contracted to write a couple of courses for a Christian college in Canada. One of the courses is to be entitled
- [“Blanche, I don’t need a water bottle; I need a job!”  Deux Mains - A Kingdom Startup in Haiti](https://ibecventures.com/blog/blanche-i-dont-need-a-water-bottle-i-need-a-job-deux-mains-a-kingdom-startup-in-haiti/) - Julie Colombino arrived in Haiti just days after the January 2010 devastating earthquake. She had given up her two-week vacation to help since she was a trained disaster responder and had a keen interest in helping in that desperate time. No one could be prepared for Haiti in those days, and there were no words
- [Dave Kier: Verses for Running a Business – And a life  ](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dave-kier-verses-for-running-a-business-and-a-life/) - I have found IBEC Board member and businessperson, Dave Kier, to have extraordinary wisdom in life and business. Perhaps the following thoughts written by Dave a couple of months ago tells why. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com Do you folks in business have favorite verses? There were Proverbs I kept a list
- [Think About This: April 2021 BAMGLOBAL Conference Reflection](https://ibecventures.com/blog/think-about-this-april-2021-bamglobal-conference-reflection/) - IBEC Ventures was well represented in a workshop led by Bob Bush and Larry Sharp with about 40 attending. Bob also worked tirelessly with follow-ups to his involvement in various events and we look forward to seeing how God uses those contacts to benefit the building of His Kingdom. The recent BAM conference on April
- [May 1: International Workers’ Day – or International Customers' Day?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/may-1-international-workers-day-or-international-customers-day-2021/) - May 1 is considered Labor Day in most every country in the world. With its roots in the labor movement in the late 19th Century, the day commemorates the world’s workers with celebration and holiday. While it certainly is important to celebrate the historic gains made by the world’s workers as well as the more
- [IBEC: Partnering with Business as Mission Startups](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-partnering-with-business-as-mission-startups/) - This week, you may wish to spend just two minutes listening to two business owners who are being served by IBEC. Perhaps you could share this video with your friends, church group or business associates. The testimonial affirms the faith component of what we are about in starting businesses. Click here to watch Larry
- [Where was the Leaf’d Box when I needed it?  But it is there for you! - A Business as Mission Model](https://ibecventures.com/blog/where-was-the-leafd-box-when-i-needed-it-but-it-is-there-for-you-a-business-as-mission-model/) - I was a country music ‘aficionado’ growing up in the 1950s and 60s. So, when I talked to Robert Campana recently, it was easy for me to remember Merle Haggard’s 1968 signature song called, “Mama tried”. The catchy tune laments that his “mama tried to raise me better” but he refused and at age 21
- [A Business as Mission Perspective on Creation Care](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-business-as-mission-perspective-on-creation-care/) - Business as Mission articulates its value proposition with 4 bottom lines, often called the Quadruple Bottom Line. In simplest terminology, they are Profit, People, Purpose, and Planet which incorporates the raison d'être of BAM – businesses are profit-making, job creating, disciple making, and creation caring. What does this final one mean for BAM businesses? I
- [Going About Our Business: Legacy Ventures Network](https://ibecventures.com/blog/going-about-our-business-legacy-ventures-network/) - By: Richard H. Weidner Legacy Ventures Kingdom Capital Fund Legacy Ventures Network Kingdom Investment Clubs In the first chapter of the book of James, there is an analogy that cuts to the core of so many of us. Verse 11 in the NIV reads, “For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant,
- [Business as Mission in the Digital World: Serving God’s Kingdom Through Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-in-the-digital-world-serving-gods-kingdom-through-technology-innovation-and-entrepreneurship/) - What if a mature profitable technology laboratory existed for the purpose of creating mobile solutions for solving real problems for scalable startup and corporate companies? What if they were not simply coders, but scientists, artists, and creative thinkers? What if they were able to design apps for a wide array of devices, build out their
- [Love – Hope – Faith: A BAM Business in Africa demonstrating Love, Hope, and Faith](https://ibecventures.com/blog/love-hope-faith-a-bam-business-in-africa-demonstrating-love-hope-and-faith/) - There is an amazing quote from the Apostle Paul, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Although I fully recognize the divinely constructed order in the scriptures, it was interesting at a recent board meeting of the Freedom Business Alliance that one of the members went
- [St. Patrick’s Day Prayer and Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/st-patricks-day-prayer-and-business-as-mission/) - When I was a child growing up in Canada, we were always given a paper shamrock to wear on St. Patrick’s Day. A shamrock is a 3-leaf clover, and it is said that St. Patrick used it as a visual to teach the people of Ireland about the Trinity. Not long ago I learned of
- [M6:33 Capital – Financial Returns Now and for Eternity](https://ibecventures.com/blog/m633-capital-financial-returns-now-and-for-eternity/) - By Guest Author, Erik Fast In a recent poll, 44.3% of Americans - non-Christians as well as followers of Jesus - said they believe the coronavirus and resulting economic meltdown is a “wake up call for us to turn back to faith in God,” signs of “coming judgment,” or both. In another poll, 63% of
- [Five Transformational Roles for Kingdom Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-transformational-roles-for-kingdom-business/) - Have you ever gotten up in the morning and asked yourself why you are doing something? Maybe in the middle of a bad day you wonder why you are spending so much energy on an initiative. Entrepreneurs, even Kingdom entrepreneurs ask such questions. I myself even do so at this late stage in my life,
- [Heritage Farms Romania: “We’ve been doing the ‘work’ of ministry all along”](https://ibecventures.com/blog/heritage-farms-romania-weve-been-doing-the-work-of-ministry-all-along/) - “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” Ephesians 2:10 IBEC Board member, Don Simmons, has been involved with many Business as Mission endeavors over the past decade, but this one in Romania recently caught my attention. This agricultural project combines a profitable, job-creating farm and ranch with a spiritual
- [Presidential Wisdom](https://ibecventures.com/blog/presidential-wisdom-2021/) - The month of February is the month we remember two great presidents of yesteryear. Monday is Presidents’ Day, part way between the birth dates of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. We do not readily associate these successful political figures with business, but both were one-time businessmen. Washington was a large landowner in the planting industry
- [Kingdom Business – Kingdom People](https://ibecventures.com/blog/kingdom-business-kingdom-people/) - At a recent IBEC board meeting, it was reported that IBEC is working in 26 countries. That means we are providing coaching and consulting expertise to many more businesses than this with the purpose of building Kingdom Businesses. Ultimately, these businesses are not owned by IBEC, our partners or our clients, but by our King
- [Triventure Videos](https://ibecventures.com/blog/triventure-videos/) - You may have heard of Triventure and maybe even seen the website, but have you seen these two recent 2-minute interesting and descriptive videos? Be sure to watch them soon. They provide understanding of topics such as: The Quadruple Bottom Line Third Path Initiative IBEC Ventures Legacy Ventures Network Courses – Coaching – Capital BAM Launch
- [Sailing – Sporting Activities – Indonesian Villages](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sailing-sporting-activities-indonesian-villages/) - You can experience this Unique BAM business. I first met Rob Arrand eleven years ago when I visited his boat building business in Indonesia. God had uniquely gifted Rob and Linda to speak the Indonesia language, love the people, and at the same time build boats for the glory of God. Rob, an architect by
- [Priceless Advice from 50 Entrepreneurs](https://ibecventures.com/blog/priceless-advice-from-50-entrepreneurs/) - I teach an entry level university course in entrepreneurship. Of the various learning activities, visiting speakers, and readings I use, one of my favorites is this 19-minute video. Fifty entrepreneurs, most of whom you will recognize, give small excerpts from larger speeches and the comments are stimulating for any would-be entrepreneur. Every person involved in
- [Bfresh Bottling in West Africa – Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bfresh-bottling-in-west-africa-business-as-mission/) - “It’s all about the people.” Matthew Todd According the UNICEF, 2.2 billion people in the world lack access to safely managed drinking water services. (WHO/UNICEF 2019). By every standard, this is considered a world water crisis. But in Ghana, West Africa Bfresh, is doing something about it! Bfresh is a clean water project that produces both
- [IBEC Ventures - Business as Mission Consulting at its Best](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-ventures-business-as-mission-consulting-at-its-best/) - Robert Bush, Managing Director of IBEC Ventures, writes a challenging message for 2021 which includes IBEC's annual goals, priorities and the IBEC process. One goal will never change. Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures larry.sharp@ibecventures.com ***** Webster’s defines a goal as, “the end toward which effort is directed.” So…what does the word mean
- [Have You Invited God Into Your Investment Portfolio?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/have-you-invited-god-into-your-investment-portfolio/) - Here is another challenge from Dick Weidner, Director of Legacy Ventures, the third partner in Triventure.com. Triventure is the tripartite BAM launchpad consisting of COURSES (Third Path Initiative), COACHING (IBEC Ventures), and CAPITAL (Legacy Ventures). Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures larry.sharp@ibecventures.com ***** I don’t know whether you have ever thought about your walk
- [Christmas 2020](https://ibecventures.com/blog/christmas-2020/) - Have you ever set out to check on something only to discover that you should have known the answer? It just happened to me. I wanted to check all the countries were IBEC has served and see what their Christmas traditions were. Well, duh! From the beginning IBEC has tried to serve the most unreached
- [The Pastor and the Business Person](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-pastor-and-the-business-person/) - Yes, this is the title of a book I read this weekend. Mike R. Baer is the author, and it is an easy and important read. Most of you reading this blog have heard much of what he has to say, but the chance is high your pastor has not. It is a MUST read
- [PhotoUp – a BAM business in the Philippines](https://ibecventures.com/blog/photoup-a-bam-business-in-the-philippines/) - Two years ago, we featured PhotoUp, in one of our blogs. Consultant Bob Bush recently suggested we interview CEO Kristian Pettyjohn, about their experience during COVID in 2020. Bob had been coaching this 9-year-old company on themes related to sales, executive development, and integration; and recommended the PhotoUp story as a great example of Business
- [SHOP NOW](https://ibecventures.com/blog/shop-now/) - Freedom businesses are businesses committed to the Quadruple Bottom Line just like any other BAM business, but with an added dimension. They focus on training and hiring survivors of human slavery. The employees have been rescued from the trafficking industry and are being restored to the dignity God intended for them. The process is not
- [Thanksgiving 2020 at IBEC Ventures](https://ibecventures.com/blog/thanksgiving-2020-at-ibec-ventures/) - A couple of days ago, someone asked me if I celebrated Thanksgiving. They made the quip because I am Canadian, but I have lived in the USA almost half of my life. I responded, “Of course; I love having two celebrations each year.” But the simple conversation reminded me that God asks us to be
- [Is it Business as Mission? A Litmus Test](https://ibecventures.com/blog/is-it-business-as-mission-a-litmus-test/) - More and more individuals, churches and colleges are taking an interest in the concept of Business as Mission (BAM). That is a good thing, because today, God is using businesses owned and operated by Kingdom minded professionals who are wired by God for business and called to the high and holy calling of living out
- [Grain Bags Romania – A Business as Mission Company](https://ibecventures.com/blog/grain-bags-romania-a-business-as-mission-company/) - "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so.” Genesis 1:11 As a teenager, my first job was on a farm two miles north of town. After school let out for the summer, I participated in
- [Creation Care Matters: A Tale of two Australian Companies](https://ibecventures.com/blog/creation-care-matters-a-tale-of-two-australian-companies/) - In the past couple of years, BAM Global has developed some helpful documents with regard to Creation Care and the responsibility of Christians to care for God’s creation and consider important details when starting and operating Kingdom businesses. Mats Tunehag and Mark Polet bring their expertise in science, business and theology to give us all
- [Thinking of starting? Post-Pandemic Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/thinking-of-starting-post-pandemic-business-as-mission/) - I recently attended a webinar taught by Gary Furukawa, the founder and CEO of Freestone Capital Management, a national financial advisory firm headquartered in Seattle. One of the slides resonated with me, as I connected the thoughts to founders of BAM businesses and the question of business opportunities. Mr. Furukawa suggested that the “Pandemic Accelerated
- [Enjoying Work](https://ibecventures.com/blog/enjoying-work/) - IBEC Board member, Dave Kier, writes regularly and this one caught my attention last month. We are grateful not only for successful businesspeople like Dave, but also people like him, who understand the theology of work and are applying it in BAM companies in other continents. Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures larry.sharp@ibecventures.com *****
- [One BAM Entrepreneur Making a Joyful Noise in Portugal – and beyond!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/one-bam-entrepreneur-making-a-joyful-noise-in-portugal-and-beyond/) - Imagine that you have a small startup business and you’re striving to make it successful. You are positive the product is in demand by a large customer segment. You love your team, all of whom are highly skilled and work together well, but you haven’t solved key marketing questions. Where can you turn for someone
- [IBEC - Mission Connexion Workshop 2020](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-mission-connexion-workshop-2020/) - In January of 2020, Bob Bush, Managing Director of IBEC Ventures, spoke at Mission ConneXion in Portland, Oregon. This text of his workshop is inspiring to us all. ----- I spent nearly 30 years in the healthcare industry prior to joining IBEC, and I can honestly say that this opportunity to serve God in this
- [Training Grid For Business as Mission Employee Training](https://ibecventures.com/blog/training-grid-for-business-as-mission-employee-training/) - A couple of months ago, I was asked to help a Business as Mission startup company develop a process for training new employees in work values which were new to them having little or no understanding of Biblical standards. The owner wanted to teach the value as “secular” but have it based in a Biblical
- [The Complexity of BAM Businesses Operating Abroad](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-complexity-of-bam-businesses-operating-abroad/) - A headline in the Harvard Business Review caught my attention.1 The subtitle screamed, “Companies operate in an increasingly complex world: Business environments are more diverse, dynamic, and interconnected than ever – and far less predictable.” And if that is true in North America, it must be even greater for start-ups in the overseas arena. Cross-cultural
- [Rich](https://ibecventures.com/blog/rich-dick-weidner/) - Dick Weidner is the founder and CEO of Legacy Ventures, a partner with IBEC Ventures and the Third Path Initiative in www.triventure.com, a startup training, coaching and capital endeavor. Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures larry.sharp@ibecventures.com ***** It is one of the more subjective words in any language. In the U.S. if your annual
- [Finding Fulfillment at Work](https://ibecventures.com/blog/finding-fulfillment-at-work-2020/) - Monday is Labor Day in the US and Canada, a national holiday that dates back to the 1880s. It has its roots in the labor movement and is celebrated in September in North America, distinct from most of the world which celebrates the International Workers Day on May 1. Our Christian faith has much to
- [Seven Principles for Business As Mission from Lewis and Clark](https://ibecventures.com/blog/seven-principles-for-business-as-mission-from-lewis-and-clark/) - My wife and I visited memorials to the Lewis and Clark Expedition at the mouth of the Columbia River last weekend with our two daughters. On one of the buildings overlooking the Pacific Ocean were the words, “The object of your mission – the Pacific Ocean” – Thomas Jefferson. Being moderately curious, I came home
- [When Not Helping Hurts](https://ibecventures.com/blog/when-not-helping-hurts/) - A recent Christianity Today article helps the reader process his/her thinking relative to needed aid as well as sustainable business – especially now in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These quotes hopefully will stimulate you to read the full article. To read it, click here. The coronavirus pandemic is having a devastating economic impact
- [Four Proven Steps for Success in Kingdom (BAM) Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/four-proven-steps-for-success-in-kingdom-bam-business/) - I was intrigued to read the Forbes list of 2020 world Billionaires,1 this year taking special attention to those at the top, noting those who had increased their net worth and those who had lost. I have never been too curious about these things, but one thing piqued my attention. Ten of the top twenty-five
- [Westfield Development – BAM Excellence in Romania: Part II](https://ibecventures.com/blog/westfield-development-bam-excellence-in-romania-part-ii/) - Last week, we featured the housing development company, Westfield Development, located in Arad, Romania. In June 2020, their Facebook page reminded the reader of the success of this Kingdom company: “Westfield is the best residential ensemble of houses and villas in Romania! We don't say it, but Clubul Profesionistilor in Imobiliare honored us with this
- [Westfield Development – BAM Excellence in Romania: Part I](https://ibecventures.com/blog/westfield-development-bam-excellence-in-romania-part-i/) - The technical definition of the word ‘contrast’ is: “…the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association.” The meaning of the term could have originated in the Transylvania region of Romania, the most famous region of the country - a land of spooky dark forests, mystical snowy peaks, amazing views,
- [Compound Interest](https://ibecventures.com/blog/compound-interest-july-2020/) - ***Dick Weidner leads Legacy Ventures Network which is the third component of Triventure.com. Dick has been in the financial sector and a church leader his entire career and has started companies focusing on accounting and on investment. From time to time we will be reprinting articles by Dick.*** It is reported that Albert Einstein was
