Tuesday, September 30, 2014

An Open Letter to Christians in Business

Dear Christians in Business,

Here are just a few struggles and confessions from a fellow Christian in business.

Bottom Line Up Front: Keep Going!

You may or may not know about Ikthoos.org. I'm not here to sell you anything or to bring awareness to the website. I just want to be frank about some struggles that I think you just might struggle with too. I also offer some insights at the bottom but I implore you to add your insights in the comments section.

I've been "entrepreneurial" for a long stretch. I joined the Army in 1998. Back then, we wore black boots that needed to be spit-shined. I took this skill and shined shoes at a local pastor/missionary conference. It was only 3 days, once a year, but I made more in those 3 days than others made in 5 days. I called it "Fuller Shine."

I started my first LLC in 2007. Before I ever pressure washed a house, I was owned Affordable Pressure Washing. I was even advertising on the radio. Not the wisest of moves but, pressure washing a house is fairly simple. Yes, there's an equipment investment and it costs to maintain this equipment and buy fuel. In all, it was a great place to start. I still pressure washing and have repeat customers.

I volunteered for a deployment in 2008. While there, I read about becoming a home inspector. I already had a 2 year degree in building trades. I worked construction sites and did handyman type jobs as well. We bought our first home in 2005. It was a brand new home but had major issues. Those involved in the building process refused to take responsibility for the issues. While in Mosul, Iraq, I decided that I would combine my training, job experience, and the problems with our home, and seek out home inspector training/certification.

I started Green Home Professionals, LLC in 2010. As you know, the housing market was not the greatest during that time. I tried to look at it in a positive way. I tried to better my business skills while the housing market strengthened. I tried to rightly position my business for the time the phone would ring off the hook. What hook? I have a cell phone.

I visited local business networking groups and quickly met Christians in business. I soon thought of ways to bring these Christians together for mutual edification. That's when Ikthoos, LLC was born. Ikthoos is an online directory for churches, missionaries, and Christians in business. The current website is up but an update is coming soon.

What is it about Christians that we seek out Christians in business? Why do Christians in business pay to be listed on Christian owned business directories?

My passion is to connect the Christian community. That's different than unify. I want to connect Christians with biblically committed Christian organizations. I strive to help churches get found on line. I want people to seek out missionaries to support them on the mission field.

It's been just over 3 years since then. I've struggled with a few things and hope to share them with you without negativity. Here we go.

  1. I know lots of Christians. I know Christians in business. I know missionaries. I know pastors. I met so many people at Baptist Bible College. Those I know are all over the world and have a great reach. Some are even pastors. So, why is it so hard for me to convince those I know that Ikthoos is worth their consideration. How do I share Ikthoos with those I know without sounding like I'm "selling" it?
  2. Closely related to #1, there's a sense of feeling alone. Many in business can empathize. Sometimes the self-employed seemingly do it all. I'm the CEO and the janitor. I'm the marketer and the accountant. I'm the website developer and the print designer. I handle business networking and social networking. I can't do it all by myself. I need people to help me with this adventure.
  3. Money. Yes, I said it. I'm not the greatest at managing money. Yes, I said that, too. Here's the deal; businesses need to make money in order for them to continue. In fact, Josh Kaufman states that there are 5 parts to every business. Josh says that businesses must bring in, "enough profit to make it worthwhile for the owners to continue operation." There's personal cost in building and sustaining a business. Throughout the last few years, I've lost a significant amount of money and property. We rent now because we lost our home to foreclosure. I drive a great little 1991 Isuzu truck that fits our needs instead of driving the 2011 HHR we used to own. It was repossessed right before I gave a devotional to a group of local Christians in business. The first website version was very, very expensive and I didn't leverage it to make back what was spent on it, nor did I build it to bring in residual income to help it become sustainable. If a business becomes somewhat sustainable, the business can be thought of as "successful." Ikthoos is running on fumes. Does this mean Ikthoos is a failure? No, and here's why.
Here's my response to the above 3 struggles.
  1. I pray God will bring the right people my way. I'm seeking people that will join me in prayer for the success of my business. I'm seeking talent, insight, and mentorship. I can't do Ikthoos alone. I'm seeking the support of those I know. Not for confirmation or "attaboys." If you know me, how can I tell you more about Ikthoos without coming across as giving you a sales pitch? There are those that have taken the time to check out Ikthoos, offer insights, and want to see Ikthoos succeed. To them I say, thank you. So, one thing I need is encouragement.
  2. I can't do this on my own. Who's out there? If you're reading this, how can you get involved? Will you share Ikthoos with those you know. I'm sure you know other businesses, missionaries, and churches. Will you connect me with them? I also need people to come along side me and run with the ball. I need manpower.
  3. My idea to build capital is simple. Work harder. Ha. There's more to it than that. There's a few options. If you have any ideas, please share them. One option is shadow testing. Back to you, Josh:
    • "Key Ideas:
      • Shadow testing means selling an offer before it actually exists (you have to be upfront with your customers that the offering is still in development).
      • Shadow testing allows you to get critical feedback: whether or not people are willing to buy your offering.
      • You can minimize the risk of your project by gathering data from real customers as soon as possible."
    • Here's an idea; I'd like to offer a lifetime membership on Ikthoos to Christians in business for $100. What will it take to get people on board?
    • If no one takes the time to see Ikthoos or catch the vision, who's going to give me the time of day? How do I add value to Ikthoos that brings people in, forming an Ikthoos culture? Feedback comes from people. Ikthoos is my "baby" but my baby might be ugly and I don't know it. I invite you to speak up and tell me if my baby is ugly. Ikthoos needs to bring in money. 
Encouragement, manpower, and money. 

