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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What has God been doing through you in your business?
- How important is it for you to tell others you're a Christian owned business? And why?
- As a Christian in business, what are your needs and wants?
- What's worked for you to get the word out about your business?
- What hasn't worked?
- 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
(650) 308-4667