- [Poultry, Profit and Proclamation](https://ibecventures.com/blog/poultry-profit-and-proclamation/) - It started 45 years ago when Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham, living near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, gave 50 newly hatched chicks to their seven-year-old son, Peter. “See what you can do with them,” they said. By the time he was 17 years, he was raising 10,000 chicks a week and was on his way to a successful
- [Three Things I Learned During the Epidemic of 1974 That Apply to BAM in the Pandemic of 2020](https://ibecventures.com/blog/three-things-i-learned-during-the-epidemic-of-1974-that-apply-to-bam-in-the-pandemic-of-2020/) - In the early 1970’s I was living, along with my family, in the Brazilian Amazon port city of Belem where I was the administrator of a school for children of expatriates. The Amazon Valley Academy is a K-12 school following an American curriculum but also in the 1970s and 80s taught a German program for
- [Mats Tunehag: Let Freedom Ring! Fighting Slavery with Business Solutions](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mats-tunehag-let-freedom-ring-fighting-slavery-with-business-solutions/) - This is the time of year when we celebrate America and the freedoms which exist here because of the founders of yesteryear. However, we are reminded by recent events that many in our country and around the world do not feel the freedoms that many of us have experienced. Mats Tunehag's article from April 23rd,
- [See’s Chocolates – a metaphor for a Quality BAM Business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sees-chocolates-a-metaphor-for-a-quality-bam-business/) - My wife’s favorite food group is chocolate, and I sometimes think that it is also her “Love Language.” She can tell the difference between Cadbury’s, Hersheys, Swiss Lindt and Brazilian Garoto with her eyes shut, and her favorite is See’s of California. So my interest was piqued recently when reading how See’s Candy became Warren
- [Seven Reasons why Everyone Needs a Coach](https://ibecventures.com/blog/seven-reasons-why-everyone-needs-a-coach/) - When I was a collegiate hockey player, it never dawned on me that I might not need a coach. Not only did the coaches help me with personal skill development like skating, passing, shooting, and checking, but also how to develop my team play so together we could be successful. Although I had good coaches
- [Indebtedness](https://ibecventures.com/blog/indebtedness/) - IBEC Board member, Dave Kier is a businessman with wise counsel on many, many subjects. This is an article which he distributed in March of this year and is well worth sharing here on this blog. Thanks, Dave, for blessing, encouraging and teaching Kingdom Business leaders in ways like this. It is entitled, "Indebtedness." Larry
- [From Normal to Liminality to “New Normal” Seven Tips for Business As Mission in the 2020 Era of COVID-19](https://ibecventures.com/blog/from-normal-to-liminality-to-new-normal-seven-tips-for-business-as-mission-in-the-2020-era-of-covid-19/) - The term “liminal” means to be in an intermediate state, phase, or condition. The root term limen come from the Latin means “threshold”. Its first use was by an ethnographer, Arnold van Gennep, who connected it to three rites of passage: the separation or detachment from a stable environment; the margin which is an ambiguous
- [How does Business, Faith and Education go together to make a better life in one of the world’s poorest countries?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/how-does-business-faith-and-education-go-together-to-make-a-better-life-in-one-of-the-worlds-poorest-countries/) - Or does it? Yes, I saw it in action – in one of the poorest countries in Africa – Zimbabwe. We asked agricultural student, Anthony, “what is happening here at Ebenezer school – and why are you here?” It is always great when the respondent has a crystal-clear answer. Without hesitation Anthony responded, “I have
- [Turning it Around - Looking at The Effect of the Environment on the Company](https://ibecventures.com/blog/turning-it-around-looking-at-the-effect-of-the-environment-on-the-company/) - This is the first of a series by Mark Polet, to help bring people to an understanding that the most spiritually and materially impoverished people also face the most existential environmental challenges. Some BAM companies are already working in these environmentally challenged areas and may not be aware of the risks they face even to
- [How an IBEC board member plans to ‘break even’ in his business during the COVID-19 epidemic even without external help](https://ibecventures.com/blog/how-an-ibec-board-member-plans-to-break-even-in-his-business-during-the-covid-19-epidemic-even-without-external-help/) - I was intrigued recently when I learned how Jonathan Pascual was surviving the coronavirus crisis, on Atlanta’s (Georgia) east side. He and his wife have owned Taproom Coffee for six years and have nine employees in two locations. Why is it that he seems to have less stress than others in similar circumstances? Good Reputation
- [Buy a Gift Today and Bring Freedom to a Life](https://ibecventures.com/blog/buy-a-gift-today-and-bring-freedom-to-a-life/) - This is a difficult time for most small businesses, and faith-driven entrepreneurs in faraway countries are no exception. It may be a good time to order products for Mother’s Day, upcoming birthdays, or even Christmas. You could save a Kingdom business from closing their doors, as well as help to save a life from poverty,
- [God Restores the Market Place](https://ibecventures.com/blog/god-restores-the-market-place/) - This blog by Mats Tunehag was published in November 2016, but it seems very relevant to our current environment. We continue to appreciate his contribution to the Kingdom of God and the BAM world. --Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures larry.sharp@ibecventures.com ----- The prospects were not good. Actually really bad, even disastrous. The city
- [Missional Financial Diversification: Invest as well as Donate](https://ibecventures.com/blog/missional-financial-diversification-invest-as-well-as-donate/) - Many Jesus-followers tithe their income to their church, donate to causes which make a difference, and give to their church missions budget. That is a good thing. Many Jesus-followers invest in their own future with a portfolio of stocks and bonds, which will help them in their retirement. That is a good thing. Yet, another
- [“I am so glad that I got fired”](https://ibecventures.com/blog/i-am-so-glad-that-i-got-fired/) - I just received a letter from Will, a long-time friend, which read in part, “Now I am so glad I got terminated…”. It was not long ago that Will wrote me telling a sad take of unjustly being let go from his job in the Midwest. Will had worked for me as a respected and
- [A Goat Intersects with Business and Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-goat-intersects-with-business-and-mission/) - A smart guy once asked Jesus what the great commandment was. Without hesitation, Jesus responded that the answer was in two parts; first, love God with all your heart, soul and mind; and secondly, love your neighbor as yourself. (MT 22: 35-40). Essentially, Jesus concluded that everything hangs with that. What does that mean in
- [The Coronavirus Pandemic and BAM: Seven Things We Can Do](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-coronavirus-pandemic-and-bam-seven-things-we-can-do/) - The following is a re-post of an article by Mats Tunehag from the March 27, 2020 BAM Review. Mats is a good friend of IBEC, Senior Global Ambassador for the BAM movement, and chairman of BAM Global. He speaks all over the world and contributes to various blog sites. --Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC
- [What Could You Do With $25,000?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-could-you-do-with-25000/) - Legacy Ventures Kingdom Capital Fund Richard H. Weidner, General Partner You could buy a good used car. You could take a “round-the-world” cruise with your spouse. You could pay a semester of college tuition. You could donate it to the ministry of your choice. You could invest it. The list is limited only by the
- [A Business As Mission Crisis: What do we know?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-business-as-mission-crisis-what-do-we-know/) - During these days of uncertainty due to the worldwide coronavirus, I thought about the well-known quote by former USA Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, “There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not
- [Now there is hope – because of a Kingdom business!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/now-there-is-hope-because-of-a-kingdom-business/) - Nkosi arrived early for class that day in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the first day of the new semester. Martha, the headmistress, welcomed him and I asked her if she could tell me his story. She related that he was the eldest of three children. When the third was born, his mother died and shortly thereafter, his
- [Cognitive Diversity – Yes, Important for Business As Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/cognitive-diversity-yes-important-for-business-as-mission/) - Diversity is talked about a lot these days. Sometimes it seems to be something so sacred that one must not even question its validity. One thinks of gender and ethnicity diversity, but another type of diversity is perhaps talked about less frequently, but very important. My first “real management job” was in a fish processing
- [Caring for Creation in the BAM Movement (“… work it and take care of it” Genesis 2:15b)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/caring-for-creation-in-the-bam-movement-work-it-and-take-care-of-it-genesis-215b/) - Last week, I was walking around a harbor in another state, lamenting the stench from the trash which floated around the fishing and pleasure boats at dock. My mind wandered to other continents, as I thought about the exposed oil ponds and leaking gas from pipes I saw at a children’s playground in Baku in
- [Coaching Trees – in the BAM World](https://ibecventures.com/blog/coaching-trees-in-the-bam-world/) - Coaching trees are common in the National Football League (NFL) and most coaches in the NFL can trace their lineage back to a certain head coach for whom they previously worked as an assistant. The idea of a “coaching tree” is becoming more and more interesting as they not only point to a pathway of
- [Check out this BAM Company in the Middle East - Andragogy – What is it? Why is it important?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/check-out-this-bam-company-in-the-middle-east-andragogy-what-is-it-why-is-it-important/) - If you are reading this you may learn something in a similar way you have learned since you were a child – reading it for understanding, interacting with the thoughts of a writer or teacher and his/her presentation, and your application or rejection. But Andragogy is not that – it is the opposite! Andragogy is
- [More BAM for the Buck](https://ibecventures.com/blog/more-bam-for-the-buck/) - We are happy to reprint two articles in early February by two of the leaders in the worldwide BAM movement, Patrick Lai and Mats Tunehag. Mats Tunehag presented a landmark speech at the Christian Economic Forum in 2019. It is well worth the time to read. In the second week Patrick Lai reveals eight questions that every
- [8 Unexpected Questions from Investors](https://ibecventures.com/blog/8-unexpected-questions-from-investors/) - We are happy to reprint two articles in early February by two of the leaders in the worldwide BAM movement, Patrick Lai and Mats Tunehag. Mats Tunehag presented a landmark speech at the Christian Economic Forum in 2019. It is well worth the time to read. In the second week Patrick Lai reveals eight questions that every
- [The 5 C’s of Business As Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-5-cs-of-business-as-mission/) - I participated in a one-day Business As Mission conference in October. There were three plenary speakers, three BAM businesses from Asia which made a pitch for $25,000 of capital, a panel discussion, and roundtable discussions. Every part was beneficial. One of the speakers was David Nash, a Canadian investor and entrepreneur, who spends time with
- [Compound Interest](https://ibecventures.com/blog/compound-interest/) - ***Dick Weidner leads Legacy Ventures Network which is the third component of Triventure.com. Dick has been in the financial sector and a church leader his entire career and has started companies focusing on accounting and on investment. From time to time we will be reprinting articles by Dick.*** It is reported that Albert Einstein was
- [BAM Congress: April 2020](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-congress-april-2020/) - The BAM Congress is a pivotal opportunity to connect with BAM practitioners, thought leaders, and advocates. The last congress took place in 2013, and IBEC was represented by three of us. Now in April 2020, we are a sponsor, and will provide a breakout workshop. We have also been working for several months on a
- [Crumbs off the Table](https://ibecventures.com/blog/crumbs-off-the-table/) - ***Dick Weidner leads Legacy Ventures Network which is the third component of Triventure. Dick has been in the financial sector and a church leader his entire career. He has started companies focusing on accounting and investment. From time to time we will be reprinting articles by Dick*** ***** I really like statistics, and I recently
- [Christmas – Everywhere?  Not yet](https://ibecventures.com/blog/christmas-everywhere-not-yet/) - Country singer Alan Jackson starts one of his Christmas albums with the song, “Let it be Christmas everywhere.” Good idea– but not yet a reality! Jesus came to earth about 2000 years ago, but it was not until about 950 years ago that His followers decided it would be a good idea to celebrate it
- [Why We Do What We Do](https://ibecventures.com/blog/why-we-do-what-we-do/) - A man made his way out of the car and began to walk toward the old, cement building that was positioned near the side of the road. He felt the warm sun beat down on the back of his neck, as he took a deep breath and slowly proceeded to the top of the stairs.
- [What’s in a Name?  How to Name your BAM Company](https://ibecventures.com/blog/whats-in-a-name-how-to-name-your-bam-company/) - I have been a part of the naming of three organizations. In two of them the choice was a home run and has been fulfilling expectations ever since; in the third case it was probably not the best choice though we have tweaked it and will likely stick with it as the brand continues to
- [What is Good Bureau? – A BAM Company in Romania!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-is-good-bureau-a-bam-company-in-romania/) - Good: to be of favorable character; to be desired or approved of; that which is morally excellent virtuous, righteous. Bureau: a commercial agency that serves as an intermediary especially for exchanging information or coordinating activities. I was intrigued with the name Good Bureau, but I was even more intrigued with the architect of the term
- [So, You Don’t Know Where you are Going? That may be Normal! (Some Godly advice for the power of the Pivot in Business As Mission)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/so-you-dont-know-where-you-are-going-that-may-be-normal-some-godly-advice-for-the-power-of-the-pivot-in-business-as-mission/) - We should know where we are going suggests a contemporary perspective on work. However, the sermon at church today spoke to this as a false narrative in western culture. Naturally I processed it with a mindset of kingdom business startups, attempting to integrate principles of the spiritual and the daily practical business world. I have
- [Make a difference with your Christmas spending this year!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/make-a-difference-with-your-christmas-spending-this-year/) - IBEC coaching and consulting aims to see transformed lives and communities through local profitable business endeavors in developing economies. Some of these businesses provide jobs to disadvantaged people in need and produce a product which is sold online. Buying these quality products helps to give freedom in the name of Jesus to people victimized by
- [A case study in the USA which may be a model for BAM startups](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-case-study-in-the-usa-which-may-be-a-model-for-bam-startups/) - Two years ago, I wrote a post on the IBEC blog showing an example of Corporate Social Responsibility by highlighting the rise of Chobani Yogurt and its founder Hamil Ulukaya. It is a great case study for BAM startups. You can read it here. Last month, Ulukaya presented a TED Talk which is riveting. If
- [A Business Solution to Human Trafficking in Nepal](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-business-solution-to-human-trafficking-in-nepal/) - My daughters and I just returned to Kathmandu from a 4-day trek in the mountains of Nepal. We drove 5 hours from Kathmandu, over a mountain range, on some very treacherous roads. I was amazed that the big Nissan 4-wheel drive got through some of the places without tipping over on rocks, getting stuck in
- [Farewell Robert B. Johnstone, Jr.](https://ibecventures.com/blog/farewell-robert-b-johnstone-jr/) - We in IBEC knew him as Bob, our board chairman for most of IBEC’s existence, a friend, mentor, leader and encourager of all that we do. He had been a contract engineer with the Naval Air Systems Command and had spent 15 years in upper management. In retirement, he helped numerous Not-For-Profits with his skill
- [Sending It on Ahead](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sending-it-on-ahead/) - ***Dick Weidner leads Legacy Ventures Network which is the third component of Triventure.com. Dick has been in the financial sector and a church leader his entire career and has started companies focusing on accounting and on investment. From time to time we will be reprinting articles by Dick.*** I am in the midst of reading
- [A Fruit Basket or an Orchard: Which Will It Be?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-fruit-basket-or-an-orchard-which-will-it-be/) - ***Dick Weidner leads Legacy Ventures Network, which is the third component of Triventure.com. Dick has been in the financial sector and a church leader his entire career and has started companies focusing on accounting and on investment. From time to time we will be reprinting articles by Dick.*** Having been created in God’s image, we
- [Business As Mission: This could make all the Difference!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-this-could-make-all-the-difference/) - I remember one day taking my son Trevor to watch Kobe Bryant play at Lower Merion High School, a few blocks from our house in suburban Philadelphia. Trevor said, “Dad, this guy is going to be great in the NBA.” And he was. As an American professional basketball player, he played his entire 20-year career
- [Imani Collective](https://ibecventures.com/blog/imani-collective/) - We believe in empowering the whole person and providing dignified jobs that allow for our artisans to not merely survive, but to thrive in the life they live. Such an introductory statement may be of interest in Dallas, Seattle, Denver or Philadelphia and it should, but it is a super-loaded power statement in Mombasa, Kenya,
- [Worldwide Photo Shoots, Inc. – A Business As Mission Company; (A short insight into seizing an opportunity and flexibility in times of change)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/worldwide-photo-shoots-inc-a-business-as-mission-company-a-short-insight-into-seizing-an-opportunity-and-flexibility-in-times-of-change/) - Some years ago, I met a young man who at the age of fifteen was already becoming a world class photographer. Today, he has published his photos in books, award-winning journals, and on websites. It is no secret that small businesses such as Ryan’s rely on a quality product, but they also seek a price