I've learned so much in the last few years. Sometimes our children fall or their block-tower crashes down. I've taught our 3 children (and continue to teach them) this:

"What do you do when you fall down? Get back up and do it better."

Here's where you come in. I need your feedback. Please answer the questions below as seriously and detailed as you can.
  1. What has God been doing through you in your business?
  2. How important is it for you to tell others you're a Christian owned business? And why?
  3. As a Christian in business, what are your needs and wants?
  4. What's worked for you to get the word out about your business?
  5. What hasn't worked?
  6. Have you been part of an online directory before (Christian or not)? If so, please tell about your experiences and what you would add, keep, or change about the directory itself.

I want this adventure to be with God, not simply for God. These are familiar issues to God's ear. I've spoken with many, many people about these struggles; from my wife to even a millionaire. I hear them say one phrase. I've read books and blogs. There's one thing that keeps rising to the surface; one phrase that I hear clearly. That one phrase...
Keep Going!

And I shall!

Thanks for reading.

In Christ,
   
George Fuller
Founder & CEO
Ikthoos, LLC
"Connecting the Christian Community!"

Ikthoos.org
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(650) 308-4667

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Let's Consider a Few Things


Our Moon: 
As you know, it is not a light source but a mirror. It reflects our Sun.
It never rotates. So yes, there is a dark side of the moon.
The moon is only 238,900 miles away from us. Its size appears to be the same size as the Sun because it is so much closer than our Sun.

Interestingly enough, the last time a human was on the Moon was in 1972. The Moon's gravitational pull causes ocean tides on Earth.


Here's a size comparison of Earth and our Moon. Gravitational coupling between their rotations accelerate the Moon's orbit around the Earth. As a result, the distance between the Earth and Moon is increasing, and the Earth's rotation is slowing down.
Isn't God awesome!?

Stars: Here's the Earth compared to our Sun! Our Sun can reach 27 million degrees (F) at it's core! Let's compare our Sun to another star.

Here's the Sun compared to a star called Betelgeuse! Do you still see our Sun? Look closely. It's the little yellow dot just off center and to the left. Betelgeuse is a huge red star. Betelgeuse is red because it doesn't burn as hot as our white hot Sun. This star is so huge, it can fit 160 million of our Suns inside it. And that's at its smallest size. You see, this star pulsates like a heart. It expands and contracts every 6 years. Since it's red and pulses like a heart, it's also known as The Valentine's Day Star 
Isn't God awesome!?

This is Betelgeuse (red) compared to the biggest star we know of called, VY Canis Majoris (yellow).
It is immensely larger than anything we could ever imagine! It's diameter is approximately 1.6 billion miles!









Lightning: There are over 4 million lightning strikes on our planet, every day! 
4 MILLION! When lightning strikes, it rips through the air so fast and at such high temperatures that it breaks nitrogen molecules, enabling their atoms to combine with oxygen in the air forming nitrogen oxides. These dissolve in rain, forming nitrates. As anyone in the lawn care industry can tell you, nitrates help plants grow.

God is awesome!
Awesome! That's a word we hear often. A simple definition of "awesome" would be "to stand in awe, awe inspiring, overflowing with adoration. It's that feeling of awe while looking over the Grand Canyon or at a huge mountain. I submit that only God is awesome!

So we've considered the moon, a few stars, and lightning. Think about it. God set these things in their place just by His voice. He spoke these things into being! God is awesome!

