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How to craft your Vision & Mission Statement

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:00:00 GMT

Mission & Vision Statement Worksheet

Navigating Success: The Essential Role of Mission & Vision Statements in Business

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 23:12:04 GMT

These statements serve as the guiding stars for a business, offering direction, purpose, and a framework for strategic planning.

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, defining a company's purpose and direction is crucial. This is where mission and vision statements come into play. Far from mere words on a page, these statements serve as the guiding stars for a business, offering direction, purpose, and a framework

for strategic planning. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into what mission and vision statements are and why they are indispensable to any company's success.

1. What is a Mission Statement?

A mission statement succinctly describes the purpose of a company. It answers the fundamental questions of why a company exists, who it serves, and how it serves them. This statement is grounded in the present and focuses on the company’s current objectives. It's a declaration of the company's core purpose, reflecting its values and ethos.

Key Characteristics of an Effective Mission Statement:

Concise & Clear: Easily understood and straightforward.
Purpose-Driven: Clearly states the reason for the company's existence.
Inspiring: Motivates and engages those connected to the company.

2. What is a Vision Statement?

A vision statement, on the other hand, is a forward-looking declaration. It outlines what a company aspires to become in the future. It serves as a long-term goal, guiding the company towards a defined direction. The vision statement is aspirational and often ambitious, reflecting the company's commitment to growth and achievement.

Key Characteristics of an Effective Vision Statement:

Future-Oriented: Describes where the company is heading.
Aspirational: Sets a high standard for the company's future.
Guiding Framework for Goals: Helps in setting long-term objectives.
Evocative and Inspiring: Encourages employees and stakeholders to strive towards a common goal.

3. The Importance of Mission & Vision Statements:

Strategic Planning:

Guides Decision Making: These statements serve as a framework for making strategic decisions, ensuring that all company actions are aligned with its core values and long-term objectives.
Focuses Efforts: They help in focusing the efforts of the company and its employees, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

Organizational Identity:

Defines Company Culture: The mission and vision statements play a crucial role in shaping the company's culture, influencing how employees interact and how business is conducted.
Enhances Brand Identity: They contribute to building a strong brand identity, making the company more recognizable and differentiated in the market.

Employee Engagement and Retention:

Motivates Employees: A clear mission and vision can motivate employees, making them feel part of something bigger than their day-to-day tasks.
Attracts and Retains Talent: Companies with strong, clear mission and vision statements are more likely to attract and retain employees who share the same values and goals.

Customer Loyalty and Trust:

Builds Customer Trust: Clearly articulated mission and vision statements help in building trust with customers, as they understand what the company stands for.
Enhances Customer Loyalty: Customers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that has a clear purpose and direction that they can resonate with.

4. Crafting Effective Mission & Vision Statements:

Understanding Your Business:

Before writing these statements, it’s important to have a deep understanding of your business’s core values, primary goals, target audience, and what sets you apart from the competition.

Involving Stakeholders:

The process should involve key stakeholders, including leadership teams, employees, and even customers, to ensure the statements truly represent the company.

Keeping it Dynamic:

Remember that these statements are not set in stone. They should evolve as the company grows and the business environment changes.

Conclusion:

Mission and vision statements are not mere formalities; they are the essence of a company's identity and aspirations. They not only articulate a company’s purpose and direction but also inspire and guide its people towards a common goal. In the complex world of business, where choices abound, these statements act as a lighthouse, ensuring the company stays true to its path and achieves sustainable success.

I n the complex world of business, where choices abound, these statements act as a lighthouse.

How to Posture Your Business in the Face of Global Uncertainty in 2024

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 20:28:58 GMT

As small business owners, you're well aware that the world of entrepreneurship is often a rollercoaster ride. But the twists and turns of 2024 promise to be particularly challenging, with the looming possibility of both an oncoming recession and the dark clouds of a potential global conflict. In the face of such uncertainty, it's essential to be prepared and chart a course that balances faith, level-headedness with smart decision-making. Here's an in-depth guide to help you navigate these treacherous waters:

1. Resist Temptation to Make Rash Decisions: Stay Smart and Level-Headed

Picture yourself as the captain of a ship navigating through a turbulent sea. In a storm, it's easy to make snap decisions, often driven by fear and anxiety. However, like a skilled captain, your best course of action is to stay calm and composed. Impulsive decisions can lead your business into uncharted and risky waters. Instead, take a deep breath, analyze the situation, and consult with trusted advisors.

If you’re panicked, your team will be panicked and your family will be panicked.

Its very, very easy to pull back, isolate yourself and begin the cycle of bad decisions. Stay on top of what’s happening. Run decisions by others that you trust. Keep in mind the tone you set will have rippling effects on culture. If you’re panicked, your team will be panicked and your family will be panicked. That doesn’t help the picture in the slightest. So remain calm, have faith and make the best decisions you can based on what you know today.

2. Don't React Too Early or Too Late: Timing is Everything

Timing is everything in the world of business. Entrepreneurs must learn to discern the right moment to make adjustments. Reacting too early can cause you to miss opportunities. If you start making painful cuts early there’s a potential that you will cut too deep and make unnecessary changes. At the same time, reacting too late may leave you scrambling. Its super-critical to keep your head on a swivel. Stay up on current events. Talk to people who are really tuned into the markets and the economy. If you have an investment advisor that’s a good first call. They live and die by trying to discern what lies ahead. Bottom line, don’t get caught hitting the gas when the world is grinding to a halt.

3. Preserve Cash: Building a Solid Financial Lifeline

Think of your cash reserves as your lifeboat in the storm. When looking ahead at the oncoming risks, be discerning about your cash balance. Facing a recession or a global conflict is a good time to ensure you’re careful about large outlays of cash. Avoid making substantial purchases or entering new markets without a clear plan. If you’re evaluating a secondary location or a new fancy piece of equipment, it might not be the time unless that new investment will save you cash in the short term and help you operate more efficiently in the coming year.

a. Aim for 90 to 120 Days of Operating Capital

Consider your cash reserves as a safety net for your business. Your goal should be to have 90 to 120 days of operating capital in the bank. This cushion will provide you with financial stability and flexibility, even when the waters get rough.

b . Stay vigilant about your Accounts Receivables

These are the lifelines of your cash flow. In uncertain times, your customers might struggle to pay their invoices. Be proactive in chasing outstanding payments to ensure a healthy cash flow that can weather the upcoming storms.

4. Create a Scaled-Back Cash Flow Model: Know Your Adjustments

Every business owner should know their business inside and out. This includes a robust, detailed cashflow model that acts as a roadmap for all decisions that lie ahead. Using that model create one that reflects adjustments to the company and how that will impact the bottom line and your cash position.

a. Know Each Necessary Adjustment.
Plan your actions based on your financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). As things get more challenging, execute your plan based on the severity of the situation. Here are just a few ideas to consider in order to save money:

i . Cut Discretionary Expenses : Trim excess from your budget by eliminating discretionary items like food allowances, extravagant employee parties, and speculative marketing costs. Start by identifying luxury expenses that can be cut without jeopardizing essential operations.

ii. Renegotiate Vendor Contracts: Look at contacts that haven’t been touched in a while. Examples might be your cell phone plan. You could be paying $50 per month while there are unlimited plans for as low as $10 now. If you have 20 employees on cell phones that can add up. Also, look at supply or platform vendors. They know a recession is looming as well and won’t want to lose customers either. It’s a good time to evaluate pricing and terms that you haven’t looked at in a while.

iii. Headcount Reduction: Identify the positions you may need to cut but do so with care and empathy. A thoughtful approach to staff reduction can help you retain valuable talent while making necessary cost reductions. The staff you need during times of growth aren’t necessarily the team you need while buckling down to weather a storm.

iv. Freeze All Raises: Implement a freeze on raises and cost-of-living increases until the storm passes. Communicate this to your team and emphasize that it's a collective effort to secure the company's future.

v. Shared Sacrifice: Consider wage cuts across the company, but do so with transparency. It's essential to convey a sense of togetherness and unity during these challenging times. Owners should lead by example and participate in the wage cuts, demonstrating that everyone is in this together. That will go a long ways compared to your team thinking your making them take cuts while you keep your full salary.

5. Focus on Moderate, Cost-Effective Growth: Steady Progress is Key

During economic uncertainty, it's often wiser to pursue moderate, cost-effective growth verses expensive high growth that you might get away with in a booming economy. Conversely, completely pulling back on growth can lead to a churn of customers and eventual setbacks. If you completely go off the grid your customers may assume you’ve folded and move on. Find opportunities for growth, even if they are modest, to keep your business moving forward.

6. Stay Generous: The Macedonian Model

Even in the most trying times, resist the urge to hoard and cling to resources out of fear. Just as the Macedonians in the Bible gave generously out of their poverty, maintain a spirit of generosity. God knows where you’re at in your business.

Stay generous, seek first the Kingdom and the Lord will be faithful in whatever way he knows is best.

He is not surprised by global events or recessions. He can take care of you. You just need to remain faithful. This generosity can extend to your team, customers, and most definitely your church. Nothing is more important than keeping the church open and ready to serve as a beacon during hard times. Stay generous, seek first the Kingdom and the Lord will be faithful in whatever way he knows is best.

7. Keep Perspective: Faith and Resilience

In the midst of economic uncertainty and global instability, it's crucial to maintain perspective. Remember that your business journey is just one part of a much larger narrative. God is in control. Reflect on the bigger picture. If you lose perspective, you will undoubtedly make poor decisions that might cost you down the road. Try and look at things from the 10,000 foot level and not from a microscope view of whats happening. Keep sound, wise voices in your circle and bounce ideas off of those people. The more you talk, the more you collaborate the better you will feel and the more perspective you will have.