- [It’s more than Human Resources – it is Honouring God and Empowering People (A Business As Mission story)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/its-more-than-human-resources-it-is-honouring-god-and-empowering-people-a-business-as-mission-story/) - I have known Dave and Lynn for several years and have thought of them as wonderful models for using their business talents for kingdom purposes since retiring from corporate Canada. I recently visited them in Alberta, Canada where I heard some of the joys and struggles of living and discipling the gospel through business in
- [Don’t Just Ship It! (Unsought but good advice for BAM Companies)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dont-just-ship-it-unsought-but-good-advice-for-bam-companies/) - A couple of weeks ago, I had coffee with Derek Gillette. We had an interesting conversation about his journey in life and we discussed our passion for business and for following Jesus. He shared with me his blog address and when I got home, I found this blog. It is interesting because of the popularity
- [What is Triventure?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-is-triventure/) - An analysis of the word ‘Triventure’ simply reveals the fact that “Tri” indicates the number three and “venture” means a pioneering endeavor into little known waters proceeding in the face of danger, risk and chance. Triventure is the name for three partnering entities in the Business As Mission space who are working together to help
- [Business As Mission: what do I have to offer?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-what-do-i-have-to-offer/) - This question is sometimes asked by North American kingdom business persons who own or manage businesses: “What can I offer as consultant, advisor, mentor or coach?” It is a natural question for business persons living and working in a very different context from a business startup in Asia, Africa or the Middle East. What is business
- [The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-surprising-habits-of-original-thinkers/) - When a TED talk has over 12 million viewers and it is about entrepreneurship, I usually take the 15 minutes to check it out. And so, I discovered Adam Grant’s provocative talk on original thinking. He seems to have grown up just a few miles from where I live in the northwest and became the
- [Coffee, Communication and Culture (A Business As Mission success story*)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/coffee-communication-and-culture-a-business-as-mission-success-story/) - Last week I enjoyed a conversation with a person I came to know more than fifteen years ago, soon after she graduated with a degree in international business. She had worked her way through college working at Starbucks. At my recommendation, she then joined a team working in a former Soviet dominated country in central
- [Thriving vs Surviving: Building Skills and Support for BAMers](https://ibecventures.com/blog/thriving-vs-surviving-building-skills-and-support-for-bamers/) - The Business As Mission website continually has excellent blog writers with comments which are practical and thought-provoking in nature. A recent series on “pressing issues” has included a guest author writing on “Building Skills and Support for BAMers”. I encourage all of our readers to read this series, and also to become a regular reader
- [First, Break all the Rules - Part 2: (Tips for Business As Mission companies)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/first-break-all-the-rules-part-2-tips-for-business-as-mission-companies/) - Last week in Part 1, we highlighted the twelve “measuring stick” questions that every manager needs to focus on so each employee in the business can provide an affirmative answer. The twelve questions resulted from the robust research developed by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman1. Business As Mission companies are no exception; in fact, BAM
- [First, Break all the Rules – Part 1: (Tips for Business As Mission companies)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/first-break-all-the-rules-part-1-tips-for-business-as-mission-companies/) - On May 4, 2019, during the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby, someone broke the rules – it was the winner, Maximum Security who was disqualified for interfering with other horses around the final turn. The second horse, Country House, was declared the final winner. It was the first time in the history of the
- [“Do the Right Thing” – A Business As Mission Best Practice](https://ibecventures.com/blog/do-the-right-thing-a-business-as-mission-best-practice/) - I have found it interesting lately to see mission statements of major corporations which indicate that they “do the right thing”; but more important is a definition of what the right thing really is, especially in the ethos of the company and the practices of top leadership. Costco Wholesale Corporation There are about ten major
- [Business as a Kingdom Calling](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-a-kingdom-calling/) - I teach a course entitled Innovation and Entrepreneurship at a northwest Christian university. One day I opened my computer to grade an assignment from a new student that I did not know. He made this statement in the course of his written work, “The main goal of business is to profit…” It was an open
- [Shut up and Listen: One key to doing business in another culture (Smart business is culturally savvy)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/shut-up-and-listen-one-key-to-doing-business-in-another-culture-smart-business-is-culturally-savvy/) - A recent article focused on the passion of Melinda Gates in her involvement with Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company focusing on “Lift” for women around the world. She responded to an interviewer asking how she finds the right way to work with people cross-culturally. You always have to listen to what the people
- [“Business As Mission doesn’t work!”](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-doesnt-work/) - Have you heard this statement? Sometimes I weary of hearing it. I have heard it from well-meaning pastors who apparently believe it. I have heard it from honest inquirers. I have heard it from people who have no idea what Business As Mission really is. It seems to me that some people have built-in biases
- [Of Economics, Freedom, BAM and Independence](https://ibecventures.com/blog/of-economics-freedom-bam-and-independence/) - This week we celebrate Independence Day in America. And we begin the amazingly long and expensive run-up to the 2020 US election, which focuses on numerous topics that often touch on political and personal freedom. We are hearing more and more themes related to economics these days. As a student of economics in the 1960s,
- [Agency Boon – a Kingdom Business in Romania](https://ibecventures.com/blog/agency-boon-a-kingdom-business-in-romania/) - “Did you learn anything today?” My mother asked me that regularly when I was growing up. She valued learning and being a child of the depression and a WWII veteran, she was keen that I find my place in a changing world both as a Jesus follower and a productive citizen. I did learn something
- [Danger Ahead: Three ways the incubation, hatching and training of mallard ducklings is like Missional Business incubation and acceleration](https://ibecventures.com/blog/danger-ahead-three-ways-the-incubation-hatching-and-training-of-mallard-ducklings-is-like-missional-business-incubation-and-acceleration/) - Throughout the month of May I have been following the progress of mallard duck incubation, hatching and early stage development in the lake not far from my house. As I observed the little ducklings in their new environment and their relationship with their mother, my thoughts turned to the similarities and contrasts with incubation and
- [How the Lean Startup Approach is Different – a best BAM Approach?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/how-the-lean-startup-approach-is-different-a-best-bam-approach/) - I just completed teaching a university winter semester course in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. All such courses in the last decade or so teach the lean startup canvas made popular by Steve Blank, Eric Reis and Ash Maurya. This distinctive tool for startup businesses is different than traditional business planning as it starts with a search
- [IBEC Successes](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-successes/) - “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill A few months ago we published a blog highlighting eight failures in IBEC’s history. Recently, I have been reminded that our audience deserves a complementary piece highlighting some successes, so in the spirit of Churchill who also wrote,
- [My Five Commandments for Entrepreneurs](https://ibecventures.com/blog/my-five-commandments-for-entrepreneurs/) - Most of us are probably aware that LinkedIn has some amazing articles. Also, we have heard of the Shark Tank, and one of the sharks named Robert Herjavec. This is a reprint blog of his recent article which I used in my university class on entrepreneurship. See the original article entitled "My Five Commandments for
- [Five Business As Mission trends and best practices](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-business-as-mission-trends-and-best-practices/) - Recently I was invited to teach on Business as Mission (BAM) at a Midwest Christian university. One of the sessions was a combination of classes, plus members of the community, and I was asked to talk on trends and best practices in BAM. There are many ways one could approach this subject, so I chose
- [The four bottom lines of Business As Mission in Uganda](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-four-bottom-lines-of-business-as-mission-in-uganda/) - Uganda is typical of many African countries in that a valuable resource is at risk. According to the ministry of Energy, “close to 100 per cent of rural households and 98 per cent of urban households” depend on firewood and charcoal, respectively, to cook food and heat water.” However today “Uganda's entire charcoal value chain
- [Some relevant distinction of terms in the BAM World](https://ibecventures.com/blog/some-relevant-distinction-of-terms-in-the-bam-world/) - There are several related terms which touch on the Business as Mission world so sometimes sorting out distinctions can be helpful. Philanthropy is defined as “an act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes” and “private initiatives, for the public good, focusing on quality of life". A recent example was highlighted in our community
- [Hesed Cambodia – a BAM Company:  five things we can learn](https://ibecventures.com/blog/hesed-cambodia-a-bam-company-five-things-we-can-learn/) - A few years ago, I was invited to an event in Los Angeles, CA by Mr. Jeffrey Lee, CEO of SfK Ministries. Since then I have followed the growth of this BAM company and the various businesses connected with it. In a recent memo I learned of Hesed Cambodia, which was started by Bong Rae
- [Patient Capital – key to Business As Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/patient-capital-key-to-business-as-mission/) - “Patient capital is money invested in entrepreneurs who are building companies and organizations that solve tough problems like healthcare, water, housing, alternative energy."1 It is traditional investment which could be equity, debt, or other instruments and the investor is willing to forgo high financial returns in exchange for social impact with a focus on the
- [Briefing notes on Business As Mission (BAM) for workshop](https://ibecventures.com/blog/briefing-notes-on-business-as-mission-bam-for-workshop/) - I was invited to give a one-hour introductory BAM workshop at a conference in the United States recently. The facilitator, whose name was John, was very involved with and informed about BAM. He wanted to make sure I met his expectations, so he handed me a sheet of important things to keep in mind. This
- [When “good enough” is better than “excellence”](https://ibecventures.com/blog/when-good-enough-is-better-than-excellence/) - It is common in the Business As Mission world to speak of excellence as a primary value. Certainly, we should do everything with excellence as unto God, shouldn’t we? Well ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Here is why. In short, the point is that “perfection kills innovation”. Entrepreneur Damon Brown spells out ‘why’ in a TED Talk
- [Business As Mission: economics, engineering, entrepreneurship, encouragement](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-economics-engineering-entrepreneurship-encouragement/) - Many of the countries in central Asia are struggling to develop their economies so as to raise their GDP and improve the lives of their people. There are many challenges, politically, socially and economically. IBEC finds it a privilege to serve clients trying to overcome amazing hurdles as they serve the people with jobs through
- [Three lessons from a veteran BAM worker](https://ibecventures.com/blog/three-lessons-from-a-veteran-bam-worker/) - My friend Tom was asked to share three lessons he learned while starting and growing a sizable manufacturing company in Asia. I often wonder what I would pick if asked to do something like that – which three? Why those? How can I remember the three most important things? However, I thought that Tom’s choice
- [9 Indicators that spring may be around the corner for your business startup](https://ibecventures.com/blog/9-indicators-that-spring-may-be-around-the-corner-for-your-business-startup/) - Those of us who live in northern climes, eagerly look for signs of spring about the month of March or April. Having grown up in western and northern Canada, it became a ritual to identify positive signs that winter was waning. I now live in the northwest USA, and recently I saw some of those
- [Mission Drift – what’s that?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mission-drift-whats-that/) - A mission statement is a short statement of why an organization exists, what its overall goal is, and the expected outcomes. IBEC Ventures expresses this in terms of its purpose, its vision, and its values (see IBEC's about page). Our statement includes the following important goals as we direct our efforts toward the most impoverished
- [Business As Mission: Strategic questions consultants need to ask; and Business As Mission owners need to answer](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-strategic-questions-consultants-need-to-ask-and-business-as-mission-owners-need-to-answer/) - Coaches have one composite skill – the asking of questions with resulting skillful conversation. Bob Hancox, who co-authored the book Coaching for Engagement: Achieving Results Through Powerful Conversations.1 defines coaching as “a way of focusing and leading a conversation with the intent of facilitating learning, heightening engagement, and encouraging higher performance… the focus of the
- [The 5Ps of Employee Fulfillment](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-5ps-of-employee-fulfillment/) - The 5Ps of Employee Fulfillment I live across Lake Washington from Microsoft and I regularly see one of their employees’ pickup buses near my place. Yes, Microsoft is a big player in the Seattle community, so my interest was piqued when I saw this article on LinkedIn on Dec 11, 2018. The author is Kathleen
- [The KIND Company - built on Purpose: Relevant to BAM businesses](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-kind-company-built-on-purpose-relevant-to-bam-businesses/) - Daniel Lubetzky’s father survived the holocaust and he left a legacy of kindness both during the war and afterwards, something which has informed his son Daniel’s approach to business. Ever eat a KIND bar? A billion a year are sold worldwide, and the company is valued in at billions of dollars. The podcast noted below
- [Presidential Wisdom](https://ibecventures.com/blog/presidential-wisdom-2019/) - The month of February is the month we remember two great presidents of yesteryear. Monday is Presidents’ Day, part way between the birth dates of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. We do not readily associate these successful political figures with business, but both were one-time businessmen. Washington was a large landowner in the planting industry
- [Fair Trade:  What does it Mean, and does it Matter?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/fair-trade-what-does-it-mean-and-does-it-matter/) - We hear a lot about fair trade these days and indeed many of the Business as Mission (BAM) businesses that IBEC serves are members of a fair-trade association. The whole topic can be confusing as there are many organizations that claim a fair trade standard but in reality they do not following the principles of
- [LET’S AVODAH!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/lets-avodah/) - Mats Tunehag is a world leader in the BAM movement and has given permission to republish his important article from last year, where he describes the use of an important biblical word, Avodah. He explains how work is ordained by God and our lives should have an integrated perspective every day of the week. Business as Mission
- [Business As Mission: A historical example from the chocolate industry](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-a-historical-example-from-the-chocolate-industry/) - About the time I watched the funeral service for George H.W. Bush and listened to how his character influenced his family as well as national and international decisions during his presidency, I was reading the book, Chocolate Wars by Deborah Cadbury. It had been recommended by Mats Tunehag, international leader on issues related to Business
- [PhotoUp: A BAM Business IBEC is Proud Of](https://ibecventures.com/blog/photoup-a-bam-business-ibec-is-proud-of/) - Sometimes Christian business owners come to the conclusion that since their business is not located overseas, the opportunity to reach the unreached in other parts of the world is unrealistic. However, IBEC is currently working with an amazing company that has built a strategy to not only create domestic jobs, but overseas jobs as well.
- [Start Your BAM Company off Right – Be a good boss](https://ibecventures.com/blog/start-your-bam-company-off-right-be-a-good-boss/) - The reader may be about to start a company, but leadership or management may not be your skill set. I have observed people start tour companies because of a passion for tourism; or a coffee company because they knew and loved the coffee industry; or a boat manufacturing business because they had architectural and boat
- [Startup guide to stability factors in business startups](https://ibecventures.com/blog/startup-guide-to-stability-factors-in-business-startups/) - I worked in the fishing industry for several years in my youth, everything from boats at sea, the slime line in the plant, and management, so my interest often piques with high profile fishing stories. A recent one was the sinking of the crab boat, Destination in the Bering Sea in February 2017, taking with
- [2018 - what a year for IBEC Ventures](https://ibecventures.com/blog/2018-what-a-year-for-ibec-ventures/) - Happy New Year! As we come to the end of 2018, we have so much to be thankful for here at IBEC Ventures. Before we move into the New Year, it’s important for us to reflect on how God has used us for His Kingdom in 2018. Some of the highlights include: A redesigned website
- [A kingdom-minded business perspective on Christmas](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-kingdom-minded-business-perspective-on-christmas-18/) - There are many ways to say “Merry Christmas” or to give a Christmas greeting in the languages of the world. The greetings above represent “Merry Christmas” in most of the languages served by IBEC consultants. Despite cultural and linguistic differences there is one commonality – the Christ of Christmas! The continuity of Christ – from
- [Jump off the donkey!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/jump-off-the-donkey/) - THIS BLOG HAS BEEN DELETED FOR SECURITY REASONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING!
