Hello Friends!
Christian Teen Biz is hosting interviews with successful Christian business owners to inspire our young people to pursue their dreams. Look for more details starting next week.
Do you have any young entrepreneurs (or dreamers) in your midst? Please share your questions and comments here or on our Facebook fan page.
AS PROMISED… here are a few of the entrepreneurs and leaders we will be featuring:
“To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1
People are in different seasons in their lives, moods affect decisions, be sensitive to this when making business decisions, partnerships and other contracts/relationships.
Pray for discernment according to Ephesians 5:15-17
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].”
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.
Joshua 1:8
Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.
1 Corinthians 2:9-12
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God’s deep secrets. No one can know what anyone else is really thinking except that person alone, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world’s spirit) so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
When you are promoting products that are not your own, it is extremely important to maintain honesty. You must understand that if you have an online business or website that has a following, those individuals have developed some trust in you. Do not damage that trust by promoting items you would not use yourself.
It’s very easy to place banner ads on your site because you have seen many do it. However, to maintain an honest integrity of your site and you as an individual do not fall into that trap. The trap of promoting anything and everything in hopes to make some extra money. When you have found something to promote on your site, ask yourself if you would purchase it yourself. If you answered, ‘yes’ to that question, then you can feel good about promoting and making extra money promoting the product.
Do your research before you begin promoting a product. Be certain that it is something that you as a Christian can honestly and truthfully promote on your site, blog, or newsletter. It’s sad to say, but many times companies will label themselves as Christian to attract the faith based population but truthfully are not Christians themselves. There are many values to take into consideration when you decide to take the leap into affiliate marketing. Some will consider it an adventure and a way to make extra money. You must take into consideration the people you are influencing.
Your readers trust you and visit your site for a reason. Maintaining your honesty when promoting a product is very important and will benefit you in the end. Do your research. Find products that will fit your site or your target market and promote them in an honest fashion and you will not feel guilty in the end.
The recession and lack of experience might stop most adults in their tracks, but these students weren’t discouraged.
“There is no better time [to start a business],” said Christopher Hanks, director of the entrepreneurship program at the University of Georgia. “During a depression or recession, innovation always increases.”
The dorm is the new garage
While the founders of Google built success in their garages, these college students found it in their dorms. In addition to their course work, studying for midterms and balancing extracurricular activities, they wrote business proposals and figured out financing.
“From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., I am in chemical engineering classes, and from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m., I work on DropCard, so I don’t get much free time,” said Raviv, 22.
Levitt and Shea said launching their shoe business was essentially nonstop, and the work didn’t end on Friday. And for Calle, the compromises in his academic and social life weren’t a burden.
“We enjoy ourselves,” said Calle, 21. “We don’t see it as a sacrifice.”
Read more here.
NEED MONEY?
Pam Perry