In 2024, the small business journey may be a challenging one, but with faith and some sound planning, you will have a lot more peace and certainty that things will be fine on the other side.

Steps to Starting a Small Business

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 05:58:54 GMT

By default, businesses are considered sole proprietorships, operating under the owner's name.

Starting a small business can be a straightforward process involving the sale of products or services to customers. By default, businesses are considered sole proprietorships, operating under the owner's name. However, if you want to establish a separate legal or tax entity for your business, follow these steps to form your small business:

Steps to Starting a Small Business

1. Choose the Business Entity:

Small businesses can take various forms, each with its own legal and tax implications. Common business structures include Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Corporations (C corps), and S Corporations (S corps).

Limited Liability Company (LLC): This structure separates personal and business assets, protecting personal assets from business-related liabilities. While LLCs require self-employment tax payments, they avoid corporate taxes on profits and losses. However, some inflexibility may arise in certain situations, like adding or removing members.
Corporations (C corps): C corps face double taxation, paying income taxes on profits when earned and when distributed to shareholders. Setting up and maintaining C corps can be more costly, demanding extensive record-keeping. However, they offer strong personal liability protection and facilitate raising capital through stock issuance.
S Corporations (S corps): S corps allow profits to pass through to an owner's personal income, avoiding double taxation. Taxation rules vary by state, and eligibility requirements must be met, such as the type of shareholders and a limit of 100 shareholders. Only one type of stock can be issued in S corps.
Seek guidance from professionals or business formation services to determine the most suitable business structure for your needs.

2. Select an Available Business Name:

Choose a business name that is available in your state and not trademarked by another national company. Verify name availability through your state's secretary of state website and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
You can typically reserve your business name online through your state's official website for a specified period, often around 120 days, for a fee ranging from $10 to $50.

3. Designate a Registered Agent:

A registered agent is a helpful resource for forming your company with the Secretary of State. Some services even offer to form the LLC or S Corp for you and provide you with a templated operating agreement. This can save considerable costs starting up. Just be sure to read the operating agreement well to make sure it fits your needs.
A registered agent accepts legal notices on your business's behalf. While you can serve as your own registered agent, many small business owners opt for professional registered agent services due to the time-intensive responsibilities.
Benefits of acting as your own registered agent include no additional cost and direct document delivery. However, professional registered agent services offer benefits like keeping personal information private, assistance with document management, and tracking filing deadlines.

4. Create an Operating Agreement (if applicable) :

Although not mandatory in most states, it is advisable to create an operating agreement. This document acts as a contract among members, outlining important financial and operational aspects. It helps protect personal assets in the event of legal issues and ensures clear communication among partners.
You can find free templates for operating agreements from companies like Rocket Lawyer and Northwest Registered Agent, but it's wise to consult a business lawyer for customization.

5. File Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization:

To formally establish your business in your state, complete and submit the appropriate form: articles of incorporation for corporations or articles of organization for LLCs. These documents include essential business details like the name, registered agent, and purpose.
Filing can typically be done online through your state's secretary of state website. Fees vary, ranging from $40 to over $500, depending on the state and business type.
Alternatively, consider using a business formation company like Rocket Lawyer or ZenBusiness to assist with the process.

6. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) :

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a business's tax identification number, essential for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and obtaining necessary licenses. You can obtain an EIN quickly through the IRS website.

7. Acquire Business Licenses & Permits (if required) :

Depending on your business's nature, you may need licenses or permits from local, county, or state authorities. For instance, food service or healthcare businesses often require specific licenses. Determine the necessary permits using online resources provided by your state.

8. File Annual Reports:

Most states require businesses to file annual reports, often accompanied by a fee. Deadlines vary, so check your state's secretary of state website for details. Failure to file annual reports can lead to penalties.

Understanding Small Businesses

The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines small businesses based on factors like revenue, employment, independence, and profit-seeking. Revenue and employee limits for small businesses vary by industry, but typically range from $1 million to $47 million in annual revenue and up to 1,500 employees.
While the SBA's criteria are expansive, most people perceive small businesses as local, relatively unknown enterprises. Sole proprietorships and partnerships are common small business structures, and they often fall below the revenue and employment thresholds set by the SBA.

Funding Options for Small Businesses:

If you lack sufficient capital to fund your small business, several financing options are available, including:
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, which offer government guarantees and guidance.
Credit cards, both personal and business, although they may have high APRs. Be careful with this route as we all know the trappings of high interest rates.
Online business loans, providing quick access to funds.
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, and Indiegogo, where you can raise capital from a broad audience.

Choosing the Right Location:

To simplify the registration process, it's generally recommended to register your small business in the state where you live or operate. While states like Delaware, Nevada, and Wyoming are often considered business-friendly, registering in your own state offers cost advantages and avoids additional legal requirements and paperwork associated with operating in other states.

Tips for Starting a Small Business with Limited Funds:

If you're launching a business with minimal funds, consider these strategies to keep costs down:
Purchase refurbished business items for quality equipment at lower prices.
Establish a budget and adhere to it, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Monitor income and expenses with accounting software.
Explore cost-reduction measures in your business practices.
Utilize free or low-cost business formation services, legal templates, and registered agent services to minimize initial expenses.

Starting and managing a small business involves careful planning, legal compliance, and effective financial management. Seeking professional advice from attorneys, accountants, or business consultants can be invaluable throughout this process.

Unraveling Leadership: 4 Paths to Company Loyalty

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 02:44:35 GMT

The new product roll out is paramount to success this year. You simply must hit your deadline. But your people are running on fumes. Moral is slipping. If you lose any of your key people right now it’s going to be bad, really bad. Now is the time you need to draw on the years of relational capital you have with your key people. Now is the time to rally them as their fearless leader and ask them to make a personal sacrifice and drag this one across the finish line. But have you earned that respect? Will they listen? Will they give up their next three weekends for you?

Now is the time to rally them as their fearless leader and ask them to make a personal sacrifice and drag this one across the finish line.

1. Power: The Intimidator

If leadership were a Hollywood film, the Power-based leader would play the role of Darth Vader in Star Wars, complete with thunderous music and dramatic lighting. This type relies on intimidation and fear, forcing employees to toe the line. People follow because they have no choice but to avoid the dreaded wrath of the leader's iron fist. Loyalty to the organization in this scenario? About as strong as a house of cards in a windstorm. We’ve all witnessed this kind of leader in action at one point or another. You commonly see this in new managers or people who receive their first promotion. They simply don’t know how to motivate people, so they result to threats to get people moving. While the short-term results might seem impressive due to simply forcing people to hit their goals and deadlines, the long-term damage to morale and commitment can be catastrophic. After all, who wants to stay in a job where they're treated like pawns in a chess game?

Now to be fair, we can all fall into using power-based leadership. In fact, sometimes we have to assert authority and use shear force to get the job done. But if you live in that place for too long, you will start to develop resentment from your team, and you’ll notice people starting to leave. So using power can be affective but use it sparingly and wisely.

2. Positional: The Org Chart Maestro

Next up, we have the Positional leader, who thrives within the structured hierarchy of the company. This leader's authority rests solely on their place within the org chart, clinging to seniority as their source of authority and ability to get others to follow. Employees take orders because, well, they have to. It's a symphony of duty and obligation, but it's missing that key ingredient: passion. Loyalty in this context is like a wilting flower in need of some serious sunlight and water. When employees feel tethered to a leader only because of their position, their dedication to the company often fizzles out.

To be clear, positional leadership is present in every organization. It’s not a negative…and its not a positive. It simply exists. Every company with an org chart more than one layer deep will have positional leadership at play. The key is to use your positional leadership and add to by layering in other higher quality types of leadership on top of it so that you can use your position to get peoples ear but them impress them with great examples of quality leadership.

3. Production: The Achiever Extraordinaire

Enter the Production leader, a star in the corporate constellation. This type of leader is often a master at getting things done, getting others to follow solely due to their list of accomplishments. The relationship between leadership and their team in this scenario is symbiotic. The leader needs his people, and the people follow because they feel they can get something from the leader that helps their personal and financial position in life. People follow because they see results and want a piece of that success pie. This leadership style can indeed elevate loyalty to the organization, but there's a catch—it's a little like being a fan of a rockstar without really knowing them. Sure, their music sounds good, but would you trust them with your future? What if they don’t produce in their next effort? While people might hitch their wagon to the Production leader's star, their loyalty might waver when the going gets tough.

4. Personhood: The Beacon of Trust

Drumroll, please, for the pièce de résistance of leadership: the Personhood leader. This type isn't just a leader; they're a guide, a mentor, and a beacon of trust. People follow them not because they have to, but because they genuinely believe in their character, values, and vision. Loyalty in this realm isn't just strong; it's unbreakable. Even when the storm clouds gather, employees stand by their leader, united by a sense of purpose and shared values. This is the leadership that builds legendary companies and turns ordinary individuals into a formidable team.

I believe anyone can become a personhood-style leader. But it takes self-reflection and a desire to be better. The best place to start is to invite voices and mentors into your life. Find a coach. Find someone who you trust that can be honest with you about the style of leadership that they see in you. Then, let them speak into your life. Second, there are unending books written on leadership. I recommend “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Extreme Ownership and Leaders Eat Last. All three would make a great start for anyone looking to up their leadership game. Beyond that there are podcasts and even online course to help you sharpen your leadership skills. Whatever works for you…do that. There is no magic recipe for becoming this kind of leadership. The biggest thing is simply want to be that kind of leader and let that desire begin to shape you.