- [Building vehicles, creating jobs, and transforming lives (Business As Mission in Africa)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/building-vehicles-creating-jobs-and-transforming-lives-business-as-mission-in-africa/) - The Basic Utility Vehicle, (BUV), is designed for the rural geography of developing countries. It is a simple low-cost vehicle that is easy to operate, maintain and repair. It is designed for rugged terrain, and thus is ideal for serving rural Africa, allowing people to earn a livelihood and generate income. It has a 1,750
- [How do IBEC consultants add value?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/how-do-ibec-consultants-add-value/) - It has been interesting to observe and analyze IBEC consultants throughout the 12 years of our existence. It has been a fun and informative learning experience as I have traveled with some amazing people. Each one has added value to the projects we visited and helped. IBEC consultants offer encouragement Bob Bush consults with four
- [Business As Mission leadership lessons from World War I: Remembrance Day celebrated 100 years ago](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-leadership-lessons-from-world-war-i-remembrance-day-celebrated-100-years-ago/) - At 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918, the armistice for World War I was signed. This “war to end all wars” had involved most of Europe and cost the lives of nearly 17 million, plus that many or more wounded. My maternal grandmother’s sister served with the Canadian Forces and
- ["Business As Mission: “Overflowing with thankfulness”](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-overflowing-with-thankfulness/) - We have three nationalities in our family. My wife, Vicki is a US citizen; I am Canadian, and my four kids have three citizenships, each having been born in Brazil and also registered as Canadians and Americans. Canadians celebrated thanksgiving in October, and Americans will do so this week. But my Brazilian kids sometimes say,
- [The Great Commission – a key bottom line for Business as Mission (BAM)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-great-commission-a-key-bottom-line-for-business-as-mission-bam/) - Our blog last week highlighted poverty, poor countries, and the Great Commandment of Jesus to “love your neighbor”. For IBEC and most BAM businesses, that translates into job creation as a practical way to love those mired in poverty, injustice and unemployment. But Jesus also asked us to make disciples (or followers) of Jesus (MT
- [Want to make a difference?  A challenge to entrepreneurs and coaches – Africa! – The Great Commandment of Jesus – Love your Neighbor](https://ibecventures.com/blog/want-to-make-a-difference-a-challenge-to-entrepreneurs-and-coaches-africa-the-great-commandment-of-jesus-love-your-neighbor/) - Business as Mission (BAM) theory proposes that kingdom businesses focus on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Jesus. The Great Commandment has its source in Jesus’ response to a lawyer who asked what the greatest commandments were. Jesus responded that the first commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul and
- [Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship – Both/And](https://ibecventures.com/blog/entrepreneurship-and-intrapreneurship-both-and/) - The word entrepreneurship is a scary term to some people who relegate it to a small percentage of the population who are reckless and risk lovers. Not so – it may be more common than one thinks. Even large companies often promote the principles of entrepreneurship, sometimes called intrapreneurship. It is important for them to
- [Business as Mission and “soft skills”](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-and-soft-skills/) - This week, I provided a reference for two former employees. One was a phone call from the prospective employer, and one a form to complete on behalf of the applicant. I was struck by the number of questions which related to what we have come to call “soft skills” When I was VP of Operations
- [Sari Bari: a model freedom business in India](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sari-bari-a-model-freedom-business-in-india/) - IBEC is a partner with the Freedom Business Alliance (FBA), which exists to equip and promote the global community of Freedom Businesses. A freedom business is a business that exists to fight human trafficking or commercial exploitation, and one of the founding businesses of the FBA is Sari Bari in north India. Sari Bari was
- [Entrepreneurs wanted: what it looks like to become a kingdom-minded entrepreneur overseas](https://ibecventures.com/blog/entrepreneurs-wanted-what-it-looks-like-to-become-a-kingdom-minded-entrepreneur-overseas/) - A new book by Jeannie Marie entitled, "Across the Street and Around the World: Following Jesus to the Nations in Your Neighborhood...and Beyond " will be of interest to many of our readers. She has written a blog specifically for IBEC Ventures which helps the reader understand the need for entrepreneurs and business owners and how that could
- [Random list of important ideas before traveling to a high-risk area](https://ibecventures.com/blog/random-list-of-important-ideas-before-traveling-to-a-high-risk-area/) - This is the third blog in a series on international safety. Myriads of books and thousands of articles have been written with tips for traveling and living abroad. A few blogs here on this subject will only scratch the surface. But the following will hopefully whet the readers appetite so that he or she will
- [Travel safety and security](https://ibecventures.com/blog/travel-safety-and-security-18/) - “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.” Psalms 118:8 IBEC consultants, coaches, Subject Matter Experts, friends, and clients are often in travel mode and find themselves in airports or in situations with less than desirable security standards. This may be a reminder of some of the things to
- [Safety and security overseas: be prepared!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/safety-and-security-overseas-be-prepared/) - This blog is first in a series of three on the subject of international safety. For the past 46 years, I have either lived abroad, traveled extensively, or supervised others who lived in high risk areas. I have a daughter who has lived in high risk countries for many years. For about twenty years, I
- [BAM Global Movement – Gort and Tunehag](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-global-movement-gort-and-tunehag/) - While on long flights, I often bring a couple of books, my computer and postcards to write to my grandkids. Depending on how exhausted I am, I rarely read a whole book between the east coast and my home in Seattle. But this book held my attention. It is a classic. It is a “must
- [Perseverance in business– it may mean all the difference!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/perseverance-in-business-it-may-mean-all-the-difference/) - I am a winter sports guy, having grown up playing hockey on the cold prairies of western Canada and skiing the Canadian Rockies before they were famously on the world circuit. It gives me great joy to watch the winter sports in the Olympics and I tend to look for the small things which make
- [To franchise or not?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/to-franchise-or-not/) - A franchise is defined as the right or license granted by a company to an individual or group to market or produce its products or services in a specific territory. The idea has surfaced from time to time in Business as Mission (BAM) strategizing that franchising has a potential advantage in starting and operating kingdom
- [What makes a top ranked business leader?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-makes-a-top-ranked-business-leader/) - According to Comparably’s annual Best Places to Work 2017 list, these are the top ranked CEOs in the U.S. (for large and mid/small companies) this year.1 While startup companies are certainly different in many respects from these sizable companies, much can be learned from these individual’s and the culture which they foster. Marc Benioff, Salesforce
- [6 steps on the entrepreneurial path](https://ibecventures.com/blog/6-steps-on-the-entrepreneurial-path/) - The following article by Leif Greiss in the Reading (PA) Eagle caught my attention (Nov 18, 2017). While the story is interesting, be sure not to miss the “Six Steps”. Neil Deshmukh considers technology to be a superpower, one he and others can use to save the world. Deshmukh, who is 15 years old, was
- [Kingdom entrepreneurs: start your business in a garage](https://ibecventures.com/blog/kingdom-entrepreneurs-start-your-business-in-a-garage/) - Photo by Tim Easley on Unsplash “Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” - Einstein Many entrepreneurs think it is a strange idea to start a business in the garage. After all, don’t we need lots of money, investors, partners, office desks, computers and communication equipment? Don’t we need to
- [7 lessons for business entrepreneurs from the World Series](https://ibecventures.com/blog/7-lessons-for-business-entrepreneurs-from-the-world-series/) - It is a mystery to most of the world how a little-known USA sport like baseball can have as its culminating event called the “World Series”. Most everyone outside North America equates “World” with the “World Cup” of international soccer (football to them) which is truly “world”. Nevertheless, baseball remains an intriguing sport played by
- [An Architect and the Making of Disciples](https://ibecventures.com/blog/an-architect-and-the-making-of-disciples/) - Many of us learn best through the narrative. Stories demonstrate what we mean by "real business" and "real mission". IBEC consultants helped this business in Asia to grow and develop. An Architect and the Making of Disciples Andrew is an architect. He loves boats and the water, and he owns a boat-building business in Asia,
- [IBEC Ventures Appoints New Managing Director](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-ventures-appoints-new-managing-director/) - Perkasie, PA – The Board of Directors of IBEC Ventures announced in June 2014 that Mr. Bob Bush has joined the consulting firm as Managing Director. Mr. Bush comes from twenty-seven years of progressive and successful sales, marketing and business leadership positions. Most recently he served as Senior Director for Business Development for Daylight Solutions
- [A BAM business will be profitable and sustainable](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-bam-business-will-be-profitable-and-sustainable/) - The Triple Bottom Line is a guiding force for the BAM movement. These next three blogs will comment briefly on the meaning of each of the three bottom lines which drive us to our preferred future. The first is the importance of a business which is profitable and sustainable. For most of the 20th century
- [What does IBEC mean by Small-Medium Enterprise (SME), and why is it important?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-does-ibec-mean-by-small-medium-enterprise-sme-and-why-is-it-important/) - IBEC Ventures uses the acronym ‘SME’ in two very different ways. One is “Subject Matter Expert” and the other is “Small-Medium Enterprise.” The subject of this blog is the latter. What is a Small-Medium Enterprise, and how is that relevant to what we do? Small-Medium Enterprise (SME) is defined in different ways in different countries.
- [A Look at Nepal - How Business Integrates with Faith](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-look-at-nepal-how-business-integrates-with-faith/) - PC is a 20-year veteran mid-career business man who sold his business and decided to study at a seminary for a few years. Toward the end of his studies and at IBEC’s recommendation, he spent 9 weeks as a business consultant in Nepal where he consulted with several companies and made many friends from the
- [What is Business as Mission?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-is-business-as-mission-2014/) - Many business professionals and church leaders today are hearing of the term “Business as Mission” (BAM). While there are many variances to a perfect definition, I like the expression of J.D. Greear of the Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC, “Christians in the marketplace today are able to gain access more easily to strategic, unreached places.
- [Seven forms of patient capital](https://ibecventures.com/blog/seven-forms-of-patient-capital/) - Patient capital can be described as long-term capital where the investor does not expect a quick profit and results but forgoes the immediate return for a more substantial result such as social impact. For financial investors patient capital sits between traditional venture capital and traditional philanthropy; between development and foreign direct investment. Earlier this month
- [Where are we going?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/where-are-we-going/) - IBEC Leadership Team: Larry Sharp, James Mayer, Gwen Rapp, Gary Willett and Robert Bush It is a good thing for every person and every organization to periodically step back, assess who they are, what they have accomplished in the past, and where they are going in the future. The Leadership Team of IBEC Ventures, led
- [What are some examples of Triple Bottom Line Kingdom businesses?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-are-some-examples-of-triple-bottom-line-kingdom-businesses/) - The last three blogs have highlighted the Triple Bottom Line of a BAM (Business as Mission) business. The goal is to be profitable and sustainable The business creates jobs and other community value Spiritual capital is created – Kingdom values and a pathway to following Jesus I find it helpful to have practical models which
- [A BAM business seeks to make followers of Jesus](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-bam-business-seeks-to-make-followers-of-jesus/) - The last two blogs referred to two of the three bottom lines of Business as Mission (BAM): profitability and sustainability; and secondly, the creation of value, particularly job creation. The third bottom line is the development of spiritual capital – making followers of Jesus. The concept of the Triple Bottom Line has been around since
- [A BAM business creates jobs](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-bam-business-creates-jobs/) - Last week we began a three-part series on the Triple Bottom Line of Business as Mission (BAM).1 The first bottom line was that every business has a goal of profitability and sustainability. The second bottom line is the creation of value, particularly job creation. Mike Baer, in referencing the Kingdom of God, understands that the
- [Family, friends and fools: understanding Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/family-friends-and-fools-understanding-business-as-mission/) - This article by IBEC Ventures Training Director Larry Sharp was originally published in CPN On Point. The last edition of CPN On Point presented an introduction to Business as Mission (BAM), as a means of gaining access to strategic and unreached places through building businesses worldwide. This article takes that discussion to the next and
- [A tale of three businesses: the importance of life-long learning](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-tale-of-three-businesses-the-importance-of-life-long-learning/) - Once upon a time four business people flew to a faraway country in Asia to observe and encourage three kingdom businesses. They came as learners but also ready to share suggestions and consulting expertise as requested. They represented a cumulative 90 years of business experience, a recent MBA graduate among them and all four were
- [What does Christopher Columbus’s life teach us about business leadership?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-does-christopher-columbuss-life-teach-us-about-business-leadership/) - Columbus Day is celebrated the 2nd Monday of October – a memory of the first non-native American to come to our shores and stay with a permanent presence, paving the way for European expansion. Columbus was an interesting and colorful character demonstrating some admirable qualities but also some qualities that are detractors for any successful
- [There is no better ‘boss’ to work for: manage well](https://ibecventures.com/blog/there-is-no-better-boss-to-work-for-manage-well/) - Dave Kier is a business owner in western Iowa in the agriculture sector. IBEC Ventures is blessed to have Dave as a board member. He contributes much wisdom and hard work to IBEC, as well as demonstrating what “Business as Ministry” really is. He writes daily devotionals for members of his family and his employees.
- [Who else besides IBEC Ventures is in this BAM space?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/who-else-besides-ibec-ventures-is-in-this-bam-space/) - Today I was contacted by a bright young man in the banking industry. A university graduate in banking and finance, he has just completed his second year with a major bank. He asked me, “How can I use my experience and training to help make a difference with what you are doing?” We talked for
- [Giving thanks](https://ibecventures.com/blog/giving-thanks/) - Today I received a text from our youngest daughter Trudy, “Back on US soil! Just landed in DC.” I am very thankful today. She had been in harm’s way this past month, serving the 1.7 million refugees in Northern Iraq as an HR Director for her organization. Two days ago a suicide bomber killed several
- [What are my next steps?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-are-my-next-steps/) - “What advice would you give a young man like me?” This question came to me following a talk I gave last week at a Business as Mission conference in the Midwest. I had just spoken to a group of 25 young professionals and a recent graduate of a state agricultural university came up to
- [What’s your TBO ('The Big Opportunity') for 2015?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/whats-your-tbo-the-big-opportunity-for-2015/) - “How you see your future is much more important than how you see your past.” Zig Ziglar “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson This is the time of year when one hears comments like, “I can’t believe another year
- [A kingdom-minded business perspective on Christmas](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-kingdom-minded-business-perspective-on-christmas/) - There are many ways to say “Merry Christmas” or to give a Christmas greeting in the languages of the world. The greetings above represent “Merry Christmas” in most of the languages served by IBEC consultants. Despite cultural and linguistic differences there is one commonality – the Christ of Christmas! The continuity of Christ – from
- [Sustaining vision for an abundant life](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sustaining-vision-for-an-abundant-life/) - Entrepreneur and IBEC Board member, Dave Kier reflects on purpose in what we do. At this time of year, young entrepreneurs may wonder if all the work and uncertainty are worth it. They may be trying to live one day at a time, having lost the vision to “change the world”. The story that Dave
- [Part 2: Entrepreneurs, business developers...or both?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/part-2-entrepreneurs-business-developers-or-both/) - Last week Dave Kier surfaced the question of “Leadership” versus “Followership”. He drew a distinction between the founder (or entrepreneur) in a business and a manager. He talked about leaders and followers. In Part 2 of this theme we consider the importance of all types in the development of a Kingdom business team. Malcolm Gladwell
- [Part 1: Leadership and Followership](https://ibecventures.com/blog/part-1-leadership-and-followership/) - Again we share the insightful thoughts of entrepreneur David Kier, owner of DFS Feeds and an IBEC board member. His thoughtful wisdom reveals an important concern for Business as Mission start-ups: do we emphasis the entrepreneurial leader at the expense of the business builder? This is Part 1 of a two part series on the importance
- [Business as Mission: where social impact and profit...and much more...converge](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-where-social-impact-and-profit-and-much-more-converge/) - Some people find it confusing to read about socially conscious business, social entrepreneurship or values-driven business. Isn't business just business – driven by profit margins acceptable to shareholders? What’s all this talk of values, social impact and community development? For the past decade or so it has become increasingly popular to talk about social purposes,
- ["Football does not define me"](https://ibecventures.com/blog/football-does-not-define-me/) - Marcus Mariota of the Oregon Ducks football team has been much in the sports news the past two months. Last month he won the 2014 Heisman Trophy in a landslide and on January 12 he led the Ducks in the national championship game. There is no question he is a talented record-breaking all-star quarterback. But
- [Top reasons startups fail](https://ibecventures.com/blog/top-reasons-startups-fail/) - I am always intrigued with titles like this one I saw recently: The Top 20 Reasons Startups Fail. Why would I not be interested? We are in the startup business; and I don’t like failure; and it is the start of a new year! The study analyzed more than 101 startup post mortems for reasons
- [Five key elements of our purpose to keep in mind in 2015](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-key-elements-of-our-purpose-to-keep-in-mind-in-2015/) - IBEC’s purpose is to help build sustainable businesses through consultative expertise that changes lives and transforms communities. We help build! IBEC leadership and consultants are committed to partnering to get the job done. We want to work together in collaboration with other individuals and organizations – and we do. We help – we do not
- [Part 1: To bribe or not to bribe?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/part-1-to-bribe-or-not-to-bribe/) - To pay a bribe or not to pay a bribe? Is that really a question? Today I will expand on an important issue that I began in my February 1, 2015 blog, Ethics and integrity in cross cultural business. In it I referred to a rather lengthy document on the subject of ethics and integrity in
- [Don’t give up!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/dont-give-up/) - In recent months I have been in on several conversations with the owners of overseas kingdom business start ups who were discouraged – who were ready to give up. It is not easy to know if they need encouragement, or if they need a key resource they currently lack, or if they legitimately need to
- [God and Guinness?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/god-and-guinness/) - I enjoy reading the blogs of Paul Sohn, and the following can be found in its entirety in his blog, God and Guinness: The Missional Drink that Changed the World. I am quoting most of Sohn’s thoughts here with some modifications, not as an advocate of the Guinness drink, but as an example of what businesses can
- [Ethics and integrity in cross cultural business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ethics-and-integrity-in-cross-cultural-business/) - “Be wise and give serious thought to the way you live.” (King Solomon in Proverbs 23:19) The football season is over for another year but not without its accusations of cheating, scandal and ethical challenges. Such is true of all of life and especially in doing business internationally and cross culturally. Doing business ethically between
- [Is BAM disruptive innovation?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/is-bam-disruptive-innovation/) - I have recently been listening to Clay Christensen (Harvard Business School) describe his idea of disruptive innovation. He calls it a theory and has some amazing examples from the steel and auto industry, tech examples and even education. The definition below comes from Christensen’s website which I highly recommend. “Disruptive innovation, a term of art
- [What are we supposed to think and do about poverty?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-are-we-supposed-to-think-and-do-about-poverty/) - An indelible image in my mind while growing up in northern Canada was of grown men sleeping in our town’s Greyhound bus station with no place to go and nothing to eat. Years later while living in tropical Brazil our family saw poverty as we had never seen it before. As I have traveled the
- [Business ethics in action: let your light shine](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-ethics-in-action-let-your-light-shine/) - We have written some thoughts in recent blogs about ethics, corruption and bribery. Because IBEC serves businesses in countries that are the most corrupt in the world (see www.transparency.org), we hear stories like this from time to time. This story gives a glimpse of what it is like to make ethical decisions in the real-life
- [Have you found your TBO for 2015 yet?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/have-you-found-your-tbo-for-2015-yet/) - On Dec 29, 2014 I wrote about being on the lookout for that big opportunity, something retired Harvard Business School professor John Kotter calls The Big Opportunity (TBO). It is a window into a winning future that is realistic, emotionally compelling and memorable. In business it can be new markets, advances in technology, new products,
- [Part 2: To bribe or not to bribe?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/part-2-to-bribe-or-not-to-bribe/) - Last week I proposed the Noonan definition of a bribe as “an inducement improperly influencing the performance of a public function meant to be gratuitously exercised” (The History of Bribery). That definition then begs the question of what is proper and improper. Considering biblical culture and law, our own culture and law and the host culture
- [Incubators, accelerators and other resources for BAM businesses](https://ibecventures.com/blog/incubators-accelerators-and-other-resources-for-bam-businesses/) - Incubators, accelerators, business developers, startup weekends, coaches, consultants… Do these terms confuse you? Some people use these interchangeably; others make a distinction that’s important to them. Where do these business efforts fit in relation to a consulting group like IBEC? First, we define IBEC Ventures as a consulting group offering a variety of coaching, mentoring, training
- [Business? Yes! Mission? Yes!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-yes-mission-yes/) - Our blog content often focuses on business–related themes such as ethics, poverty, innovation, business leadership, management etc. But mission is also a fundamentally important part of a Kingdom business. IBEC helps start and grow businesses which become profitable and sustainable, create jobs and share the “Good News” of Jesus. Sometimes I get a little angry
- [Five things great entrepreneurs DON’T do](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-things-great-entrepreneurs-dont-do/) - Last week we listed six things entrepreneurs do and gave examples from Business As Mission (BAM) businesses we know. This week we will look at five things they do not do – in and out of the BAM world. Steve Tobak of Fox Business (and author of Real Leaders Don't Follow) suggests in a March
- [Do you have what it takes?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/do-you-have-what-it-takes/) - While on a recent flight I picked up the Spring 2015 issue of Startups magazine. An article by Marcia Layton Turner caught my eye: Get started: 12 signs you’ve got what it takes to start your own business. You can read the online version (12 Signs You Have an Entrepreneurial Mindset) in full on Entrepreneurs
- [BAM business failures - part 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-business-failures-part-1/) - I recently returned from a conference where I was speaking on themes related to BAM (Business as Mission). I shared some factual data, some principles and best practices and, of course, some successful case studies. I always welcome audience participation and one well-informed and experienced business man raised his hand and asked, “What about the
- [Mr. Hockey – what did he say about business?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/mr-hockey-what-did-he-say-about-business/) - Photo credit: Kris Krüg, some rights reserved. I just returned from a week in Alberta, Canada where ice hockey excitement ran high with Calgary winning the first round of the National Hockey League playoffs. It reminded me of my hockey days, playing minor hockey in Alberta, even playing in the Calgary Saddledome where the Calgary
- [An Alaskan mother; an Alaskan entrepreneur](https://ibecventures.com/blog/an-alaskan-mother-an-alaskan-entrepreneur/) - Yesterday was Mother’s Day. I always think about my mom who passed away 15 years ago; and I often remember my mother-in-law, who also is long gone from this life. I learned many things from my mother-in-law business owner. Doris was the founding owner of a seafood company in Kenai, Alaska. I worked for her
- [Crisis in Nepal: What would Jesus do? What should we do?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/crisis-in-nepal-what-would-jesus-do-what-should-we-do/) - I am writing this on an airplane while on my way to Phoenix to speak at a conference about Business as Mission. Also tonight my youngest daughter is flying to Nepal as part of a First Response Team for World Vision. Certainly the results of the earthquake there have produced a humanitarian crisis of gigantic
- [Five keys to the success of an IBEC consulting team](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-keys-to-the-success-of-an-ibec-consulting-team/) - On June 15, four IBEC consultants landed in Haiti’s capital and transferred to a small plane for the north coast of the country. From the landing in Port au Paix, we were transported into the north interior – a vast area of Haiti devastated by drought, famine, poverty and alienation. Our team was led be
- [How Jacob built his wealth](https://ibecventures.com/blog/how-jacob-built-his-wealth/) - This week's blog is written by a friend, Patrice Tsague founder and CEO of Nehemiah Project. He takes a story from the Bible and finds practical truths for starting a business which will build wealth. Whether the reader is starting something for the first time, or is a long time owner, this reminder from the
- [A job can save a life: it’s what Jesus would do!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-job-can-save-a-life-its-what-jesus-would-do/) - Last night I listened to an agronomist friend tell a story of an acquaintance of his who provides consultancy help to the filbert (hazelnut) industry in Turkey. My friend Dave graduated from Oregon State University and is also an expert in modern techniques of hazelnut production. Turkey produces about 75% of the world’s filbert crop.
