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Biblical view on Entrepreneurship-Starting and operating a Business

Recently I was invited to take part in a 5 days Entrepreneurship training program which centered on the Biblical principals for starting and operating  a business.

As you might pretty well guess, the majority of the attendees were from faith based organizations and who were either operating a small business or wanted to venture into one. 

The training content focused on how to identify entrepreneurial opportunities, take moderate risks, solve the many problems we have in the society through service and products delivery, managing and operating a business for PROFIT while maintaining Christ-like centered character and attitude. 

What made this training program so special was the fact that each module was supported by relevant biblical verses to solidify each objective.

The modules covered among others business idea generation, how to raise start up capital,  where to invest, how to manage savings in order to raise seed capital vice a versa  debt, budgeting and business operation.

It is God's plan that we PROSPER because He blesses us with INCOME which we earn either on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and from which we obtain our BREAD and SEED. Genesis 13:2, Genesis 39: 2-6

BREAD is for our daily consumption while SEED should be for planting. We have two green fields on which we should plant the seed. The spiritual field and the physical field. 

Unfortunately, majority of us fail and end up living a sub-standard life because we either consume both bread and seed, or plant on only one field and forgetting the other. Hosea 5:12

The best option for us to obtain seed capital and attain achievement is through SEEDING by setting aside a certain amount from our INCOME as SAVINGS towards specific business goals and to plant generously on both fields through tithing, helping the needy and investing.  Malachi: 3:10,  Luke: 6:38, Galatians 6:9

We need to have a STOREHOUSE where we should store seeds gradually for future objectives and contingencies. Proverbs 10:4-5, Proverbs 13:11

We should never focus on DEBT unless it be for reasonable investment purposes because DEBT negatively impacts on our income and development.  Luke 12:34, Proverbs 22:7, Luke 14:28  

The training emphasized on the importance of  entrepreneurial qualities and characteristics including trust in God, commitment and hard work, obedience and willingness to learn in order to succeed. Proverbs 16:3, 1 Kings 2:3, Mathew 16:26-27, Luke 16:10-11, Roman 12;2, Isaiah 41:10 

Finally, we should FOCUS on having multiple sources of income by investing in order to create more wealth, meet our needs, support our families well and contribute towards our society's progress. Ecclesiastes 11:6

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Successful entrepreneurs continuously increase and develop their knowledge and skills.

Successful entrepreneurs continuously improve their knowledge and advance their skills through both formal and informal methods including:

• Workshops and webinars
• Business Associations
• Trade exhibitions and conferences 
• Social networks

Common problems entrepreneurs encounter in the process of growth and expansion.

1. Keeping with the demands of the market.
2. Planning and organization.
3. Cash-flow and cash management.
4. Problem solving.
5. Right systems.
6. Right skills and attitudes.  

REASONS WHY SMALL BUSINESSES FAIL IN TANZANIA

Hard facts about selling, TIPS for entrepreneurs...

1. Selling is not about the product, it is about the person.
2. People hate being sold to, they love to buy.
3. Concepts sell, details don't.
4. The customer makes the purchase, you don't make the sale.
5. The sale is complete when the money is in the bank.

Principles for an effective education system for PRESENT DAY ENTREPRENEURS in Tanzania.

And.......TESTING is the gateway mechanism for students and a means for monitoring quality and efficiency.

Principle 1.
Ensures that instruction is coherent.

Principle 2.
Connects new knowledge to what students already know.

Principle 3.
Covers topics at a deep level rather than a superficial level.

Principle 4.
Provides students with opportunities for new learning.

Principle 5.
Uses real world tasks and examples.

Principle 6.
Makes students practically aware.

Things you need to know NOW that you are doing a small business.

You cannot win a Race unless you run it

In order to succeed or fail  in anything we need to participate in it. Our involvement and objective greatly determines the outcome. No one would like to fail because naturally we detest failure and cherish victory. 

However, in anything we intend to do, we need to start from somewhere. The starting point normally matters quite a lot and can be a contributing factor towards the result. 

Talking to different entrepreneurs who ventured into and are in small business operation, it was very interesting to know how they started, exploring issues like their ambitions, what motivated them, the challenges and problems they encountered and many more. 

There were a lot to learn from these entrepreneurs especially the successful ones who showed outstanding commitment in their involvement and objectives.  They are individuals with very rich experience and exposure in their businesses.

Here I will share with you some common qualities I observed and learnt from 5 successful small business entrepreneurs I talked to.

First was the URGE TO SUCCEED. All had a starting point with different causes but with common desire to achieve. It is sad to learn that some lacked certain opportunities in life like going to school or access to any form of help and had to pursue life the hard way. No matter the cause, they were driven by the desire to achieve. 

Second was PERSISTENCE. All went through a lot but persisted amidst failures and even heart breaking challenges but they never quit. It even involved losing friends, relationships and wealth but they never quit. They remained firm and continued to pursue their business ambitions.  

Third was DISCIPLINE. All showed higher levels of self discipline in relationships, business dealings, handling finances and managing resources. They exemplified qualities like thriftiness, moderation , punctuality, honesty and  consistency.

Fourth was SELF MOTIVATION. All confessed that they  were highly self motivated in all that they started and did. They always took full responsibility and accountability in their operations. They knew it was all about them and should they fail, others behind them would also fail.  Through self motivation some accomplished a lot including personal development through learning and gaining extra knowledge.

Fifth was FLEXIBILITY. All showed an element of flexibility in adopting to changes, conditions and circumstances. Some even had to change businesses or relocate to new areas. No matter how tough or easy a situation was they had the flexibility to change with the times and the demands of the market.  

Interviewing these small business entrepreneurs at different occasions and places but observing and recording  these similar characteristics in them was quite interesting. 

Indeed, the person who doesn't succeed is that person who doesn't have a dream to achieve in life. If you have these qualities and have a DREAM in starting a small business, why not chase your ambition?