The next time you're at the helm of a team or navigating your own career path, consider which type of leader you aspire to be.

In the grand play of leadership, each type has its own role to play—whether it's the intimidating Power leader, the org chart maestro of Positional leadership, the results-driven Production leader, or the beacon of trust that is the Personhood leader. Loyalty, that precious currency of corporate success, is woven into the very fabric of these leadership styles. So, the next time you're at the helm of a team or navigating your own career path, consider which type of leader you aspire to be. After all, the success of your company and the loyalty of your people might just depend on it.

Do I Have to Choose Between a Healthy Family and Business Success?

caleb@thevethero.com (Caleb Weber) — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 01:39:01 GMT

It’s 8:30 pm and you’re still at the office. You know you need to get home but tomorrow is a big day.

It’s 8:30 pm and you’re still at the office. You know you need to get home but tomorrow is a big day. A key client is expecting a large proposal and you’ve already pushed them back once. They’ll probably move on to another solution if you ask for more time and you really need this account because sales have been soft. To make maters more challenging, it’s your anniversary and needless to say, the wife isn’t thrilled that you had to cancel your dinner plans.

After all, it’s your 20th anniversary so it’s a big milestone. Caring for your wife and family can’t keep taking a back seat to the business. Queue the increased blood pressure. Any of this sound familiar?

Every business owner has been in this position probably more often than we like. At times, it seems more normal to work late than to go home on time. In the back of our minds, we like to pretend we’ll get to some imaginary plateau where things will level out and then our schedule will get more manageable. Then I’ll take my boy fishing. Then I’ll schedule that weekend away with my wife.

Man…can’t wait for that. Well guess what, that day will probably never come because the reality of business is that success creates more work, more complexity and more demands on your time. At least in my experience, Time doesn’t magically appear in your schedule as your business grows. So how do you juggle it? Do you have to choose between a healthy family and business success? I believe the answer to that is a resounding no and below we’ll unpack why.

Building a Flourishing Company is Good and Right

Just to be clear as we move ahead, a healthy, successful, thriving company is a blessing. We at Speiro are pro-business and pro-work. A solid work ethic is an important character atribute in life. Paul has strong words for the lazy person so we’re not promoting neglecting your business or being irresponsible about what God has given you to steward. We should work hard, unto the Lord, and go home tired and ready to do it again the next day. This article is not meant to be interpreted as an excuse to work less or throw in the towel every day at 4:59. Long hours and late nights are often what it takes to create something great. So hard work is good and necessary. Now that we’re clear on that let’s move on to look at how we balance all this out.

Hard Work Verses Obsession

This point must be understood, and you have to get this. This is the truth you have to grasp, or you will struggle to discern whether you are working hard unto the Lord or whether you’ve put your business on a pedestal. You can work hard, and it can be good. Conversely you can work hard, and it be a sin. How can it be both? Because of the heart and because of priorities.

It’s 8:30 pm and you’re still at the office. You know you need to get home but tomorrow is a big day.

Get this…hard work that is rooted in faith and a desire to advance the Kingdom will be much less likely to fall into the trap of neglecting your family because you’ve decided ahead of time that you’re not working for the almighty dollar, you’re working for the ﬂourishing of the Kingdom which your family is part of. Being about the Kingdom goes hand in hand with being about family. That doesn’t mean there aren’t late nights, but you’ll have a distinct sense of conscience that tells you when enough is enough and when to simply give it to the Lord and go home and love on your kids. Hard work is good. Anxiety driven work is not. Hard work is good. Loving money is not. Hard work is good. Consistently ignoring your conscience about what is most important is not. You must get this straight in your mind or you’ll fool yourself into believing all your eﬀorts are for the right reasons when its possible they aren’t.

Seek First the Kingdom

In my opinion this concept is the rudder that informs the rest of our decision-making paterns around how we prioritize our time. It’s the boulder that everything else must pivot around. It creates a bearing that we consistently use to check our headway and our trajectory. And the beauty is that it’s a very simple gauge. Mathew 6:33 is clear. No complicated formulas required here. Do one thing first, make it a priority and then focus on whatever is second in line. Pursue the Kingdom. That’s first. Pretty simple. And what’s great about this command is that God promises he’ll help us with all the other stuﬀ if we get the order right. You say, what’s “the other stuﬀ” that God will help with? The other stuﬀ is your needs. The things God knows you need to have in this life. Its your business, your job, your ﬁnances, your food, your housing, your clothing and whatever else God has designed us to need while on this planet. God promises that if we prioritize Him ﬁrst, that he’ll take care of us. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have looking out for me than God. He spoke this world into existence, so I feel prety good about his ability to provide for my needs in this life.

So what does it mean to seek ﬁrst His Kingdom? Primarily, it means we are to prioritize salvation for ourselves and others because it is of greater value than anything else we can pursue.

Does this mean that we should neglect the business that helps to sustain our lives? Deﬁnitely not. But for the vertically minded business owner, there should be a diﬀerence in attitude and priority.

If we are taking care of God’s business as a priority—seeking Him, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the Kingdom with others—then He will take care of our business as He promised—and if that’s the arrangement, where is worrying? Where is the anxiety that drives me to obsess over the outcome of my company and keeps me at the oﬃce late?

You’ll Never Regret Prioritizing Your family. But You Might Regret it if You Don’t

There are a few people I know that have the gift of foresight. My brother is one of them. I’m not talking about having a good grasp of what’s coming down the road in a few years. I’m talking about the kind of foresight that shapes behavior 15, 20 even 30 years ahead of time. Real conviction to make changes now so that the future you want come to fruition. Foresight tells us if we neglect our family and our faith, bad things will probably happen. So why live like that won’t happen? Keep the important thing out front. In the end, none of us will wish we had stayed longer at the oﬃce. No one on their death bed wishes they’d have clocked just a few more hours at work. No one. Prioritizing our business over the Kingdom and over family shows poor foresight. But if you have good foresight, you will not look back and regret how you allocated your time between your family and your business.

Seek first His Kingdom and you will have no regrets.

How Do We Stay on Course

How do we change this pattern? We change it by changing the voices that are informing our decision making. If the voices you’re listening to are primarily your own, void of any helpful outside inﬂuence, you will consistently ﬁnd yourself in a rut, repeating the same behaviors over and over. However, if you’re seeking wisdom, ﬁnding outside counsel and expanding your knowledge base you will be more informed and more apt to make wiser, more wholistic decisions that take into account your whole life picture. For instance, at Grace City Church (where I atend) we have an arm of our ministry called Stronger Men. At Stronger Men we are constantly being encouraged to be better men, better fathers, better providers, better husbands and taught that how we lead our homes matters. That’s huge!

If the only voices that let into my life are all about money making strategies, self-help, marketing tactics, sales strategies and other business-oriented material then guess what I’ll be focused on…probably just my business right? On the other hand, if I’m balancing the voices in my life and making room for the Word, for godly, mature input and for content that encourages me in my faith, then I’m much less likely to fall into the rut of obsessing over my business and neglecting my family. Make time for wisdom. Make time for a balance of counsel that helps you keep the main thing the main thing.

Level 5 Leaders Often go Home at 5:00

One of my all-time favorite books on business is Good to Great by Jim Collins. The book takes a close look at what makes companies go from being just good companies to being great companies. In the book, the authors ﬁnd an interesting pattern. In many of the companies that achieved greatness they see that a good number of the level 5 leaders (CEO’s) actually make a habit of going home at 5:00. They were disciplined in their time allocation and subsequently found time for their home life. This is counter to the image we have of highly successful CEO’s today. In fact, it’s considered a badge of honor to work 12 to 16 hours and barely have a life outside of their company. If you aren’t on your second divorce then you haven’t work hard enough. But does it really have to be that way? Clearly from Jim Collins’ research the answer is no.

If you're disciplined and prioritize you can navigate his tension between work and family.

When you prioritize something that you want to see happen, that thing has a way of coming to fruition. And often, all the other stuﬀ of life has a way of molding itself around that priority and we ﬁgure out how to get it all done. It’s amazing how this works. If your mindset is focused on ensuring you ﬁnd time to put the Kingdom and your family ﬁrst, you will also ﬁnd that you are more eﬃcient with your business responsibilities and ﬁgure out how to get them done in the time remaining. However, if you don’t put a placeholder in your schedule for these important things, you will ﬁnd that time gets aways from you and you ﬁnd yourself ﬁlling your day and your evenings with the same amount of work, only it gets stretched out because you’ve licensed yourself to work longer hours because you haven’t put brackets around your time. It’s the intentionality around our schedule and ﬁnding time for what we value that is the secret to not only doing the work you need to do but also finding time for family and the Kingdom.

You Don’t Have to Choose

To answer our original question, you don’t have to choose between a healthy family and a successful business. You can absolutely have both if you are intentional, disciplined and place your faith in God for the outcome. You have to trust that being obedient to God’s command will ultimately be a better path than going your own way.

You don’t have to choose between a healthy family and a successful business.

Even though the business world is full of people who will sacrifice their family at the alter of success, it doesn’t mean you have to or even that it’s necessary in order to build something great. You can have both. The Lord says so. God is responsible for the outcome.

Our job is to our priorities straight, work hard and let Him do the rest. Give it a try.

The Power of Trust: Solid Leadership & a Winning Company

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:05:55 GMT

Trust is the cornerstone upon which successful organizations & successful careers are built.