- [Freedom business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/freedom-business/) - Last week Forbes Magazine published an interesting article by someone who partners with IBEC, Michelle Pride. IBEC’s Marcia Leahy is a member of the Freedom Business Alliance (FBA) and works with Michelle. Having met Michelle some years ago and highly valuing the work being done by Marcia and the FBA, I champion the progress Michelle is
- [BAM business failures - part 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-business-failures-part-2/) - Last week’s blog presented four reasons that I have observed for Kingdom business failures. These businesses were all in the high risk corridor in Africa and Asia (10 degrees to 40 degrees north of the equator). We talked about the business having the right person, being in the right place, with the right product and the
- [Let’s not forget Nepal so soon!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/lets-not-forget-nepal-so-soon/) - Have most of us forgotten Nepal already? Was it a blip on the screen of our TV’s and on the prayer lists of our churches? My TV news these days is full of news of forest fires in the West, shark attacks in the East and tornados in Mid-America. These are certainly important – and
- [Quilts and a question](https://ibecventures.com/blog/quilts-and-a-question/) - I just looked out my office window on this sunny day in mid-July. Our little town of 2,000 residents is swarming with about 10,000 tourists who have come to the largest outdoor quilt show in North America. It is amazing! Thousands of people; overweight dogs on leashes; women with gigantic handbags; a restored 1931 Model
- [6 things I learned in 6 days in Haiti](https://ibecventures.com/blog/6-things-i-learned-in-6-days-in-haiti/) - I had been in Haiti before and had even seen extreme poverty before, but I was reminded that we can always learn something new and sometimes we even need to re-learn things over and over again. 1. I learned that it is important to listen and observe before speaking. Even though our four-man team determined
- [WATER — or lack of it!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/water-or-lack-of-it/) - WATER! I never thought much about it. I was born and raised on Canada’s west coast with rainwater and lakes all around. I lived for 21 years in the Amazon rain forest! I suffered the rainy winters of Seattle for five years. I can see the snow pack on the Cascade mountains from where I
- [Critical clarity: customers and culture](https://ibecventures.com/blog/critical-clarity-customers-and-culture/) - I recently read a comment in Patrick Lai’s book, Business for Transformation – Getting Started. He said “before producing a product, ensure that you have customers first.” That got me thinking about culture and the key role it plays in any business endeavor. Culture is the values and practices shared by the members of group. The business
- [Recommended read: "Business for Transformation – Getting Started"](https://ibecventures.com/blog/recommended-read-quotbusiness-for-transformation-getting-startedquot/) - Patrick Lai is a thought leader and a proven BAM entrepreneur/practitioner of Business for Transformation (B4T), a term closely related to Business as Mission (BAM). In his second book, Business for Transformation – Getting Started, he talks about authentic businesses which are profitable and sustainable, create jobs, and bring people to follow Jesus. It is
- [Lessons from Microsoft @ 40](https://ibecventures.com/blog/lessons-from-microsoft-40/) - For sure there are many lessons from the 40-year history of Microsoft. Clearly they are a gigantic success and I will highlight just three lessons here in hopes they will provide insight for all of us in the startup world. I travel to and through Seattle quite often and took note recently of “Microsoft at
- [Leadership lessons for my grand kids – part 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/leadership-lessons-for-my-grand-kids-part-2/) - Last week I highlighted five principles of leadership I wanted to pass on to my grand kids. They apply to a profit-making business, not-for-profits, charities, a team and just about anything. This is Part 2. 1. Figure out how God made you and spend your life developing that. When I was in my twenties
- [Leadership lessons for my grand kids – part 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/leadership-lessons-for-my-grand-kids-part-1/) - I’ve been blessed with some incredible opportunities in life. While I regret not taking full advantage of all of them, I’m thankful for what God and others have taught me over the years about that which I have been called to do – run stuff! I’m also called to teach and to inspire others
- [Values: that which is worthy and important](https://ibecventures.com/blog/values-that-which-is-worthy-and-important/) - On a recent trip to Alaska, I visited the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, where we explored the several cultures of Alaskan first nations. We spoke to Eskimos from the far north, watched interpretive dance and heard stories which have lasted hundreds of years. One thing intrigued me – ten universal values of all
- [What is in a name?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-is-in-a-name/) - Mount McKinley (Denali) Names are important for many reasons. In late August I viewed Mt. McKinley in Alaska a couple of different times. Now it is no longer Mt. McKinley but Denali, which means “tall one” or “high one” by the local Athabascan native peoples. It was named Mt. McKinley by a prospector in 1896,
- [Freedom Business: a business that exists to fight human trafficking](https://ibecventures.com/blog/freedom-business-a-business-that-exists-to-fight-human-trafficking/) - Freedom Business: A business that exists to fight human trafficking Freedom Business Alliance exists to help Freedom Businesses succeed. IBEC is proud of our involvement in the Freedom Business Alliance (FBA) which was launched this year and has now developed its website. IBEC’s own Marcia Leahy is on the Core Leadership Team and IBEC is
- [Fulfillment at work](https://ibecventures.com/blog/fulfillment-at-work/) - Monday is Labor Day in the US and Canada, a national holiday that dates back to the 1880s. It has its roots in the labor movement and is celebrated in September in North America, distinct from most of the world which celebrates the International Workers Day on May 1. Our Christian faith has much to
- [7 best practices for BAM startups](https://ibecventures.com/blog/7-best-practices-for-bam-startups/) - Earlier this year I tried to consolidate the material that exists on the subject of ‘Best Practices for BAM Startups’. These seven items are not necessarily comprehensive and complete, but hopefully they will be a help to organizations and individuals starting down the pathway of Kingdom entrepreneurship. Work with an entrepreneur. Though such people
- [5 things that prove old dogs CAN learn new tricks](https://ibecventures.com/blog/5-things-that-prove-old-dogs-can-learn-new-tricks/) - You don't usually hear from me directly, but today I'm going to step out from behind my role as IBEC blog beautifier (and editor and social media marketing specialist) and let you in on a secret: Old dogs CAN learn new tricks! The proof is in the five new share buttons at the bottom of this
- [Reclaiming lives: a lighthouse in a dark place](https://ibecventures.com/blog/reclaiming-lives-a-lighthouse-in-a-dark-place/) - “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value” Albert Einstein A couple of weeks ago I wrote about values and outlined the values of IBEC Ventures. I believe that every business has values, but more than that – they should clearly articulate their values and seek to live by them
- [Five Essentials for Entrepreneurs in the Startup Phase](https://ibecventures.com/blog/five-essentials-for-entrepreneurs-in-the-startup-phase/) - Patrice Tsague, president of the Nehemiah Project is a gifted and experienced godly entrepreneur. He writes a weekly devotional which I appreciate very much. I thought this one was a good one to pass on to the IBEC readership. He shares Five Essentials for Entrepreneurs in the Startup Phrase. 1 These essentials provide a good start
- [Work – to the glory of God](https://ibecventures.com/blog/work-to-the-glory-of-god/) - “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31 NASB® Work when done for the glory of God changes everything. Do you believe that? For some, work is drudgery. We all know the person who comes to work not one minute early and can’t
- [Thanksgiving reflection: what a privilege!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/thanksgiving-reflection-what-a-privilege/) - As I think about this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I can't help but reflect upon how God has blessed me throughout my life. It certainly begs the question...Lord, how can I possibly begin to repay all the ways you continually bless me on a daily basis? Parents who have always been there for me, coupled with
- [Business as Mission for the rest of us](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-for-the-rest-of-us/) - Michael Baer has written another book following up on his 2006 Business as Mission: the Power of Business in the Kingdom of God. This time, in 2IC: Business as Mission for the Rest of Us, he clarifies that we all can – and should – be involved in Business as Mission. Even those who are not the
- [10 BAM agribusiness values that translate worldwide](https://ibecventures.com/blog/10-bam-agribusiness-values-that-translate-worldwide/) - I recently visited an interesting dairy farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Our friends knew that I had a farming background and loved good ice cream so after attending a cattle auction, we drove through the autumn countryside to the Lapp Valley Farms, a family owned business which produces milk and cream for a top quality
- [Honoring the past | embracing the future - Part 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/honoring-the-past-embracing-the-future-part-2/) - Earlier this week we cited developments in honor of the past year (2015) in IBEC’s growth and development. We thank God for those accomplishments and we now want to build upon them as we embrace 2016. Four months ago at our annual retreat we affirmed our purpose statement: We help build sustainable businesses through consultative
- [Honoring the past | embracing the future - Part 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/honoring-the-past-embracing-the-future-part-1/) - I was speaking at a large Christian university in the eastern USA last month and I saw a large engraving in one of the buildings, “Honor the past – Embrace the future”. Let’s do that as this week we honor this past year in IBEC’s life and next week we will embrace the future. “The
- [Unwrapping Christmas](https://ibecventures.com/blog/unwrapping-christmas/) - Have you ever set out to check on something only to discover that you should have known the answer? It just happened to me. I wanted to check all the countries were IBEC has served and see what their Christmas traditions were. Well, duh! From the beginning IBEC has tried to serve the most unreached
- [“King Cotton” and Kingdom agribusiness: what does the future hold?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/king-cotton-and-kingdom-agribusiness-what-does-the-future-hold/) - My wife and I, being true Northerners, had never observed cotton growing on a plantation until just recently. Those fuzzy bolls of soft cotton intrigued me to think about the history of cotton in America. Even though cotton had been grown in the South from colonial times, by the 1790’s rice, tobacco and indigo dominated
- [Triple Bottom Line #2: a BAM business creates jobs](https://ibecventures.com/blog/triple-bottom-line-2-a-bam-business-creates-jobs/) - Last week we began a three-part series on the Triple Bottom Line of Business as Mission (BAM).1 The first bottom line was that every business has a goal of profitability and sustainability. The second bottom line is the creation of value, particularly job creation. Mike Baer, in referencing the kingdom of God, understands that the
- [Triple Bottom Line #1: A BAM business will be profitable and sustainable](https://ibecventures.com/blog/triple-bottom-line-1-a-bam-business-will-be-profitable-and-sustainable/) - The Triple Bottom Line is a guiding force for the Business As Mission (BAM) movement. This is the first of a 3-part series briefly examining the meaning of each of the three bottom lines that drive BAM businesses, starting with Triple Bottom Line #1: The goal of a BAM business is to be profitable and
- [What is Business as Mission?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-is-business-as-mission/) - Many business professionals and church leaders today are hearing of the term “Business as Mission” (BAM). While there are many variances to a perfect definition, I like the expression of J.D. Greear of the Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC, “Christians in the marketplace today are able to gain access more easily to strategic, unreached places.