When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?
[Psalm 8:3-4]

Now, I have a question for you: What are we? Not who are we, but what are we?

We are made in His image! We are...His!

Ask yourself these questions.
Do we foster a hunger for God in ourselves and others?
Do we pursue God?
When's the last time we looked into the dark night sky and considered the work of His fingers?
Do we stand in awe of God?


"Awesome" is a word that only rightly describes God.
Stand in awe of God!

Here's a quick video about how little we really are: 

In Christ,

Monday, January 6, 2014

3 Ways to Have a Great 2014!



1. Physical Fitness
There are many that will pay for a gym membership in 2014. Many will go a few times and never return. Gyms are great and the price may help you stick with it. However, you can be active anywhere. My wife likes going for a walk after dinner. Keeping up with 3 little kids will keep you active. I pull them around town in a bicycle cart. Yes, that's our cart with the big orange flags.
When we think of physical fitness, we often think of exercise only. We also need proper sleep and nutritious food.  Sleep is very important. It is something that we cannot do without. We are the created and we need proper sleep, unlike our Creator, who never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). We live in a culture that  makes it easy to eat unhealthy. Do we know what's in our food or do we just eat it in ignorance or apathy? 

2. Spiritual Fitness
Like physical fitness, spiritual fitness is a must. What would you like to accomplish this year that you've been thinking about doing for years? Read through the Bible? Pray more effectively? Cultivate in your family a burning hunger for God? Well, what are you waiting for? Seriously. William Carey said we should, "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God." Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." But we must not stop there. Paul then stated, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Paul instructed Timothy that exercise is good but godliness is more profitable (1 Tim. 4:7).

3. The Gospel
How many people did you share the Gospel with in 2013? I challenge you to share the Gospel at least once a month. That's only 12 times! It's been said, Oh the grace of God that I've heard the Gospel so many times when others have never heard it once!

Here's the kicker... 
We need to preach the Gospel to ourselves. What? Yes. We need to remind ourselves of our forgiven, adopted spiritual state. We need to remember our sin before the holy God of everything. We must also remember that we cannot save ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-10). Jesus came to Earth to seek and save the lost. Christian, we were the lost. We are now eternally forgiven and have been adopted into the family of God. This will never change! And when we are immersed in self-pity, preach the Gospel from God's word, and when necessary, preach it to yourself!

We pray you have a blessed 2014! May we all share the Gospel more in 2014 than we did in 2013.I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

Respectfully, 
George Fuller

P.S. Ikthoos.org is always FREE for Churches & Missionaries. Please share this with Churches & Missionaries you know.

Churches! Join here!
Missionaries! Join here!

Be sure to LIKE the Ikthoos Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/Ikthoos

Our $99 Membership offer has been extended! Don't miss this huge savings!
Click here to join!

Need some extra money? 
Refer Christians in business to Ikthoos.org & we'll give you $25 for each one that joins!
Just our way of saying "thank you!"

Share this link with Christians in business. It's that easy!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG1WQWs0NGdTc3o4WkQydVdyVHhScFE6MA

www.Ikthoos.org ~ 
"Where America Finds Churches, Missionaries, & Christian In Business!"

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Have You Ever Made Snow Ice Cream?


Like ice cream? Is there snow outside? 
Then, get out there and scoop up some fresh snow! 
Just the white stuff; no yellow snow. 
Be sure to keep some snow ice cream in the freezer for those hot summer days!

Here's what you need:
8 cups snow
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Here's what you do:
Place snow or shaved ice into a large bowl. 
Pour condensed milk over and add vanilla. 
Mix to combine. 
Serve immediately in bowls.
Don't forget to add toppings!


Be sure to LIKE the Ikthoos Facebook page at: 
www.Facebook.com/Ikthoos

Churche & Missionary accounts are always FREE: 
https://ikthoos.org/index.php/secure/signup/
                                                                                    
Christians in business can join now for a great price only through this special link: 
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG1WQWs0NGdTc3o4WkQydVdyVHhScFE6MA

www.Ikthoos.org ~ 
"Where America Finds Churches, Missionaries, & Christian In Business!"

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Riddle: What's the opposite of fire?

Riddle: What's the opposite of fire?
 
What's your answer?                              
 
Before your scroll down to see the answer, remember;
if you guess wrong, your new Facebook profile picture
for the next 3 days is this photo of our logo.
 (right click, save picture as)
 
 
 
 
Be sure to share this with your friends but don't spoil the fun!
 
 
 
 
 
Scroll down to see the answer.
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Answer: Rust. Fire is rapid oxidation. Rust is slow oxidation.
 
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