In the world of business and life in general, trust is the cornerstone upon which successful organizations and successful careers are built. It is an essential attribute for any business owner, guiding their interactions with employees, clients, and stakeholders. As a vertically minded, Christian business owner, trust takes on even greater significance, as it aligns with the values of the Kingdom and our faith. My dad always encouraged my brother and I to “do what you say you’re gonna do”.

Integrity matters in every context of life. Building trust and being someone that people will follow requires integrity and integrity will lead back to trust from those around you. It’s a cycle. In this article, we will explore why trust is a key leadership attribute and how it can help you build a strong business. A trusting environment is key to attracting and retaining good people and good people are the core of any successful business.

Trust Builds Strong Relationships

Relationships are the bedrock of good business. If you can’t build solid relationships, you’re going to struggle in business…hard stop. And trust forms the foundation of healthy and strong relationships. As a business owner, fostering trust among your team members and clients creates an environment of openness, collaboration, and respect. By demonstrating trustworthiness in your actions, you inspire others to reciprocate, resulting in increased loyalty and commitment. Conversely, just one simple violation of trust can be hard to recover from. People have excellent memories of when their trust has been violated. As much as humanly possible work to build trust in every interaction you have.

In the Bible, trust is emphasized as a vital aspect of relationships. Our relationship with God is built on faith and trust. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourage believers to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding. We’re wired for it. Trust is an inherent, creation designed attribute because we were made to trust God. Our sin breaks that relationship but ultimately, we’re all wanting and desiring to trust God and the people around us.

Solid levels of trust create a great work environment that encourages employee loyalty and productivity.

Trust Enhances Transparency and Integrity

Transparency is a crucial element of leadership that results in trust. I can tell you from years of experience employees thrive on transparency. When people feel like they’re in the dark they have a hard time trusting their future at a company. But on the flip side of that, employees will actually weather a lot of hard times with you if they’re communicated with and know the state of the business they’re working for. When employees and stakeholders trust their leaders, they feel confident that decisions are made with integrity and in the best interest of the organization, even when things are hard. Transparency and trust have a symbiotic relationship that creates a bond between you and your people.

As Christian business owners, we are called to walk in integrity and be people of truth. Psalm 15:2 reminds us that those who speak the truth and keep their promises are welcome in the Kingdom. By embodying this principle in our leadership, we emulate the Kingdom which is going to be attractive to the people who work for you.

Trust Fosters Innovation and Collaboration

In a business environment, trust allows for open communication and collaboration. When team members trust their leader, they are more likely to share ideas, take calculated risks, and work together towards a common goal. This environment of trust nurtures innovation and creative problem-solving, as individuals feel safe to express their thoughts and contribute to the organization's growth. When people don’t trust the leadership within the organization, they spend a LOT of time thinking about, talking about it and probably sharing with others about it. It creates distraction and drama which undermines innovation and collaboration and progress. If you create an organization full of trust people are free to not worry about the state of things and put their mind on moving the company forward.

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the talents and resources entrusted to us. Creating the most effective and efficient work environment for our people is part of stewarding that resource. If your work environment is toxic and ultimately untrustworthy, people will not see the Kingdom in your business and will not thrive and the resources you’ve been given in them will not be used well. By fostering an environment of trust, we align our leadership style with God's desire for us to utilize the diverse skills of His people through collaboration and close relationships.

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the talents & resources entrusted to us.

Trust Inspires Loyalty and Employee Well-being

Trust is a fundamental driver of employee satisfaction and well-being. When employees trust their leaders, they feel valued and supported, leading to increased job satisfaction and a sense of well-being in their life. Your people give a third of their life (or more) to your business. It’s vitally important that we recognize that and give people a place where they can flourish. When your people go home are they stressed, confused, and mentally exhausted from wondering about all the unknowns in your organization? Or do they leave feeling clear and confident and rewarded. The latter will give them a sense of well-being and peace that they will consciously tie to you being at your company. And that’s a huge feather in the cap of your business. People will want to work for you if people just feel better about themselves by being in your sphere.

In the Christian faith, we are called to love one another as Christ has loved us.

Demonstrating trust in our interactions with employees not only enhances their well-being but also reflects Christ's love and care for His people. By fostering an environment of trust, we create a workplace where individuals can thrive holistically, both professionally and personally.

Be the Leader You Want to Be

If you haven’t gotten it yet, trust is simply paramount for you to foster. Period. Be that man. Be that woman. Be the person people look to as trustworthy. Be a person of character. It’s an indispensable leadership attribute for any business owner, and as Christian business owners, we have the unique opportunity to integrate our faith into our leadership practices. By embracing trust as a guiding principle, we build strong relationships, enhance transparency and integrity, foster innovation, and collaboration, and inspire loyalty and employee well-being. I don’t know many vertically minded business owners who wouldn’t want all those things to be said about their company and them personally.

As we navigate the complexities of the business world, let us remember the words of Proverbs 3:6, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." By placing our trust in God and leading with trust in our hearts, we can create an environment that stands out from the world and stands out from any other place your people have worked. That’s a powerful place to start conversations with people about what really matters.

Why Muffin Mondays Matter

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:51:23 GMT

The opportunity we have with our employees is a big one and one that should be carefully fostered and built through acts of generosity of all kinds.

As the wife of a business owner, I have come to realize the significant role I play in taking care of our employees and fostering a positive work environment. In this blog post, I want to share my personal take on some of the joys and the profound impact that efforts like “Muffin Mondays” have had on me personally but also our staff (I’ll explain what Muffin Mondays are in a minute). Through consistency, I have not only been able to bless our staff with some yummy treats (and maybe a few extra calories :) but I have been able to forge meaningful relationships with our staff.

Opportunity to Serve

As a follower of Jesus Christ, We are encouraged and exhorted and reminded all through scripture that we are to serve others. Just like it says in Matthew. 20:28, “Just as The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many”, I want my life to reflect that same truth. I don’t view serving our staff as a chore but rather an enjoyable honor. Muffin Mondays exist because I have a passion and desire to serve those around me and the fun moments I get to have with our people is just icing on the cake. Muffin Monday’s matter because it involves people and people are eternal beings that need Jesus. I have a platform to display and incarnate Christ. In scripture it says we are “ambassadors for Christ '' (2 Cor. 5:20) You and I have the opportunity to use our gifts and talents God has given us and share them with those around us. This is a form of giving for me and my husband. Through the action of serving our staff my goal is that they would see Jesus in me. That I would build relationships with each of them. That I would know their spouses name and how many kids they have etc.

Building Culture

Muffin Mondays can have rippling effects of positivity that bleeds throughout the company. Culture matters and this kind of fun gesture really builds culture! By gathering our staff together with treats and lunches and employee parties it helps build our team and keep us unified. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of gratitude and appreciation. However, Muffin Mondays serve as a gentle reminder of the value of acknowledging and appreciating others. By consistently bringing in baked goods and expressing our gratitude for our employees' hard work, we nurture a culture of gratitude and appreciation within our company. This culture extends beyond Muffin Mondays and permeates our daily interactions, strengthening bonds and fostering a positive and uplifting work environment.

Marriage on Display

In addition to Muffin Mondays, a highlighted opportunity for me is displaying the values I hold in my marriage. When I help my husband with his business, I get to model a strong and loving marriage as I serve my husband by demonstrating love, respect, and support for him. In our marriage, love and respect are foundational principles. It’s non-negotiable! Muffin Mondays allow me to demonstrate these values not only to our employees but also to my husband. By taking the time to bake and bring in baked goods it says I’m willing to not just take the time to go buy some pastries from store, but to actually take the time to home-cook something for everyone. Loving someone is “being a doer”. As you know, we are called not to just hear what scripture tells us to do but also do what it says. (James 1:22). I think one of the best ways I like to show my husband that I support him and love him is by supporting him in his role as a business owner. This modeling of love and respect serves as a reminder to our employees of the importance of valuing and supporting their own spouses and cultivating healthy relationships. Its an example we can put out there for others to see. A successful marriage thrives on communication. Muffin Mondays also provides an opportunity for my husband and I to work together which I love. It truly is fun for me to collaborate with my husband on events, lunches and of course the flavor of the week for pastries! And all of this collaboration isn’t wasted time… it helps build your marriage. Sometimes it allows us to think through our staff members and perhaps there’s an employee that we want to bless or there’s a need. This time allows us to collaborate and pray over them as well which is, without a doubt, the best thing you can do for them.

I’m encouraging you… stop and get to know the people that make your company flourish. Maybe you strike up a conversation over that baked good on Monday. You never know how the Lord might use that moment for insight on how to be praying for them. Here is what I have learned over the years bringing in baked goods. It brings the staff joy. They feel loved, thought of and hopefully appreciated and in the end, that is the goal to showing them Jesus.

They feel loved, thought of and hopefully appreciated and in the end, that is the goal to showing them Jesus.

Avoid Burnout in Your Business: Enjoy the Ride.

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 01:29:05 GMT

It started with that first lemonade stand. You killed it in the summer of ’95!

It started with that first lemonade stand. You killed it in the summer of ’95! The exhilaration of making your own way. The thrill of the sale is addictive and from early on you just knew you wanted to own your own company and carve out your piece of the American dream. Running a business is an all-consuming endeavor that requires passion, dedication, and hard work.

However, as entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves caught up in the pursuit of success and obsessing over the end results while maybe not enjoying the journey itself. Not unlike our spiritual lives, a single-minded, end-game focused approach can lead to burnout, affecting both our mental and physical well-being. In this article, we will explore a different perspective—one that encourages entrepreneurs to shift their mindset and embrace the journey of running a business while trusting the Lord for the outcome. By finding joy in the process, we can avoid burnout and simultaneously build a company that is more likely to succeed in the end anyways.