- [The power of a cause](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-power-of-a-cause/) - “Any business that just makes a profit is not a good business.” Henry Ford I was crossing the country on a long flight from Florida to Seattle recently and I picked up a copy of Fast Company magazine.1 The title is certainly not descriptive of my friends and me but I do enjoy the insights
- [Pabi – Employee of the Month at Purnaa company, Nepal](https://ibecventures.com/blog/pabi-employee-of-the-month-at-purnaa-company-nepal/) - IBEC has been a friend of Fair Flies since founder Jeff Coffey attended our seminars and got the vision for kingdom entrepreneurship. He was already a serial entrepreneur, but he saw how integrating faith and work was a wonderful way to bring new life in Jesus to those who have never heard. Check out this unique
- [Sneak peek: 8 new IBEC BAM video vignettes - Part 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sneak-peek-8-new-ibec-bam-video-vignettes-part-1/) - “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.” The ‘what’ is certainly important, but the ‘who’ – ‘Who’ we know and serve and ‘who’ we know and serve with – reveals more about each of us. As readers of this blog, we hope you are coming to know IBEC better, who we are all
- [11 travel tips for BAM globetrotters](https://ibecventures.com/blog/11-travel-tips-for-bam-globetrotters/) - Although Jesus instructed his disciples to travel light (Mark 6:8-9), he warned them to be prepared for challenges (Mark 6:10-11, Matthew 10:16)…and gave them power and authority to do the work they were called to do (Luke 9:1-3). I don’t claim to be an expert on travel tips, but I have picked up quite a few
- [Presidential wisdom](https://ibecventures.com/blog/presidential-wisdom/) - This is a presidential election year in the USA and this month of February is the month we remember two great presidents of yesteryear. Monday is Presidents’ Day, part way between the birth dates of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. We do not readily associate these successful political figures with business, but both were one-time
- [Triple Bottom Line #3: a BAM business seeks to make followers of Jesus](https://ibecventures.com/blog/triple-bottom-line-3-a-bam-business-seeks-to-make-followers-of-jesus/) - The last two blogs referred to two of the three bottom lines of Business as Mission (BAM): (1) profitability and sustainability and (2) the creation of value, particularly job creation. The third bottom line is the development of spiritual capital – making followers of Jesus. The concept of the Triple Bottom Line has been around
- [My business, my ministry - Part 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/my-business-my-ministry-part-2/) - Last week I shared the story of Michelle, a student in a course I taught last year at a graduate school in western Canada. She was transformed by the understanding of a theology of work and the concept that her work was her ministry. She had written me after the course saying that she had
- [My business, my ministry - Part 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/my-business-my-ministry-part-1/) - “Last night I gave the keys to my company over to its new CEO, Jesus Christ.” These were the words of Michelle, the co-founder and managing partner of a large recruitment firm in a Canadian capital city. Michelle had lived in several countries, travelled widely and owned several companies. Recently she was a nominee for
- [Sneak peek: 8 new IBEC BAM video vignettes - Part 3](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sneak-peek-8-new-ibec-bam-video-vignettes-part-3/) - Masterful. That's my one-word description of these last three videos from the newly released IBEC Business As Mission (BAM) video vignettes series. In less than three minutes each reveals the reality of God's heart for working in and through ordinary people, doing ordinary things with a supernatural difference. They inspire me to operate on a
- [Sneak peek: 8 new IBEC BAM video vignettes - Part 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sneak-peek-8-new-ibec-bam-video-vignettes-part-2/) - This week we're previewing three new power packed Business As Mission (BAM) video vignettes featuring one of the most visible couples in the BAM movement: Mats Tunehag and Jennifer Roemhildt Tunehag. Mats Tunehag is probably the world’s most prolific speaker and writer about BAM. He is currently Co-Chair of BAM Global (formerly the BAM Think Tank)
- [It matters who starts a startup](https://ibecventures.com/blog/it-matters-who-starts-a-startup/) - A recent congressional report by John Sopko, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) caught my attention. The report on costs of business startups in Afghanistan is “comically disastrous”. About $800 million was spent and almost nothing has been produced for it. As it turns out the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO)
- [6 principles I learned from BAM entrepreneurs - Part 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/6-principles-i-learned-from-bam-entrepreneurs-part-2/) - This week I'm pleased to introduce you to three more examples of cross cultural entrepreneurs who impacted others through the qualities they brought to their businesses. These three together with the three from last week's blog embody much of what it means to be a successful entrepreneur, BAM or otherwise. 1. He was a student
- [6 principles I learned from BAM entrepreneurs - Part 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/6-principles-i-learned-from-bam-entrepreneurs-part-1/) - I am a firm believer in models, examples and in observing closely the experiences of others. I have been consulting with entrepreneurs for ten years now and have learned much from them. These six things are among the many principles which have been observed in their lives while in the overseas marketplace. 1. He was
- [Leading with a founder's focus](https://ibecventures.com/blog/leading-with-a-founders-focus/) - This week we're pleased to bring you insights from a IBEC board member, Dave Kier who owns and operates DFS Feeds in northwest Iowa. He is a man of business excellence and experience, and also passion for bringing his faith to the workplace. As the second generation owner of this thriving business, Dave shares from
- [Lessons I learned from a risk taker - Part 2](https://ibecventures.com/blog/lessons-i-learned-from-a-risk-taker-part-2/) - An Alaskan seafood company provided me with my first real business management experience and its owner, Doris, with my first experience working for a risk taker and industry innovator. I've shared some of the many lessons I learned from her previously (An Alaskan mother, an Alaskan entrepreneur). Last week I shared a little known story
- [Business: to find or to create?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-to-find-or-to-create/) - I have been interested in gold panning for many years. The Cariboo Gold Rush took place not far from where I grew up in central British Columbia. Later, I panned for gold in Alaska. In every case I was unsuccessful – but I had fun anyway! Last week I visited the site of the first
- [Lessons I learned from a risk taker - Part 1](https://ibecventures.com/blog/lessons-i-learned-from-a-risk-taker-part-1/) - The word impossible is not in my dictionary. – Napoleon Bonaparte I was recently driving through Tucson, Arizona and decided to go out of my way and visit the famed airplane graveyard in the desert. Hundreds of planes are parked there because it is a safe, dry place. Many will never fly again but many
- [BAM and the end of poverty](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-and-the-end-of-poverty/) - An indelible image in my mind while growing up in northern Canada was of grown men sleeping in our town’s Greyhound bus station with no place to go and nothing to eat. Years later while living in tropical Brazil our family saw poverty as we had never seen it before. As I have traveled the
- [The best BAM resource library!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-best-bam-resource-library/) - It has been awhile since I have updated a list of resources for Business as Mission. However, Jo Plummer from the Business As Mission Resource Team at BusinessAsMission.com has done an excellent job putting this list of resources together. It includes videos, articles and papers, books, and links to events and training courses. I suggest
- [Opening doors to BAM jobs, internships and connections](https://ibecventures.com/blog/opening-doors-to-bam-jobs-internships-and-connections/) - As I travel around, teach in various colleges, and conduct seminars, I am often asked if I know of opportunities for getting involved in the BAM movement overseas with a job opportunity. It is a great question. There is nothing like seeing things first hand and being mentored by a BAM leader on site in
- [Reverse the view](https://ibecventures.com/blog/reverse-the-view/) - In the IBEC blog of June 6 entitled "A Kingdom Business - what is it?" I used a Kingdom business coffee company to illustrate four core components of a Kingdom business. The following is from Rick Buddemeier who serves as a cross-cultural analyst and trainer, helping IBEC business consultants and others to serve foreign companies
- [A Kingdom business - what is it?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-kingdom-business-what-is-it/) - I dropped into my favorite local coffee company this morning and ordered a small coffee of the day – dark roast – and a bran muffin. The smell of roasting coffee drifted through the surrounding pines taking my mind off of the chill of the 40-degree morning. A 1951 restored Chevy pickup was pulled up in front
- [A crisis of trust – guidelines for BAM owners (Part 2)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-crisis-of-trust-guidelines-for-bam-owners-part-2/) - Trust. Last week we looked at three concrete actions that business leaders can take to build trust within their organizations [A crisis of trust – guidelines for BAM owners (Part 1)]. We also looked at examples of Business As Missions (BAM) business owners I’ve worked with who applied these trust building behaviors in their companies:
- [A crisis of trust – guidelines for BAM owners (Part 1)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-crisis-of-trust-guidelines-for-bam-owners-part-1/) - “To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.” – George MacDonald In early 2016 I picked up a copy of the The Economist, entitled “The World in 2016”. An article on page 90 intrigued me entitled, “A Crisis of Trust” by Richard Eldelman.1 Mr. Edelman maintains that “trust – or, often, the lack
- [The desire to make a difference](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-desire-to-make-a-difference/) - I had just landed in Africa the night before, and although I had gone nearly 24 hours without sleep, I felt alive as we began our first day just outside the city of Nairobi. The energy level I felt as I got up and looked across the mist rising above the grassy plains seemed to
- [BAM startup team essentials](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-startup-team-essentials/) - “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” - Henry Ford Well known Italian entrepreneur, Ernesto Sirolli, stated in a TED Talk that nothing is ever built by just one person. God has never created anyone who can “…make it, sell it, and keep track of the money.” His point
- [In Celebration of Labor: The Value of a Good Day's Work](https://ibecventures.com/blog/in-celebration-of-labor-the-value-of-a-good-days-work/) - This is a reprint from The Christian Post of the article "In Celebration of Labor: The Value of a Good Day's Work.", by Chuck Colson. This commentary first aired on September 1, 2003. What does Labor Day mean? For most of us, it's nothing more than a welcome break from what we tend to see as "the daily
- [History of IBEC Failures](https://ibecventures.com/blog/history-of-ibec-failures/) - Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’ (George Santayana-1905). In a 1948 speech to the House of Commons, Winston Churchill changed the quote slightly when he said (paraphrased), ‘Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.’ I was recently cleaning up some physical files, when I ran
- [Wired for gold](https://ibecventures.com/blog/wired-for-gold/) - In August, Ashton Eaton won the Olympics decathlon gold medal for the second consecutive time, a feat not accomplished since 1984. He holds the world record in that event. How is it that a poor kid from a small town in central Oregon with no resident father could rise to be called the “World’s Greatest
- [Do you have clear KPIs for your Kingdom business?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/do-you-have-clear-kpis-for-your-kingdom-business/) - What if Jesus was your boss? What if he was the chairman of your board? What if you reported to him each month for your KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)? What would he expect that those KPIs would be? How would he measure how you are doing? A wise owner or manager continuously keeps his KPIs
- [BAM startups and the testing of fire](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-startups-and-the-testing-of-fire/) - “I delight in my insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 My wife and I have lived in central Oregon for the past six years. This small town of 2,000 inhabitants has been a peaceful place after living in Philadelphia for 17 years and in
- [A not-so-new leadership development policy](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-not-so-new-leadership-development-policy/) - IBEC Board of Directors member, Dave Kier, writes a daily devotional for his family, employees and others. I am fortunate to know him and to read his daily thoughts. He gave permission to reproduce this one from July 17, 2016. “Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he
- [Celebrating our first decade: the history of IBEC Ventures](https://ibecventures.com/blog/celebrating-our-first-decade-the-history-of-ibec-ventures/) - This week marks an important milestone for IBEC Ventures: we're celebrating our 10th anniversary as an organization! It was this week in 2006 that IBEC was formed. As we reflect on the many blessings we've experienced over these ten years, we wanted to share a bit about our history - to help you get to
- [Of seaways, roadways and businesses: finding the best way to the destination](https://ibecventures.com/blog/of-seaways-roadways-and-businesses-finding-the-best-way-to-the-destination/) - I have always taken an interest in roadways and ferry routes. I recently moved back to the Seattle, WA area (we lived there in the 1960s) and took the ferry across Puget Sound with some family members. The Washington State Ferry System is the largest in the USA and the 4th largest in the world.
- [Travel safety and security](https://ibecventures.com/blog/travel-safety-and-security/) - “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.” Psalms 118:8 IBEC consultants, coaches, Subject Matter Experts, friends, and clients are often in travel mode and find themselves in airports or in situations with less than desirable security standards. This may be a reminder of some of the things to
- [Finding fulfillment at work](https://ibecventures.com/blog/finding-fulfillment-at-work/) - Monday is Labor Day in the US and Canada, a national holiday that dates back to the 1880s. It has its roots in the labor movement and is celebrated in September in North America, distinct from most of the world which celebrates the International Workers Day on May 1. Our Christian faith has much to
- [Does crisis loom?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/does-crisis-loom/) - We all can remember a critical time in our business when things were not going well. Maybe even the future was in question. Maybe we were ready to give up. Maybe competitors or authorities were out to get us. We were anxious and tempted to act precipitously and quickly in the time of stress. This
- [Hooked on changing lives](https://ibecventures.com/blog/hooked-on-changing-lives/) - When I first met Ryan, he was entrenched in the mystical world of coding for a secret project. This secret project would supposedly change the world of media streaming. His team of software engineers worked diligently with no salary and no guarantees, only the promise of a significant payout when the project succeeded. I didn't
- [5 tips for achieving the triple bottom line](https://ibecventures.com/blog/5-tips-for-achieving-the-triple-bottom-line/) - What if you could create something with the power to stimulate a developing local economy, catalyze societal change, strengthen families, and spark spiritual transformation? That would be something, wouldn’t it? Enter the triple bottom line. That’s exactly what Business As Mission entrepreneurs are doing. When BAM entrepreneurs start socially conscious BAM businesses they're after more
- [Does GRIT explain the success of a BAM business?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/does-grit-explain-the-success-of-a-bam-business/) - You might think of the 1969 Western True Grit or the more recent 2010 remake of the John Wayne classic. Or you might think of grit in your teeth. This funny word, “grit” is getting new press lately with recent research and publication. When a TED talk on “Grit” gets over 8 million views, we
- [7 things we have learned in 10 years of BAM consulting](https://ibecventures.com/blog/7-things-we-have-learned-in-10-years-of-bam-consulting/) - As we celebrate IBEC's 10th anniversary, we share this reflection by Larry Sharp and Gary Willett, reprinted from Business As Mission Review, July 11, 2016: IBEC Ventures was incorporated in 2006 as a consulting group to provide consulting services primarily to Business as Missionstartups in areas where there is high unemployment, great injustice and where
- [Engaging in business in the Balkans](https://ibecventures.com/blog/engaging-in-business-in-the-balkans/) - In Luke 19: 11-27 Jesus clarifies that the Kingdom of God is not going to appear at once (v. 11). Instead, the parable of a noble man going “into a far country to receive for himself a Kingdom and then return” (v. 12) makes it clear what we should be doing while we wait for
- [An immigrant alien reflects on governments](https://ibecventures.com/blog/an-immigrant-alien-reflects-on-governments/) - I have lived outside my country of citizenship for most all of my adult life. I have been an alien; an immigrant! Nearly thirty of those years have been in the United States, where I now work, pay taxes and live peaceably with my American wife trying to serve the spiritually unreached and economically disadvantaged
- [Where there is life there is hope!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/where-there-is-life-there-is-hope/) - On the night of November 2 forty million Americans were glued to their TV sets, watching history in the making. That night the Chicago Cubs won baseball’s World Series in dramatic fashion. It has been 108 years since they had won that trophy. All the talk of a curse, the Billy goat theory and every
- [Kingdom business: to invest or not to invest?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/kingdom-business-to-invest-or-not-to-invest/) - This week I received an email from a client; the owner of a manufacturing plant in Asia. I have known the owners for more than eight years and visited them twice. I have appreciation for their business model, their commitment to the Quadruple Bottom Line and their personal values. The business has created jobs, proven
- [Wealth creation is God’s idea](https://ibecventures.com/blog/wealth-creation-is-gods-idea/) - In the current political milieu one hears various perspectives on economic issues – how to reduce unemployment; how do address poverty and injustice; how to keep America great economically – to name a few. Business is all about wealth creation as the means of improving individual lives, communities and nations. Wealth creation can be briefly
- [To resolve or not to resolve - that is the question!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/to-resolve-or-not-to-resolve-that-is-the-question/) - A University of Scranton study suggests that 25% of New Year's Resolution goals go by the wayside in the first week of the year and only 48% of people are sticking to them six months later. Only 8% actually achieve the goals during that year. I think that the New Year's resolutions tradition as we
- [Business is a gift](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-is-a-gift-2016/) - This month of December is a month for giving. We give gifts to each other; we reflect on the gift of Jesus to humanity; and we think about year-end giving to various charities. In mid-December Patrice Tsague, CEO of the Nehemiah Project proposed that business is a gift and he stated twenty reasons. If you
- ["It's Christmas Time in the City" ... and ...](https://ibecventures.com/blog/its-christmas-time-in-the-city-and/) - Can you hear the tune with this line from the famous, “Silver Bells” by Bing Crosby? Yes, it is Christmas time again – in the city – and in the country – and in most places in the Western world. But most of the world’s population does not live in the Western world – they
- [Lessons to be learned from Howard Schultz and Starbucks](https://ibecventures.com/blog/lessons-to-be-learned-from-howard-schultz-and-starbucks/) - This week I went Christmas shopping at Pike Place Market on Seattle’s waterfront. I stopped at the original Starbucks ® store to listen to a dressed-up Santa singing Christmas carols (note the original logo on this storefront which dates back to 1971). As I stopped to listen, the old Santa was singing “Joy to the
- [Social Issues as a Business as Mission opportunity](https://ibecventures.com/blog/social-issues-as-a-business-as-mission-opportunity/) - "Every single social and global issue of our day is a business opportunity in disguise..." – Peter Drucker While I was in business school, everyone drooled over the wisdom of Peter Drucker, and indeed his books are still read today. Let’s think about this quote from long ago. Followers of Jesus are often counseled
- [7 steps to situational awareness](https://ibecventures.com/blog/7-steps-to-situational-awareness/) - Situational Awareness is the ability to identify, process and understand critical pieces of information about what is happening with regard to the critical ‘mission’. Recent official reports of the cause of several aviation disasters have focused on ‘situational awareness’. In short, it means being aware of what is going on around you. For example, this
- [BAM preparation programs](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-preparation-programs/) - From time to time I am asked an important question. “I am interested in serving in a Kingdom business overseas, where can I go to prepare myself?” Some of the suggestions below are for those who are entrepreneurs, some are for others with a robust business background while others will be helpful to those with
- [Keep the big picture in mind](https://ibecventures.com/blog/keep-the-big-picture-in-mind/) - IBEC board member, Dave Kier is the owner of a sizable feed company in Iowa. He writes blogs like this for his employees five days a week. He is a wonderful example of a Kingdom business owner that keeps the Quadruple Bottom Line front and center. This writing of a few weeks ago reminds us
- [Who we are is why we win](https://ibecventures.com/blog/who-we-are-is-why-we-win/) - As I write this the University of Washington Husky football team is preparing to play the best college football team in the nation, Alabama's Crimson Tide, on New Year&'s eve. It is a daunting challenge. But the Huskies earned it, finishing #4 in the college voting and earning a playoff spot along with Alabama, Ohio
- [Proud parents: introducing IBEC’s new website](https://ibecventures.com/blog/proud-parents-introducing-ibecs-new-website/) - Beaming with pride and joy! That’s how we feel about introducing you to the new IBEC Ventures website. These proud parent feelings surprised me recently when I visited the new IBEC home page and paused to reflect on what I was seeing. There, before me, was a beautiful new creation, “fearfully and wonderfully made”, albeit
- [Focus on Nepal](https://ibecventures.com/blog/focus-on-nepal/) - Many times we are asked questions about where we work. Sometimes we cannot be specific due to client confidentiality, but basically the countries are in the northern half of Africa, and in South and East Asia. Nepal is one of those countries. It is a unique country but in many ways it is typical of
- [Kingdom entrepreneurial business - the best answer!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/kingdom-entrepreneurial-business-the-best-answer/) - The following is an extract from an article citing recent comments from Nobel Peace prize winner, Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank. Certainly job creation, poverty reduction and social enterprises which focus on the Quadruple Bottom Line (which includes making followers of Jesus) are foundational to Kingdom thinking and missional businesses. World's growing inequality
- [3 lessons from slack-key guitarists](https://ibecventures.com/blog/3-lessons-from-slack-key-guitarists/) - My wife and I just returned from a two-week vacation in Maui, our first visit to that nostalgic island. While there we attended a slack-key guitar concert, coordinated by Grammy-award winning artist, George Kahumoku, Jr. with guitarists Peter DeAquino and Kawika Kahiapo. We enjoyed classical Hawaiian music but also heard historical details of the music
- [IBEC's new BAM videos library](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibecs-new-bam-videos-library/) - If you have been following our weekly blogs over the past month, you have seen an overview of our new IBEC Ventures website and learned about our Clients, our Team and our Approach. The last section we would like to draw your attention to is the BAM Videos Library featuring some of the leading Business
- [IBEC's approach](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibecs-approach/) - An approach is defined as “the method used or steps taken in setting about a task, problem, etc.” IBEC’s approach is rooted in who we are: we are a business consulting group which helps build sustainable Kingdom businesses in areas of the world that are both economically impoverished and spiritually unreached. Kingdom businesses are profitable
- [Our Team: Business as Mission game changers and life changers](https://ibecventures.com/blog/our-team-business-as-mission-game-changers-and-life-changers/) - For a consulting/coaching group like IBEC, the team of consultants and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) is at the heart of what we do. These quality men and women with life experience in industry, culture, and life, with a wide range of business focus in the USA and abroad provide an asset to the Kingdom of
- [5 entrepreneurship lessons from Wilbur and Orville Wright](https://ibecventures.com/blog/5-entrepreneurship-lessons-from-wilbur-and-orville-wright/) - I recently traveled to Brazil which required a total of 48 hours in airports and on airplanes, so I bought David McCullough’s recent book The Wright Brothers and loaded it on my kindle. I thought I needed an old-fashioned story closer to my generational understanding. I had just designed curriculum for a West Coast university
- [10 Ben Franklin quotes for business owners](https://ibecventures.com/blog/10-ben-franklin-quotes-for-business-owners/) - Historian Richard Morris suggests that there are seven key Founding Fathers. Predictably they are John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Washington. If you are an entrepreneur or a business owner, you may identify most with Benjamin Franklin. Arguably he may have been the most successful inventor, entrepreneur
- [Sight for Souls – medicine as a business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/sight-for-souls-medicine-as-a-business/) - Not long ago, I was talking with Ken Leahy, former IBEC Director and board member. He was giving me an update on the for-profit Discovery Eye Institute (DEI) in Ethiopia (owned by Sight for Souls in the USA). Ken is the treasurer of DEI and along with Gwen Rapp provided IBEC consulting services for DEI.