Below are some tips we like to recommend for anyone starting a company or someone already in the saddle that wants to ensure they don’t hate the thing they’ve built in 15 years.

Define Your Purpose:

To truly enjoy the journey of running a business, it is crucial to define your purpose beyond just financial success. Sure, big profits are exciting, but money isn’t a good long-term motivator. In fact, it’s doesn’t make the top 5. Studies show that money is low on the list of satisfying rewards in life because in the end, more zero’s in the bank account can’t create true, lasting peace and contentment. Reflect on your personal values, the impact you want to make, and the passion or mission that drives you. When your business aligns with those things, it becomes more than just a means to an end. It becomes a purpose-driven venture that inspires and motivates you on a deeper level…even an eternal level for the vertically minded businessperson. At Speiro, we believe doing business for the Kingdom can provide the ultimate motivation and one that provides not only rewards in this life, but for eternity. That’s pretty motivating.

Set Realistic Expectations:

This one is big so pay attention. Entrepreneurs are typically highly driven people. Most of my business friends are high-builder, high-output folks. Because of that, it’s easy to fall into the trap of setting unrealistic expectations for yourself and your business. While ambition is essential and good, it’s important to set achievable goals that can be realized every few weeks or months. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable ones, and celebrate each accomplishment along the way.

Entrepreneurs are typically highly driven people. Most of my business friends are high-builder, high-output folks.

Science has shown that dopamine is tied very tightly to the reward centers in our brain. You will literally find yourself in a better mood, more motivated and enjoying the process if you are finding satisfaction in small wins and enjoying the process along the way. Waiting to feel fulfilled by some large, end-result oriented goal (say a large sale of your company) will leave you waiting a long time to feel any sense of achievement. That’s a direct path to burnout and very little satisfaction along the way. Business is awesome so try and enjoy the journey!

Delegate and Collaborate:

The journey of running a business doesn't have to be a lonely one. The adage that it’s “lonely at the top” is true but there are strategies to avoid the lonely grind into oblivion. As a CEO or business owner, its important that you find ways to interact with others. It’s easy to sit in your office obsessing over goals and data. You can run your business from your computer but that is a really unfulfilling way to operate. God wired us for community and sharing with others. As well, collaboration is a great way to enter into meaningful conversation with your teams which gives you a chance to practice some of your Kingdom Outpost culture goals. Surround yourself with a competent and trustworthy team that shares your vision. Delegate tasks that are not your strengths or are time-consuming, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

Collaboration not only lightens the workload but also fosters creativity and innovation. Embracing the power of teamwork will not only prevent burnout but also enhance the overall quality of your business while giving Jesus a chance to work through interactions and the culture you create.

Practice Self-Care and Stress reduction:

Entrepreneurship can be demanding, making self-care essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. There is no lack of stress in running your business. Even success itself can create a lot of stress in your life. The physical, mental and spiritual are a flywheel that has to be synchronized. If one breaks it all breaks, therefore they all need to be maintained. Prioritize activities that promote relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, prayer or spending quality time with loved ones and definitely spending time with the Lord. I do some of my best thinking on a mountain bike. Take breaks throughout the day to rejuvenate and recharge. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success. Remember, how you treat your body when you’re 30 affects how your body feels when its 50. Your body really does have a built-in scoreboard. Don’t think you can run your body into the ground and not pay for it at some point. You have to manage stress, or it will manage you. If your body suffers, there’s a good chance your mental and spiritual life will suffer which means you’re now queued up for burnout. Take care of yourself. You’ll last a lot longer and perform better along the way if you do.

Embrace Continuous Learning:

Running a business is a dynamic journey that requires adaptability and a willingness to adapt and learn. We live in a complex world and our brains are wired to learn. Learning is stimulating and rewarding. Embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner by seeking out new knowledge and skills relevant to your industry. The old adage says…”leaders are readers” and its true. Find some podcasts or influencers to follow. Read a good business book like “Shoe Dog”. Engage in networking events, attend conferences, or enroll in online courses.

Cultivating a growth mindset will not only keep you motivated but also allow you to navigate challenges with new creativity and knowledge.

Cultivating a growth mindset will not only keep you motivated but also allow you to navigate challenges with new creativity and knowledge. So if you feel like you’ve “done it all” in your business then challenge yourself to truly look for new ways to be better, to up your game, to add a new offering or whatever causes you to change it up and find that fire you had when you first opened the doors. Just like with our faith, we can go through seasons for dryness. But persistence coupled with consistent reminders of why we do what we do can pull you out of those seasons and get you back to a place of passion and energy.

Celebrate Milestones:

Just like with goal setting, milestones can create fun and rewarding moments in your business journey and those should be celebrated. Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, is crucial for maintaining motivation and finding joy in the journey. Recognize and appreciate the progress you've made, and take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments or the accomplishments of your team. Find reasons to throw a party or celebrate wins. You can even consider gamification in certain areas of the business for you personally and your team. This practice will fuel your passion and remind you of the joy in running your business.

Work Hard – Trust the Lord

As entrepreneurs it’s not typically a challenge to want to work on our businesses. We usually don’t lack motivation. In fact, as we’ve mentioned, we can obsess over our business and that can lead to stress and ultimately burnout. So how do we counter-balance working hard with staying invested? There’s no doubt hard work is required so we can’t remove that element from the equation. Hard work, in and of itself, is good and healthy. Where we go wrong and where burnout stems from is the mindset we carry while working hard. It’s the emotional stress we place on ourselves that actually causes the burnout. If you think about it, if you knew the outcome and knew you were going to win in the end you’d work all day and probably never burn out. You’d be thrilled because you aren’t packing around the doubt and emotional baggage of wondering if everything is going to turn out ok. This is where faith comes in. When we place the outcome solely on our back it creates a level of stress that is unhealthy and quite possibly even sinful. The key is to reduce stress and increasing enjoyment is to trust in the Lord for the outcome of your business. Trust God that he knows you. He knows what your P&L says. He knows your cash position. If you can trust Him, you are free to work hard, do your best and trust God for the outcome. And if he doesn’t, no amount of hard work will keep your doors open. God is in control. So work hard unto the Lord and find joy and peace in knowing he has the absolute best for you in mind.

If you stop and appreciate it, running a business is a blessing. It’s a gift from the Lord if you have a business that is providing for your family and allowing you to be generous. It should be a gratifying and fulfilling experience, not one that leads to burnout and exhaustion.

By shifting our focus from solely obsessing about the end result to enjoying the journey, we can create something that can give you lifelong satisfaction. Embrace your purpose, create a Kingdom Outpost, set realistic expectations, delegate when necessary, prioritize self-care, continue learning, celebrate milestones and give the outcome to God. By following these guidelines, you will foster a healthy and enjoyable entrepreneurial journey, ensuring long-term success along with personal and spiritual fulfillment. Remember, the joy is in the process, not just the destination.

The "Speiro Way": Unleash Profitability & Generosity in Your Business

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 06:45:26 GMT

Not that long ago, we experienced a significant shift in one of our businesses.

Not that long ago, we experienced a significant shift in one of our businesses. It went from consistently generating six-figure profits per month to burning through six figures every month.

How did this happen, you ask?

We decided we wanted to become the kind of company that commanded widespread recognition and respect – the next HubSpot or Tesla or insert whatever big company you’d like to own. The allure of unicorn status became our top priority. Naturally, we adopted the "grow or die" mindset, believing it was the only way forward.

Here’s what we learned. That path may appear sexy, but you only hear about the success stories in the growth game. You hear about the 1 out of 50 companies in the VC portfolio that achieve a big exit. The other 49 founders? Well, they can’t pull out of the cash nosedive and then hit the ground. They don’t make millions of dollars like you’re led to believe and instead are often left with nothing to show for their hard work.

On the other hand, your focus may not be solely on relentless growth at all costs. Perhaps you're building a lifestyle company and seeking to increase your company's profitability, but despite revenue growth, it feels like there's nothing left to squeeze out. The funds disappear into the abyss of expanding headcount, operating expenses, office space, and the never-ending list goes on.

There's always something clamoring for that extra cash – and this mindset is reinforced by the conventional accounting equation we've all followed for years: Revenue - Expenses = Profit.

Regardless of which trap you find yourself in, the likelihood that either will allow you to be wildly generous and achieve significant financial success is very low.

So, if your goal is to build something that blesses everyone involved, allowing you to pay your employees well, provide you and your family the life you desire, and most importantly in our opinion, give generously to your church and all the causes God has put on your heart, we’d like to recommend something different.

The Speiro Way works by prioritizing giving and profit before expenses. Sounds intuitive, and it is when you use a first principles approach. If you want your business to generate a profit to do with whatever you wish, why not pull that out of your revenue before you do anything else? This leaves you with whatever is left over for all expenses. Revenue – Giving & Profit = Expenses.

The Speiro Way works by prioritizing giving and profit before expenses.

Now this accounting approach is not new or groundbreaking, in fact, this method of choosing a profit allocation first has been around for many years. But what we love most about it at Speiro is the way it allows you to prioritize giving, regardless of your financial standing. God’s “first fruits” command becomes completely achievable through your business. Oh, and generational wealth is created with this approach every day… so don’t write it off as a “slower” or “smaller” approach to growing a company. If we had continued to prioritize giving and profit in that business mentioned above, we would have likely pulled millions out each year and still been able to grow at a healthy pace.

In the following points, we'll delve into practical ways to break free from this profit-draining cycle and pave the path to sustainable success.

HOW TO IMPLEMENT THE SPEIRO WAY:

Our Speiro Way approach relies on a cascade mechanism, where all revenue first flows into one bank account, or for the sake of analogy (because everyone knows I like analogies) we’ll say flows into one “bucket”. Let’s name this bucket, our “income account”. After revenue hits the “income account”, we begin allocating portions of the total revenue into other accounts that are each specific to their own purpose. These accounts can be set up with the same bank you currently use to repurpose the checking account you already use. If there are issues getting these other accounts set up, we would recommend you find a new bank that is willing to work with you.

Quick Tip: This is not an unorthodox method for managing your business or even your personal finances. If you are met with opposition by your bank or accountant, you may just want to find another as there are plenty who will help. We typically use Chase at Speiro.

Let's introduce you to the six foundational accounts that serve as our arsenal of different ‘buckets’:

INCOME : The bank account that welcomes all your revenue.
PROFIT : Begin with a modest percentage goal and gradually ascend towards greater heights.
GIVING : Commit to a percentage of your profit and move to this account for giving.
OWNER'S COMP : A designated account to honor the hard work and compensate the visionary owner(s).
TAX : Catering to your business's tax obligations, this account's specifics hinge on your profitability and location.
OPEX : The remaining resources after the above allocations, are earmarked for operational expenses.

Ensure these accounts possess the capability to directly withdraw funds from the corresponding checking accounts.

Once your bank accounts are ready, it's time to take action on the implementation of the Speiro Way, which can be summed up in three simple steps.

1. Determine Your Allocation Percentages:

First, assess your Current Allocation Percentages, which simply means your existing expenditure across the foundational areas (Giving, Profit, Owners Comp, Tax, and Operating Expenses).

Next, compare these numbers against target allocation percentages derived from the benchmark of a 'healthy' business with similar revenue levels. Below, you'll find a table offering general targets based on diverse revenue thresholds. Please note that this table is only a broad guide.

2. Calculate Your Revenue for the Given Period

(within the INCOME account) and allocate it to the PROFIT, GIVING, OWNERS COMP, TAX, and OPEX accounts on a bi-monthly basis. Perhaps the 10 ^th and 25 ^th or whatever your payroll practices are.

The allocated amounts should align with your decided allocation percentages. This rhythmic bi-monthly flow facilitates an advantageous accounts payable schedule, enabling you to settle all bills from your OPEX account after the allocations are made.

3. Give the Total in Your Giving Account Once a Month

Pretty self-explanatory. Our favorite part of the month!

4. Quarter's End:

When the quarter comes to a close, an enticing reward awaits. Fifty percent of the PROFIT account's contents are bestowed upon the deserving owner(s). The remaining fifty percent ventures towards a long-term storage account, fortifying your capital reserves.

Congratulations! It really is that simple. Most behavior changes we want to make are not about ruthless discipline or adding another to-do item to our already busy schedules…the EASIEST way to implement a new behavior or squash an existing one is to change the environment so what you want to occur happens naturally.

By implementing the Speiro Way you create a culture of profitability and generosity. We could all use more automation in achieving our goals!

Unleashing the Power of Your Brand: The Art of Obsession

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 05:24:40 GMT

I’m a sucker for a rock-solid, compelling, and well executed brand.

I’m a brand snob. I admit it. I’m a sucker for a rock-solid, compelling, and well executed brand. When a stellar brand is coupled with a market leading product there is something unique and special about it that causes buyers to pull the trigger.

I have so much respect for the entrepreneurs and thought leaders that take the time to obsess over their offering until it comes together like a well-oiled timepiece. All the right pieces are in place. The experience is there. The product is amazing. The culture and service is on point and it all adds up to something magical. It’s not easy to pull off and it’s impressive when it all comes together which is why I find myself subconsciously rating brands in my mind.

We can all name that one store or that restaurant or even an internet brand that speaks to your soul and more often than not, when you see one of these unique, winning brands they are succeeding in their business goals as well.

Conversely, I get so frustrated for companies, where the owner has made the leap, taken the risk, spent the money to pursue their dream and when the big unveiling happens its just another vanilla offering that fades into the background of mediocrity. These businesses often don’t survive.

You know how it happens. You decide to pursue your dream. You do your market analysis. You find what you believe is a winning idea. You come up with a business plan and you begin to build your company with high hopes. Low and behold, you underestimated all the startup costs (big surprise). Ten grand here and ten grand there and all of sudden you’re low on capital so the scalpel comes out and the budget trimming begins. Fatigue and impatience set in because you just want to get to market and show everyone how cool your offering is and this is when the shortcuts start happening. This process unfortunately happens quite often and one of the most critical components of your future success has now been compromised. Bummer.

So brand is important. But exactly what is a “brand”? The term brand gets thrown around a lot and nailing down a definition might be confusing to some. Is it just my logo? Is it the name we have on the side of the building?

So brand is important. But exactly what is a “brand”?

The term is often used but rarely clarified which I think is why so many companies fall short of actually creating a wholistic, well executed brand.

To clarify, a brand is much more than just a logo or a name. It encompasses the entirety of a business's identity, reputation, and the emotions it evokes in its audience. A brand is the sum total of how a company is perceived by its customers, employees, and stakeholders. It is the promise a business makes to its customers, representing its values, mission, and unique personality. A brand is built through consistent messaging, visual elements, customer experiences, and the overall impression it leaves in the minds of people. It is a powerful tool that differentiates a business from its competitors and builds trust, loyalty, and recognition. Ultimately, a brand is the embodiment of a business's essence and the bridge that connects it with its target audience.

So how do you ensure you create a brand that hits all the bases and tells the true story of your company? Below we’ll walk through the components that make up a well-rounded brand and unpack how to execute on those to ensure your brand is one you can be really proud of.

Brand Identity: This encompasses the visual elements that represent your brand, including the company name, logo, tagline, color palette, typography, and overall design aesthetics. It is the visual representation of your brand that helps it stand out and be recognizable. This one is a very, very (did I say very) critical step because it will establish a pivot point for many other decisions, you’ll be making down the road. This is where you absolutely do not want to skimp.

59% of consumers are willing to pay more for products or services from brands they perceive as a higher quality brand.

According to a study by Nielsen, 59% of consumers are willing to pay more for products or services from brands they perceive as a higher quality brand. Another study researched by Forbes indicates that strong brands consistently hold a higher market share, as customers are more likely to choose a brand they resonate with. I do not recommend attempting to do this part of the process on your own. Bring in an expert. Find a firm.

Engage a company with a solid reputation for creating brands. To be clear, this is not your local graphics designer. Find a firm that understands the holistic nature of brands and knows how to anchor your brand with a look that encompasses everything that makes up who you are and who you want to be as a company. I’m going to be honest, this process can be expensive and long. Any good brand-builder is going to take a few weeks to walk you through the process and give you iterations of all the visual elements involved.

I’ll say it again, do not skimp on this part. If things go the way they should, you’ll be using this brand for decades, so get it right the first time.

Brand Values: Brand values represent the guiding principles and beliefs that your brand stands for. They reflect the core values it upholds. Brand values help shape your brand's culture, decision-making, and relationships with customers and stakeholders. These values should be near and dear to your heart and they should be deeply personal. When setting your brand values, ask yourself what values do you appreciate in life? What comes to mind when you think of the character and makeup of a person or company you want to be like? If someone were to be talking about your company with a friend, what would you want them to say? At Speiro, our values are generosity, family, servanthood, and integrity. Those are important words to us and if asked, we could talk at length about each of them. Find the values that are important to you and start using them to define how you operate.

Brand Story: The brand story communicates the narrative and history behind your brand. It helps create an emotional connection and gives customers a reason to relate to and support you. A compelling brand story can engage customers on a deeper level and differentiate your brand from competitors. An great example of this is the dog food company “Blue Buffalo”. They’ve built their brand and their offering around their dog Blue. They have a full section of their website dedicated to tell you about Blue and why they decided to build a company that offered a higher quality line of dog food. So what is your story? Why do you want to sell what you’re selling? To be clear, the story doesn’t have to tie directly to a product. It might just be the story behind the company and the reason you chose to go into business.

Brand Experience: Brand experience is all about “the feels”. It refers to the overall experience customers have with your brand at every touchpoint. It includes interactions with your products or services, customer service, website, packaging, advertising, and any other touchpoints. By the way…this part is HUGE. Experience is everything. People make buying decisions based on emotion and that what your looking to invoke here. Emotions of positivity, thankfulness, warmth and relationship. If you don’t get your experience right, you will most not make it in business (barring you’ve invented the first ice machine in Sahara Desert or something). Generally speaking, think of this brand element as one that could be experienced while wearing a blindfold. And yes I know…that doesn’t hold up for an online vendor but you get the gist. Your brand experience has a lot to do with how someone feels after engaging with your company. Staff training is critical to getting this right. Your people can’t read your mind. Its very important that you’re takin the time to train your staff and impart the DNA of your brand into them so they can convey the experience you’re hoping for.

Brand Reputation: Brand reputation is the overall assessment of your brand's credibility, trustworthiness, and quality out in public. It’s the word of mouth that floats around town and throughout the marketplace. This brand element can’t be bought or designed on paper. You have to work for this one. It is built over time through consistent delivery of brand promises, exceptional customer experiences, and positive interactions with customers and stakeholders. A study by Texas Tech University found that 83% of satisfied customers will refer a brand to others. Reputation is huge. Companies like Nordstroms understand the massive, long-term power behind this value. They get it. Their people are emersed in this starting on day-one and every day after that. It’s why there are legendary stories of customer interactions and service levels that are still told today. Over time, in every interaction you have, if you are conscious of this brand element it can be one of the most power vehicles for success, growth and sustainability as a company that you can lay hold of.