- [Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - is it BAM?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-is-it-bam/) - Recently I watched a “60 Minutes”1 documentary describing the phenomenal rise of Chobani Yogurt to become the top selling yogurt brand in the United States. Founded in upstate New York in 2005 by Turkish immigrant Hamdi Ulukaya without outside investors, Chobani is a charming feel-good story of entrepreneurship. The story seems to have all the
- [Business as Mission – how about results?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-how-about-results/) - The facts of this story are real and true; but due to security issues, names have been changed. As I travel around the US and Canada, I am often asked, “are you seeing any results for all your work with Business as Mission?” In short what they are demanding is “Show me the money”. It
- [Serve Jesus where you are](https://ibecventures.com/blog/serve-jesus-where-you-are/) - Dave Kier is an IBEC Board member and CEO of DFS Feed in Iowa. He writes a daily devotional for his more than 200 employees. I am privileged to be allowed to read them; one of which is reproduced here with his permission. Feedback from a recent Business as Mission conference I attended revealed a
- [7 BAM startup principles contemplated while salmon fishing in Alaska](https://ibecventures.com/blog/7-bam-startup-principles-contemplated-while-salmon-fishing-in-alaska/) - I recently went fishing with my daughter in the Kenai river of south-central Alaska – first for king salmon, then for the famous sockeye (red) salmon. Fishing was slow so I began to contemplate parallels to the world of Business as Mission (BAM) startups. 1. Love what you are doing. There were maybe 50 men
- [What you should know before starting your business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-you-should-know-before-starting-your-business/) - I am teaching an on-line class in innovation and entrepreneurship this summer. While preparing for the class I came upon this article in LinkedIn by Betty Liu, Founder and CEO at Radiate, Inc.. For BAM startups, it seems to be a “must read.” Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com What You Should
- [Business as Mission changes lives](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-changes-lives/) - This is a true story but the names of the people and the places have been disguised for security reasons. Charvi is an Indian girl born into the largest red-light district in Asia. Her mother, Aashi, had been “trafficked” as a young woman and had been in the sex trade for many years. As a
- [Wealth Creation Manifesto](https://ibecventures.com/blog/wealth-creation-manifesto/) - Thankfully much is being written nowadays about the Theology of Work and how God, as the worker God, gives we humans the ability to create wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). The following “Wealth Creation Manifesto” was created by the Lausanne Movement and BAM Global and it helps us to understand how work is ordained of God and
- [7 things we have learned in over 10 years of BAM consulting](https://ibecventures.com/blog/7-things-we-have-learned-in-over-10-years-of-bam-consulting/) - Having recently met as an IBEC leadership team to cast vision for the years ahead, we also took time to look back and reflect on the things we've learned over our 11-year history. We continue to be humbled to see God at work and share this retrospective from Larry Sharp and Gary Willett, reprinted from
- [3 dangers for owners/managers attempting Business as Mission](https://ibecventures.com/blog/3-dangers-for-owners-managers-attempting-business-as-mission/) - I have been visiting, observing and providing consulting services to cross-cultural businesses proclaiming to be authentic missional businesses for more than ten years. I have observed three dangers for those leading such businesses. First, what is a missional business? In 2016 I wrote the following on this blog site: A Kingdom business can be defined
- [Business as Mission (BAM) training](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-bam-training/) - On August 21, 2017 the naval vessel USS John S. McClain collided with a merchant ship with several fatalities; this was the second of two similar events in two months. I found the comments by retired Navy captain and current defense analyst, Jerry Hendrix to be informative. He said the cause can be traced to
- [9 ways that IBEC Ventures is unique](https://ibecventures.com/blog/9-ways-that-ibec-ventures-is-unique/) - This is an important question for any organization, not only for internal management purposes, but also to insure we serve the client well. What do we have that may be unique as we seek to meet client and customer needs? The question was asked of 21 consultants attending a 3-day training session in Kansas City
- [Socially conscious business and Business as Mission – what’s the difference?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/socially-conscious-business-and-business-as-mission-whats-the-difference/) - Many terms surround the space in which IBEC works; terms such as socially conscious business, Business as Mission (BAM), social enterprise, Business for Transformation (B4T), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Benefit Corporation among others. The following grid is far from perfect, but perhaps will help a little in creating some understanding. I welcome your comments. Socially
- [Freedom through business: hold fast to your dreams](https://ibecventures.com/blog/freedom-through-business-hold-fast-to-your-dreams/) - The following is a report by international BAM spokesperson, Mats Tunehag. He reproduces a speech by the founder and CEO of a freedom business, Annie Dieselberg. IBEC partners with the Freedom Business Alliance and this article breathes insight and inspiration into several issues in the BAM movement and especially developing freedom businesses. IBEC partners with
- [17 entrepreneurship points to ponder and practice](https://ibecventures.com/blog/17-entrepreneurship-points-to-ponder-and-practice/) - This past summer I taught a university course in entrepreneurship. I love to use videos of the great entrepreneurs and thought leaders of our time. Here are seventeen quotes from some of those we studied.1 "First get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the
- [All startups need tugboat help!](https://ibecventures.com/blog/all-startups-need-tugboat-help/) - On September 22 I watched the 66,000 ton cargo ship OOCL San Francisco proceed slowly into the Seattle unloading dock. Within 24 hours this gigantic container ship would unload its tonnage and head back to sea. As I watched this giant 909-foot ship slowly edge toward to the docks I noticed two tiny, but powerful
- [5 ways Business as Mission may mirror the Protestant Reformation](https://ibecventures.com/blog/5-ways-business-as-mission-may-mirror-the-protestant-reformation/) - Protestant churches around the world will be remembering Martin Luther and the tenants of the Reformation this month as October 31 commemorates 500 years since Luther nailed his Theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle in 1517. Most of us would probably find it difficult to come up with more than two or three of
- [Jobs as justice](https://ibecventures.com/blog/jobs-as-justice/) - For some years I taught at a graduate school on the West Coast. I note that they now have a Master’s degree in Justice with courses such as Theological Foundations, Social Justice, The History of Justice and similar topics. I also note the content of entire conferences on Christian justice with themes related to chasing
- [The Barnhart Crane and Rigging story: safeguards for BAM entrepreneurs and owners](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-barnhart-crane-and-rigging-story-safeguards-for-bam-entrepreneurs-and-owners/) - This week I was walking through Magnuson Park along Lake Washington in Seattle, when I came upon some heavy equipment – really heavy equipment - marked “Barnhart”. The largest vehicle there carried a crane capable of lifting 550 tons; that’s roughly equivalent of 275 of my Toyotas, or the weight of two of the largest
- [Remembering the goodness of God](https://ibecventures.com/blog/remembering-the-goodness-of-god/) - As we begin this week of celebrating Thanksgiving in the U.S., I'm thankful for my friend Doug Nichols for sharing these 20 verses and thankful for the freedom to share a few of the things we at IBEC Ventures are grateful for. Blessings over you and your families as we reflect on God's goodness. 1.
- [Predictors for BAM company impact](https://ibecventures.com/blog/predictors-for-bam-company-impact/) - There is considerable interest these days in measuring the impact of Business as Mission (BAM) companies. Is the theory of BAM something that will contribute to the intended results? How are individual BAM companies doing when compared to the quadruple bottom line? What makes for success?Researcher and economist, Steve Rundle reported at the BAM Conference
- [Beware of unintended consequences in missional business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/beware-of-unintended-consequences-in-missional-business/) - In September 2017, Seattle’s Amazon corporation announced its intent to open a second headquarters projected to be even larger than the one in Seattle. This set off a scramble of fifty cities trying to lure the tech giant to their ‘neck of the woods”. But it made me wonder if these cities have considered the
- [How the Christ of Christmas stimulated Kingdom business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/how-the-christ-of-christmas-stimulated-kingdom-business/) - Christians look at the annual celebration of Christmas with fond memories of the incarnation of Jesus, who as the son of God came as the Savior of the world. Such Good News is stated in and lived out throughout the New Testament. While the simple meaning of this precious time in history has been diluted
- [Business is a gift](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-is-a-gift/) - This month of December is a month for giving. We give gifts to each other; we reflect on the gift of Jesus to humanity; and we think about year-end giving to various charities. Patrice Tsague, CEO of the Nehemiah Project proposed that business is a gift and he stated twenty reasons. If you agree, we
- [Job opportunities in BAM](https://ibecventures.com/blog/job-opportunities-in-bam/) - I am often asked if there are places in the world of Business as Mission (BAM) for internships, job opportunities, for those who are not true entrepreneurs or founders. The best BAM website out there may be Business As Mission's (www.businessasmission.com) and this recent list of job opportunities will interest many of our readers. The
- [Work must be celebrated in the Church](https://ibecventures.com/blog/work-must-be-celebrated-in-the-church/) - I sat across the breakfast table in a downtown restaurant talking to an attorney who owned a sizable law firm. He was a leader in a large evangelical church which was familiar to me. I had been introduced to him by a friend and we had a good conversation about what God is doing around
- [Explaining Business as Mission in 1 minute…or 7 words or less](https://ibecventures.com/blog/explaining-business-as-mission-in-1-minuteor-7-words-or-less/) - At the church we attend, there is a “minute” each Sunday when we introduce ourselves to someone we don’t know yet. This morning the person beside me asked what I did and I had a minute to tell him about IBEC.Of course, I do have my “elevator speech” which goes something like this: I work
- [Is your Kingdom business one of the “Best Places to Work”?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/is-your-kingdom-business-one-of-the-best-places-to-work/) - “If you are not investing in your employees, there’s really not much more to invest in. People are first and foremost at PSE,” says Kimberly Harris, CEO of Puget Sound Energy I am always curious when the latest study comes out on “Best Places to Work”. Seattle Magazine1 came out with its latest study in
- [Emotional intelligence and success in business](https://ibecventures.com/blog/emotional-intelligence-and-success-in-business/) - There are many metaphors in life which provide models for business, both here in North America and in Kingdom businesses abroad. The recent football season and Super Bowl win for the Philadelphia Eagles provides such a “how to” model for success. My family lived in Philadelphia for 17 years but were not privileged to view
- [Make your meetings strategic](https://ibecventures.com/blog/make-your-meetings-strategic/) - Matthew Todd is a new IBEC consultant, who has owned his own company and now provides consulting help to other companies. He used the following in one of his communications last August. Strategic communication begins and ends at the very top of the organization. The leadership teams of the companies I work with, when asked
- [And God created the peanut](https://ibecventures.com/blog/and-god-created-the-peanut/) - IBEC Board member, Dave Kier writes a regular devotional for his employees. He has proven God to be faithful and a constant guide in building his feed company in western Iowa. In this memo from a couple of months ago, he shares how he learned from another man of God, George Washington Carver. “It is
- [Kingdom business practitioner: Had a campfire talk lately?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/kingdom-business-practitioner-had-a-campfire-talk-lately/) - Last Thursday I attended a FoundersLive.com event on Capitol Hill in Seattle. I am not used to hobnobbing with 200 entrepreneurs in one room, but I was there to learn and to see how some of them presented their pitch to the audience. Founders Live is an global community and social platform for entrepreneurs to
- [Fulfilling Jesus’ two “Greats”](https://ibecventures.com/blog/fulfilling-jesus-two-greats/) - As we celebrate the resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ, we reflect on his words to us before his death, often referred to as The Great Commandment and the Great Commission. The Great Commandment “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
- [What is your role in Business as Mission?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-is-your-role-in-business-as-mission/) - Recently I taught a session on Business as Mission at a conference in Portland, Oregon. About 60 attended. I used several videos to tell the story of how God uses Business as Mission to accomplish his purpose in the world. The videos demonstrate how Kingdom for-profit businesses make a difference by creating jobs and making
- [The ultimate startup guide](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-ultimate-startup-guide/) - The Winter 2017/2018 issue of Inc. Magazine’s cover story was entitled, “The Ultimate Startup Guide”. It was sub-titled “21 pages of wisdom gained the hard way by successful founders”. I couldn’t resist buying it in the Palm Beach International airport. The article was entitled The First 90 Days and was billed as a checklist of
- [What do Kingdom investors say and want?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-do-kingdom-investors-say-and-want/) - A recent meeting of “Great Commission Companies” in Nepal invited practitioners and investors from other south Asia countries to share insights on issues related to investing in Kingdom companies. IBEC has coached and consulted with several companies in Nepal and we maintain a keen interest and involvement in that country. The group in Nepal uses
- [Child human trafficking – a short definition of this dehumanized state](https://ibecventures.com/blog/child-human-trafficking-a-short-definition-of-this-dehumanized-state/) - Part 1 of a 3-part series on human slavery and freedom business The worldwide human trafficking industry today conservatively estimates 40 million victims. It is organized crime, second in size to drug trafficking. There are more slaves today on earth than ever before, albeit with a different dehumanizing face than the slave trade, or the
- [Trafficked humans: rescue – restore – reintegrate](https://ibecventures.com/blog/trafficked-humans-rescue-restore-reintegrate/) - Part 2 of a 3-part series on human slavery and freedom business “Do I really deserve love and care?” blurted twelve-year-old Dara as she looked at the teddy bear and the note attached to it. It was the first time she had been told something like this, and the first time she had ever been
- [Three freedom businesses – a mini case study](https://ibecventures.com/blog/three-freedom-businesses-a-mini-case-study/) - Part 3 of a 3-part series on human slavery and freedom business Last week we stated that the vital re-integration element for addressing the problem of human trafficking, particularly sex slavery, is an important complement to rescue and restoration. While in Cambodia recently we interviewed and observed seven businesses which were working hard to develop
- [Three qualities of the best companies to work for](https://ibecventures.com/blog/three-qualities-of-the-best-companies-to-work-for/) - The cover article of the March 2018 Fortune magazine is entitled “100 Best Companies to Work for in 2018.” I am always curious to know why a company is selected. I decided to take notes on the top 25 and consolidate my notes into the “most often mentioned” reasons why a company is in the
- [Seven ways to insure your customer feels he is king (or she is queen)](https://ibecventures.com/blog/seven-ways-to-insure-your-customer-feels-he-is-king-or-she-is-queen/) - I ran across the old German adage, “The customer is king” while preparing for a university class I teach on innovation and entrepreneurship. While it is true that understanding the customer is much more complex than a generation ago, and the metaphor may be a tired one, it is increasingly accurate today. Professor Robert C.