There you go. These are the core elements of a brand that you should consider and be focused on. If you put in the work to wrestle through these, your chances of success go way, way up.

As I stated above, you simply cannot overvalue the importance of putting whatever amount of time and energy it takes to nail these components. It is not an overstatement to say they will dictate how successful your company is and even whether you survive at all. So, so ,so many companies, to their detriment, simply ignore this process. They slap up a sign with a logo made on their home computer, throw out some goods or services and scratch their heads when things don’t work out. Don’t be that person. Build a brand you are over-the-moon to share with your friends and customers and that you feel really proud of. Build a foundation that will serve you for decades to come. Think long term. You never know…maybe one day you will be the next Nordstroms or Tesla…so get it right!

Why Should I Give out of my Business?

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:09:58 GMT

“The children are dressed and ready for school. But there is no food for them to eat.”

“The children are dressed and ready for school. But there is no food for them to eat,” the housemother of the orphanage informed George Mueller. George asked her to take the 300 children into the dining room and have them sit at the tables. He thanked God for the food and waited. George knew God would provide food for the children as he always did.

Within minutes, a baker knocked on the door. “Mr. Mueller,” he said, “last night I could not sleep. Somehow I knew that you would need bread this morning. I got up and baked three batches for you. I will bring it in.” Soon, there was another knock at the door. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. The milk would spoil by the time the wheel was fixed. He asked George if he could use some free milk. George smiled as the milkman brought in ten large cans of milk. It was just enough for the 300 thirsty children."

You may or may not have heard that story. Many are familiar with the incredible acts of faith that George Mueller is famous for. If you haven’t read his book, you should. Pretty amazing stuff. But I don’t bring up that story to talk about George Mueller. I bring it up because something stands out in that story that is common to both people who provided for those 300 kids that morning. There was something they had in common. The common thread is that both those men were providing resources that came from a business. The baker was just that…a baker. And the milkman was busy on his way delivering his morning route of milk to the local townspeople. Both had a trade. Both had skills. Both had resources to offer in that moment that God used to provide those 300 kids.

At Speiro, we are big proponents of giving out of our businesses. In fact, it’s one of the primary things we talk about.

We’ve personally seen and witnessed the kind of fruit we read about in the George Mueller story many times. However, for some, the concept of giving business resources away may seem foreign, maybe even irresponsible. Some would ask, why should I give out of my business when I give at home? Or…business is hard enough man, I need all the cash I can get. Totally understand. I’ve been there. Business can be challenging. However, as the story about George Mueller highlights, if you’re willing, and have the right mindset, God can use your company in ways you can’t imagine. And we believe, if you’re faithful with what God has given you, he will be faithful to provide more seed for the work you’re endeavoring to do.

The George Mueller story is inspiring and maybe for some that’s all you needed to hear. But there are more reasons than a good story to consider being generous with your business. At Speiro, we believe that Christian business owners should have a vertical, not just horizontal, mindset. And while this is not an exhaustive list, we’ll unpack three primary reasons why we see business as a fantastic vehicle for generosity.

We’ll start by pointing out something we all intuitively know, but don’t always acknowledge. And it’s this…the church and the mission simply need resources. The reality is that the church is underfunded across the globe. Time, talent and yes money are always in need and there is never enough to do the things the church could be doing on any given day. There are needs in third-world countries. There are needs in first world countries. Sending missionaries, planting churches, translating the bible, printing the bible, feeding the poor, caring for the sick, constructing buildings, purchasing land, paying staff salaries, funding para-church efforts, starting orphanages, etc, etc, etc.

You get it. Mission efforts require money. The undeniable fact is that most churches and most mission efforts would move more quickly if they had more money. Studies show that the average Evangelical Christian gives less than 1% of their income (.57%). And only 13% of all evangelical Christians give at all. Yikes. The old phrase, “show me your check book and I’ll show you what you care about” comes to mind.

The old phrase, “show me your check book and I’ll show you what you care about” comes to mind.

But I don’t write this to guilt anyone or even convince anyone to be generous. Seriously. That is between you and the Lord. I write this to point out the need is huge. I’m making a case that there’s a lot of work to be done and businesses hold a lot of resources that can be used to move the mission along. Now you might be saying, but doesn’t the Holy Spirit move the mission? The Holy Spirit doesn’t need money to save people right? Well if you went to church this Sunday and the lights were on and the water was running, then you first handedly experienced the need for the body to give money to their church. Yes, God can save anyone he wants, when he wants. But the reality is, God created money and the systems of our world and he works most often through those tangible systems so that we can be involved. So money absolutely accelerates mission. With that, many businesses contain a lot of resources. Just like the George Mueller example, you never know when God could use what you have in your business to provide for the mission. If you’re a website designer, maybe you can build one for your church. If you provide computer services, maybe you can manage your church’s network. Maybe your business is flush with cash and you could ask your elders what needs are unmet or what goals they have that can't be accomplished without increasing their budget. Or maybe they have a big vision they haven’t shared because they don’t think it will get funded. The needs are out there. Its vitally important that we, as the body, are aware of this and look for way to steward what God has given us.

So our first “why” is simply that there is a huge need.

Now, the second why is this. We’ll start with some Old Testament. Uhhh…the Old Testament doesn’t talk about business bro. I know, hang tight. We’ll get there. Let’s check out Deuteronomy 26. In this passage the Lord commands the Israelites to give out of their firstfruits as a symbolic act acknowledging that God had broken the bonds of slavery and delivered them through the desert and provided for each of them their portion of the promised land. The firstfruit offering was to be given to God before any of the harvest was consumed or sold and before anything was used for their personal needs. I bet you’re already seeing the connection to your business. And what’s interesting is that this offering was to be given out of pure joy. Not tentatively. Not fearfully, but joyfully. Why? Because God had provided for them resources and blessings and freedom and He delivered on His promise to care for them. Verse 11 says this…“Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household”. I absolutely love that.

Why should we give before we take anything home? As an acknowledgement that God has provided resources for us.

That’s a big deal…especially if you’ve been wandering around in the dessert for 40 years. God provides them a means to feed their families and they are thankful about it. With that, if you have a business, you’ve been given your portion of the American dream, your piece of the promised land and shouldn’t you be thankful to God for providing that for you? Shouldn't we be thankful for giving us a means of providing for our families? Thankful to Him for breaking the bonds of slavery and causing you to pass through the waters of salvation (now is when you say yes). When you give from your company you make a statement. You’re driving a stake in the ground and saying to anyone who will listen that this business is the Lord’s and as an act of faith I’m going to give from my firstfruits.

I simply don’t have the budget for it. There is no cash-ola in the cash drawer. My cashflow is more like a trickle or maybe the stream is even dried up.

Now, I know what some of you might be saying. I love that idea but you don’t understand. I simply don’t have the budget for it. There is no cash-ola in the cash drawer. My cashflow is more like a trickle or maybe the stream is even dried up. I’ve been there and that is not a fun place to be. But my encouragement to you is this. When the chips are down and business is hard and you’re in the desert, that is quite possibly the very best time ever to give. God is not distant. God is not unaware. He knows what your bank balance is. He knows your P&L better than you do. God is looking for faithful people to work with.

So what would it look like for you, as an act of faith and gratitude to give during that time. If you can only give $1 this month…give $1 (I’m serious). If you can give $100 this month, give $100. Maybe you can give $10,000. You always have something to give. It might only be symbolic but the Lord knows and he sees.

Getting started is not hard so don’t overcomplicate it. At Speiro, we have a method for this called the “Speiro Way”. It’s a simple, yet effective system for carving out your giving in an organized, consistent way (we go into that in more detail in another post). We encourage you, even if you think you can’t, to boldly give in faith. Even if its $1. Then let Jesus decide whether he wants you to give more. Remember, He promises to provide seed for the sower.

Ok, on to reason number three. Businesses have resources that you don’t have at home. Look back at the George Mueller story. Would you have had enough milk for 300 kids in your fridge at home that morning? Maybe you have a Sub-Zero, double door, big ‘ol stainless steel fridge…but I bet you don’t keep enough milk on hand for 300 kids! And the bread? That baker clearly had the facilities, the ovens, the mixers, the flour, the yeast and whatever else it took to wake up, start baking and crank out enough bread for 300 hungry kids. Does your home kitchen have that kind of capacity? I know ours doesn’t. So, my point is, businesses have resources that a home doesn’t. This can work itself out in a myriad of ways. Your business has talent, resources, assets, tools, supplies, services and capacities in whatever your specialty is that far exceeds the normal household. And of course, I’m going to make the case that in many businesses there is cash that exceeds what you have at home as well.

I know what you might be saying…I need that cash to operate. Yes, cash is king in business. Yes, you really never have enough on hand. But have you ever noticed that whatever challenges you face, whatever obstacles you encounter in business you find ways to shape the business around them? We’ve all figured out how to slip something into the budget that we really want or need. A new tool, a larger space, better signage, a bigger truck. You name it. Heck, most of us have figured out how to provide a raise in pay here or there that wasn’t in the budget for a loyal staff member or even for ourselves. If you’re in business you know how to pivot when needed. This is how giving from your company works. You make the mental commitment (because you care about the needs out there) and you slip in whatever you think you can do. If you have a vertical business mindset and care about the mission, the idea of giving from your firstfruits will start to make a lot of sense. And if you’re giving monthly (verses a lump sum) its far less impactful to your current cash position.