- [IBEC re-posts on the top Business As Mission website](https://ibecventures.com/blog/ibec-re-posts-on-the-top-business-as-mission-website/) - I find it curious and interesting to know what others consider to be important. One of the ways I try to understand that curiosity is by considering requests for re-posting items which have originated on the IBEC Blog. Business As Mission is probably the most read BAM website out there and within the last six
- [The most successful sports business start-up of all time – 4 reasons why](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-most-successful-sports-business-start-up-of-all-time-4-reasons-why/) - A start-up is a fledgling business enterprise. The American Heritage Dictionary suggests it is “a business or undertaking that has recently begun operation.” A start-up is a company working to solve a problem where the solution is not obvious and success is not guaranteed,” says Neil Blumenthal, cofounder and co-CEO of Warby Parker. IBEC has
- [Business As Mission metrics in Togo, West Africa](https://ibecventures.com/blog/business-as-mission-metrics-in-togo-west-africa/) - As I sat down at my computer to write a blog about Business As Mission metrics using some grids from my university class on business startups, I opened a letter from a friend living in Togo, West Africa. It was passed on to me by IBEC consultant Rick Buddemeier. I realized that here was a
- [“Let freedom ring” for victims on this Independence Day](https://ibecventures.com/blog/let-freedom-ring-for-victims-on-this-independence-day/) - I recently received a memo from a former employee who married and went with her husband to Asia to start a business in the red-light district of a major city. The value proposition was to provide baked goods and gourmet coffee to the international market by training and hiring employees coming out of the trafficking
- [Important stakeholders for a BAM startup](https://ibecventures.com/blog/important-stakeholders-for-a-bam-startup/) - This reprint from the Business As Mission website is an important reminder of the important stakeholders for kingdom startups. Each should be recognized and served with excellence and integrity. We asked a team of BAM experts to give some practical advice for BAM practitioners creating business plans. For this post we asked them about key
- [Entrepreneurial principles observed in three elementary school girls](https://ibecventures.com/blog/entrepreneurial-principles-observed-in-three-elementary-school-girls/) - Yesterday on my daily walk, I rounded a corner to the sound of a young girl playing her guitar. She wasn’t bad for a 10-year-old so I crossed the road to listen more closely and found her two younger sisters busy selling their product – homemade cookies. I doubt that they understood the term “lean
- [The World Cup and missional business: what can we learn?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/the-world-cup-and-missional-business-what-can-we-learn/) - The World Cup is played every four years and is probably the only sporting event that truly enraptures the entire world; and it is “football” at its best. Nations big and small prepare to compete for a chance to be on the big stage. Soccer powerhouses like Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Spain, and France, are
- [What does the Bible say about work?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/what-does-the-bible-say-about-work/) - A couple of weeks ago I had coffee with Al, who has been involved with the Theology of Work project. Their group has produced many helpful tools which demonstrate the value that God places on work – not only for God Himself but for all of His creation. The following is from the Theology of Work
- [New doors for prospective IBEC clients](https://ibecventures.com/blog/new-doors-for-prospective-ibec-clients/) - Last week we introduced you to our “new baby” – the new IBEC Ventures website. This week I have the pleasure of showing off one of my favorite parts of the website: the Clients area! Clients are the reason that IBEC exists. Helping prospective IBEC clients find us and quickly connect with us is the
- [May 1: International Workers’ Day – or International Customers' Day?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/may-1-international-workers-day-or-international-customers-day/) - May 1 is considered Labor Day in most every country in the world. With its roots in the labor movement in the late 19th Century, the day commemorates the world’s workers with celebration and holiday. While it certainly is important to celebrate the historic gains made by the world’s workers as well as the more
- [5 tips for long term survival and success in high risk countries](https://ibecventures.com/blog/5-tips-for-long-term-survival-and-success-in-high-risk-countries/) - I just spent a week with several business owners and humanitarian workers who work in a high risk country. 1 I marveled at their commitment, perseverance, competence and productivity in their chosen calling. Many were business people while others university professors and medical professionals. 1. Pray and Trust. One veterinarian stated it this way. “We are
- [Patrick Lencioni’s 3 essential virtues of a team player](https://ibecventures.com/blog/patrick-lencionis-3-essential-virtues-of-a-team-player/) - The other day I was on my walk in Magnuson Park near our place in Seattle. The park has sizable wetlands and I have been enjoying seeing various kinds of ducks and geese in typical spring activities. There are ducks such as Buffleheads, Scaups, Grebes, Coots, Wigeons, Goldeneyes, and Mallards. And there is the Canada
- [Social enterprise, Cadbury chocolate Easter eggs and followers of Jesus](https://ibecventures.com/blog/social-enterprise-cadbury-chocolate-easter-eggs-and-followers-of-jesus/) - The National Retail Federation estimates that $17.3 Billion will be spent in the US on Easter this year and $2.3 Billion of that will be on candy, mostly chocolate. Overall chocolate sales increased 24% in the 5-year period 2009-2014. Yes, candy is big in America and chocolate is big. And chocolate reigns supreme at Easter
- [12 daily habits of an exceptional leader](https://ibecventures.com/blog/12-daily-habits-of-an-exceptional-leader/) - "Everyone wins when a leader gets better" - Bill Hybels Have you every read a blog or an article and you say, "I wish I had written that!" Well, this is one for me. I immediately thought I would pass it on, even in a world where it seems everyone has something to say about
- [Bill Gates' advice to graduates: 3 fields and 3 important things](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bill-gates-advice-to-graduates-3-fields-and-3-important-things/) - It is graduation time in America – first college and then high school. In an age where it is all too common to tell grads that they can do whatever they set out to do, and other “sweet nothings”, Bill Gates recently tweeted some no-nonsense advice to new graduates (May, 15 on his Twitter page:
- [Founders Imports: moving from the sideline to the goal line](https://ibecventures.com/blog/founders-imports-moving-from-the-sideline-to-the-goal-line/) - Bob Bush is the Managing Director of IBEC and writes about one of the projects where he serves as a consultant. We continually thank God not only for clients like Founders Imports but the coaches and consultants who serve them. Founders Imports (foundersimports.com) is a perfect example of what can happen when a family comes
- [What's your gold thread?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/whats-your-gold-thread/) - This week I received an update phone call from the Director of IBEC, Robert Bush. Among the various topics, he made reference to a conversation he had with a "friendly competitor". I knew the individual and considered him certainly friendly, but I had not given the notion of competition much thought. As I reflected on
- [BAM startup wisdom: go with a guide](https://ibecventures.com/blog/bam-startup-wisdom-go-with-a-guide/) - Because of my penchant for hiking I was intrigued to read recently about the hiking couple who spent 47 days stranded in a canyon in the Himalayas. The 20-year old Taiwanese man was rescued, surviving on salt and water after his food ran out 5 weeks earlier; he had lost 66 pounds. However, his unfortunate
- [5 positive things about being 2nd in command](https://ibecventures.com/blog/5-positive-things-about-being-2nd-in-command/) - Business as Mission (BAM) narratives oftentimes focus on the founder or the entrepreneur credited with the initial startup leadership; and rightly so; but sometimes the real reason for success may rest with the #2 or #3 person. Sometimes key success factors can be traced to the “second in command”. Since graduating with a business degree
- [Is Business as Mission disruptive innovation?](https://ibecventures.com/blog/is-business-as-mission-disruptive-innovation/) - A disruptive innovation is an innovation that creates a new market and value network and eventually disrupts an existing market and value network, displacing established market leading firms, products and alliances. The term was defined and phenomenon analyzed by Clayton M. Christensen beginning in 1995.1 As a reminder, Business as Mission (BAM) at its core
- [A tale of two poultry farms](https://ibecventures.com/blog/a-tale-of-two-poultry-farms/) - Trivia Question: What do these countries have in common: Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro, South Sudan and East Timor? Answer: All are new countries since 2000! And the newest of them is South Sudan which is also the poorest. Imagine this landlocked country with 12.2 million people (and 60 major ethnic groups), newly independent in 2011,
- [Wealth Creation Manifesto](https://ibecventures.com/blog/wealth-creation-manifesto-2018/) - Last week we highlighted many scriptures referring to work as an important God-ordained institution. The Wealth Creation Manifesto is another way of representing the importance of work in addressing poverty and obedience to God’s intent. Mats Tunehag has been friend of IBEC and some of his videos are on our website. He is also one

## Pages

- [Home](https://ibecventures.com/) - What does IBEC do for you? • We offer a pathway toward (tangible steps) a successful, sustainable Kingdom business• We come alongside you with a team of specialists to support you on your business growth journey• We give you access to a global network of tactical resources to help support your growth If you're interested in
- [Donate](https://ibecventures.com/donate/) - Donate Donate Donors enable IBEC’s expertise and resources to be used by a broader group of clients, for greater Kingdom impact. You can contribute to IBEC’s on-going advancement into unreached communities, making a difference in the lives of those who need our help.IBEC Ventures is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in Pennsylvania. All donations of
- [Team](https://ibecventures.com/team/) - Team Passionate BAM experts We are a team of highly gifted and trained leaders who have experienced tremendous success at what we do. We now enjoy the opportunity to share our expertise and talents with others trying to make a real difference in the world through Business as Mission (BAM). Our consulting team consists of seasoned
- [Donate - BAM Business Support Fund](https://ibecventures.com/donate-bam-business-support-fund/) - Triventure BAM BusinessSupport Relief Fund Sponsorship Triventure BAM Business Support Relief Fund Sponsorship Building Kingdom Businesses is not easy. Triventure was created to address three critical success factors including training/equipping, coaching/consulting, and capital investment. Expertise is now available in each of these areas through Triventure, as this proven formula focuses on the creation of jobs
- [Contact](https://ibecventures.com/contact/) - Contact Get in touch Our International Office 1050 River RoadWashington Crossing, PA 18977 Robert Bush robert.bush@ibecventures.com IBEC Ventures is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in Pennsylvania. All donations made to IBEC Ventures are tax deductible. Say Hello!
- [Books](https://ibecventures.com/books/) - Books Check Out These 2 New Releases Today...BAM Books That Are Truly Making a Difference! Order Yours NOW! Missions Disrupted Click Here to Order! The Steward Investor Click Here to Order!
- [Resources Team Zone](https://ibecventures.com/resources-team-zone/) - Training & Resource Library Training & Resource Library Welcome to the IBEC Team Zone! This is our private (by invitation only) website for IBEC consultants and subject matter experts. In the IBEC Team Zone, you'll find training and resources to help you serve your IBEC clients more effectively and efficiently. Our goal is to provide
- [Videos](https://ibecventures.com/videos/) - Videos Introduction to IBEC Ventures Introduction to IBEC Ventures BAM Capital + Program IBEC Coaches...Difference-makers for the Kingdom IBEC BAMtalks BAM Street: by Mats Tunehag BUSINESS LIKE BACH: by Mats Tunehag MY BUSINESS IS MY MINISTRY: by Larry Sharp DO BUSINESS UNTIL I COME: by John Warton FREEDOM BUSINESS: by Jennifer Tunehag EMPLOYMENT CRISIS: by
- [Podcasts](https://ibecventures.com/podcast/) - BAM Podcast Listen Now... More BAM Wisdom Larry Sharp, PhD, shares more BAM Wisdom in part 1 of 2 episodes this month. This conversation focuses on having a strong foundation and clear purpose, if you want to do more than just get by. Larry is a respected teacher, professor, BAM Coach, sits on the board
- [About Us](https://ibecventures.com/about/) - About Us Serving the BAM community since 2006 Our Purpose: IBEC helps build sustainable businesses through consultative expertise that changes lives and transforms communities.Our Vision: We envision an increasing number of Small-Medium sustainable Kingdom businesses with our special emphasis on areas that are both economically impoverished and spiritually unreached.Our Values: IBEC serves businesses, organizations and individuals seeking to make BAM (Business
- [Our Approach](https://ibecventures.com/our-approach/) - Our Approach Practical, proven BAM services More than a decade in the Business As Mission (BAM) consulting and education business has prepared IBEC Ventures to provide proven, practical, value-enhancing services tailored to your organization’s unique needs. Our experience working with nationals and expatriates at various stages of planning for and managing BAM businesses helps us quickly zero in
- [Consultant Training](https://ibecventures.com/consultant-training/) - Consultant Training IBEC Consultants Training and Resources IBEC CONSULTANTS TRAINING PROGRAM New and veteran IBEC consultants and SMEs join our team with extensive business and industry expertise, and a heart for serving BAM business entrepreneurs. With that as a great foundation, we augment their expertise with the IBEC Consultants Training Program – to equip
- [Our Teams Experience](https://ibecventures.com/our-teams-experience/) - Our Team's Experience Our Team's Experience Functional Experience Our team consists of working and retired professionals who specialize in accounting, legal advice, sales and marketing, strategic business development, operations, engineering, IT and other business functions… individuals who have a relentless passion and desire to serve God’s Kingdom through business. The have worked in a
- [Clients Christian Colleges](https://ibecventures.com/clients-christian-colleges/) - Clients Christian colleges and universities Equipping students to pursue Business As Mission Client Profile Do you want to incorporate Business As Mission (BAM), Business For Transformation (B4T) and Faith in the Workplace in your curriculum? Do you lack the resources or expertise to develop it or to deliver it to your students? Do you
- [Clients Churches](https://ibecventures.com/clients-churches/) - Clients Churches Activating business people to use their gifts for Kingdom building Client Profile Do you believe that God's Word and His ministry is not just a Sunday event – rather, it’s a 24/7 opportunity and responsibility for His people to make disciples of Jesus in their daily lives? Do you want to awaken
- [Clients Faith Based](https://ibecventures.com/clients-faith-based/) - Clients Faith-based non-governmental organizations and agencies Seeking to equip workers to build Business As Mission (BAM) businesses Client Profile As a non-governmental organization (NGO) or agency, are you seeking to equip your workers to develop sustainable BAM businesses?Is your leadership team looking at ways to make BAM, B4T, or Social Entrepreneurship a central part of
- [Clients Expatriate](https://ibecventures.com/clients-expatriate/) - Clients Expatriate employees Seeking to impact their communities while working overseas Client Profile Are you employed as an expat in a foreign community? Are you preparing to be transferred overseas by your company? Do you have a desire to combine your work and your faith in this overseas position? Do you need help using
- [Clients North America](https://ibecventures.com/clients-north-america/) - Clients North American businesses expanding overseas Seeking to grow their business and the Kingdom Client Profile Are you considering expanding your North American-based business overseas? Would an overseas operation enhance your business model and help it to be more profitable and successful? Could your current business provide jobs for people in underdeveloped communities? Do
- [Clients Overseas](https://ibecventures.com/clients-overseas/) - Clients Overseas startups and established businesses Expatriates and nationals building community-impacting Business as a Mission (BAM) businesses Client Profile Do you live in a country and a community that needs quality jobs, sustainable economic opportunities and spiritual transformation? Are you considering starting a new business using a BAM model focused on the triple or
- [Amenities](https://ibecventures.com/amenities/) - Amenities Augue Velit Cursus Nunc, Quis Gravida Magna Mi A Libero. THE SPACES Sed Consequat, Leo Eget Bibendum Sodales, Augue Velit Cursus Nunc, Quis Gravida Magna Mi A Libero. Work Floor Quis Gravida Magna Mi A Libero. Kitchen Quis Gravida Magna Mi A Libero. Conference Room Quis Gravida Magna Mi A Libero. WHAT WE HAVE
- [Countries](https://ibecventures.com/countries/) - Countries Countries of Operation IBEC Ventures has been involved all over the globe, operating in countries spanning four continents, including China, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Bosnia, India, Haiti, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Senegal, Thailand, Morocco, Mexico, Cambodia, Philippines, Panama, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Kenya, South Sudan, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
- [Clients](https://ibecventures.com/clients/) - Clients Kingdom builders through business IBEC serves businesses, organizations and individuals seeking to make Business As Mission (BAM) and the quadruple bottom line a central part of their personal and organizational strategy for impacting the Kingdom of God. With a quadruple bottom line focus, our clients pursue business in order to impact people and communities with this
- [Blog](https://ibecventures.com/blog/) - BLOG
- [Endorsements](https://ibecventures.com/endorsements/) - Endorsements What Others Are Saying... “In considering what it will take to reach the last unreached people groups, we agreed that business would be the spearhead… I think the services of IBEC Ventures are so needed.” Durwood Snead | Director of globalX | North Point Community Church, Alpharetta, GA “IBEC’s consultants have been magnificent in working with our BAM teams –
- [Process](https://ibecventures.com/process/) - Process Our Process At IBEC Ventures, we assist entrepreneurs committed to creating Values Based Businesses in all phases of the venture process – from identifying viable opportunities through nurturing their long term growth and development. Phase 0: Screen 1: Evaluate 2: Plan 3: Implement 4: Support Key Steps Clarify and Assess Opportunities Incorporate All Values
- [Resources](https://ibecventures.com/resources/) - Training & Resource Library Training & Resource Library Welcome to the IBEC Team Zone! This is our private (by invitation only) website for IBEC consultants and subject matter experts. In the IBEC Team Zone, you’ll find training and resources to help you serve your IBEC clients more effectively and efficiently. Our goal is to provide
- [Pricing](https://ibecventures.com/pricing/) - Pricing Plans Augue Velit Cursus Nunc, Quis Gravida Magna Mi A Libero. CHOOSE THE PLAN THAT SUITS YOUR REQUIREMENTS Augue Velit Cursus Nunc, Quis Gravida Magna Mi A Libero. Membership $ 39/mo* Grab any desk in the common area — 1 day/mo included. Bring your device, pick a seat, and get to work. Also includes: 1

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