Even smaller size companies can often find a way to carve out $500 or $1000 or even $3000 a month which is probably more than you can carve out of your home budget without some major adjustments.

Here's a quick note to those who might say…I could just pay myself more if I wanted to give more at home. That is true, you could. But you know what, you won’t. And if you do, there’s a good chance it will make it’s way into your bank account and get used on other stuff like gas, groceries, diapers, dog food, electric bills or maybe even a new toy. Some of us can be disciplined and make sure the money goes to the right place. But, its very easy to fall into the trap of finding other uses for more pay coming home. Pretty soon, you’ve funneled it to other things and giving has (potentially) fallen by the wayside.

This is getting long so lets wrap up. There’s a lot of needs out there. More than we could possibly fund. God has to do the work but its our job to participate. From the days of old God has given us examples of giving joyfully as recognition for what he’s done for us. If you are creative and have eyes to see it, there are resources inside the walls of your business, your Kingdom outpost (as we like to say at Speiro) that can be used to fund and accelerate the mission. So let me leave you with a little homework. I would challenge you to reflect on what ways God has been generous to you. What resources has he provided to you that maybe were provided to you so that you could give to others? Take the time to stop and reflect on what things you have, if put to use, could accelerate the Good News. Remember, giving is never a drag. Giving is a blast. Its infectious and addictive and it never gets old. Don’t miss out on using your company for the Kingdom. You won’t look back.

Your Business is a Kingdom Outpost: Part 2

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Fri, 19 May 2023 05:55:03 GMT

Ok. This topic is so good that we couldn’t get it into one post. No one likes a blog that’s actually a book! With that, we decided to break this one up. If you haven’t read part 1 of this topic, you should stop now, go back, and read it. If you have read it, let’s keep rolling!

As you probably recall in part 1, we agreed that business is war. It’s tough. It’s gritty. And it is not for the faint of heart. We went on to highlight however that the war your business is engaged in is not the only battle going on. We highlighted that vertically minded business owners are aware of and concerned about the unseen battle and see’s their business as a Kingdom outpost. A strategic, well positioned, tactical outpost on the front lines of the fight. Your company, when equipped properly, can have a tremendous impact on the outcome.

As a reminder, there are two approaches to making your business an effective Kingdom outpost. The first, as we covered in part 1, is simply being a good mirror of the Kingdom. Reflecting the goodness of the Kingdom inside your company as a representation of the things we are all hardwired to long for since the beginning of creation but lost due to the fall.

So now onto the second facet of being a Kingdom outpost… “external generosity”. External generosity? What do you mean external? How is that different from regular ‘ol generosity? Glad you asked. At Speiro, we use the term “external generosity” to describe the mindset of using your business resources to be generous with, and affect the outcome of, the efforts happening outside the walls of your company. Whereas the first part of the strategy is focused on what’s happening inside your business (your culture, your people, etc), the second strategy focuses on how you can help others (churches, para-church ministries, etc) succeed in their part of the mission.

External generosity? What do you mean external? How is that different from regular ‘ol generosity? Glad you asked.

So you might be asking, what does external generosity look like? What exactly do I do and how do I wire this concept into my business? Real quick, before we get to that, I want to address those that might be asking, why should I give out of my business. People often say, I give at home so why give from my company? It’s a valid question and you should know in your heart why you’re doing it. Here’s a brief flyover of why. (For a deeper explanation of this topic see our post on “Why should I give out of my business”). At Speiro our perspective is three-fold (going super quick here). First, there is a huge need on the front lines for more resources. If the leadership in your church or ministry have a vision for how to advance the gospel, chances are they need resources and the biggest of those probably being money. We should engage in that need and help in whatever way we can. Second, your business is not unlike the first fruits that God speaks of in Deuteronomy 26. God instructs the Israelites to give from the harvest of their portion of the land before any of it is taken home or sold because of what God did to break the bonds of slavery and bring them through the waters of salvation. And yes, all the theologians in the room are going to point out, that this is not a New Testament command. Got it…but neither is fasting. It’s the heart in which we give back to God for breaking the bonds of slavery in our own lives and giving us a business that provides for our families. Giving back to him from your proceeds (before anything is taken home) is an act of faith that acknowledges God is in control of the outcome of your company. Lastly, there is something different about giving out of your company. There are resources available in your company that are simply larger and more diverse than what you have in your home. That includes money, time, talent and expertise, space, supplies…you name it. If you turn it over the Lord you’ll be amazed at how he can use the resources inside your company.

Ok, so there’s a little bit of the “why”. Now back to the tactical stuff. The how. The first step in all cases is to take a hard look at the battle happening outside your doors and ask yourself…what am I passionate about?

If I’m going to be a Kingdom outpost, what front lines do I want to be sent to? Find something that gets you out of bed in the morning. It’s really critical that you care about the mission. It’s critical that you care about the outcome of what you’re giving to or there really is no point in giving in the first place. The Great Commission wasn’t a casual suggestion or a box to check in our faith. We should be engaged in and concerned about this battle we’re in. And to be clear, Jesus doesn’t need your money. The act of giving is largely for your own heart and your own spiritual benefit, not His. So, find something you can be passionate about. Hopefully, the first place you look is the church you attend. Parachurch ministries are needed and critical for many front-line efforts. But the church is the primary institution that God setup for the Good News to reach the world. We opt to give there first. Then, if you feel led, give to other organizations you are passionate about.

God has no interest in you draining your bank account only to run yourself into bankruptcy.

Now the second step…wiring up your business to support the act of giving. Giving can certainly be time, talent, expertise, etc. But for the purposes of this article we’re going to focus on how to set up your finances to give out of your profits. And just to get it out there, God has no interest in you draining your bank account only to run yourself into bankruptcy. That would be in the category of the foolish. Proverbs has a lot to say about the fool so don’t be that guy. He wants your Kingdom outpost to remain intact.

That doesn’t mean you don’t give sacrificially where you can. But sacrificial isn’t the same as reckless. At Speiro, we strongly suggest that you adopt the Speiro Way of setting up accounts for your profits and your giving. The Speiro Way is a simple, yet effective approach to your budgeting and planning. We have a post on this so check it out for more detail. But the ultra-simple, back-of-the-napkin version is this. In your bookkeeping processes, create a specific account for giving. Using this account, you commit to yourself and the Lord to transfer some amount of money into each month. It can be $1 or it can be $10,000. Some businesses are crushing it and have nice margins each month. If that’s you, praise the Lord. Others are just getting started or may be in a tough season. Doesn’t matter…give something. Remember, this is an act of thankfulness and faith unto the Lord for providing for your family. It may only be symbolic, or it may be substantial. Either way, you are declaring to yourself and the Lord that this business is His. And then, guess what?

This is the cool part. You can leave it up to Jesus to increase the amount if He wants. In faith, you’ve done what you can. In faith you’ve said, make it more if you like Lord. We’ll be faithful to give if you do. I am not a prosperity guy, but I have seen the Lord be incredibly faithful to those who truly desire to be a conduit of blessing to others.

Your Business is a Kingdom Outpost: Part 1

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Tue, 16 May 2023 00:58:04 GMT

Phil Knight once said, “Business is war without bullets”.

Phil Knight once said, “business is war without bullets”. If you’ve operated a company for more than 30 seconds, I’m sure you can resonate with that. I know I’ve taken a few grenades myself. Some days it feels like I may have a sucking chest wound! So yeah, Phil is right, business is like war. Business requires determination, grit and a lot of strategy. It requires taking territory from the opposition through sacrifice, long hours, solid leadership, and tenacity.

But beyond the physical war we face, the vertically minded business owner knows there’s another battle going on. A spiritual battle. One in which your business can be a strategic, tactical, and powerful weapon. Businesses of all types are on the front lines of peoples lives. People spend more time at work than they do almost anywhere else and in that, you have a huge opportunity to make an impact. Viewing your company as a Kingdom outpost is a great way to get in the fight.

At this point you might be saying, dude, I can barely keep up with my company as it is. I don’t have time to tackle one more thing let alone engage in an invisible battle. I get it. I’ve been there. But hang in there with me as we walk this out. Setting your business up as a Kingdom outpost may sound like one more thing to think about but just remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint. You don’t have to boil the ocean on the first day. Start small. Take baby steps. The act of committing your business to the Kingdom can happen over weeks, months, and years. One of my dear friends (and pastor) Adam James once said, “small is big and slow is fast”. He’s right. Small, even slow, efforts in God’s economy can have incredible outcomes. And hear this, what you commit to the Lord (your business, your resources, etc) will never be an investment that returns void. I believe that and I’ve experienced it. Not always in this lifetime, but the bible is full of glorious truths where God promises to provide for those doing His work and you can take that to the bank.

At this point you might be saying, ok I’m interested but where do I start? Maybe you’re not even sure what it looks like to be a Kingdom outpost.

It also might feel challenging because you have some ground to make up for some not-so-good examples you’ve set along the way. That’s ok. I’ve been there. The first time we committed to do business for the Kingdom it was just after giving my life to Jesus and the business was a trainwreck (as was my life). Toxic, poorly focused, and full of bad habits that set the wrong tone. So I get it. The good news is, it’s never too late. Just like your personal life, there is power to restore your business from its current state to a new, redeemed version. Sure, the best day to start was when you formed the company, the second-best day is today.

There are two tactical angles you can take to become a Kingdom outpost. The first, and maybe the easiest, is focused internally and involves reflecting and emulating the goodness of the Kingdom to the people involved with your company. The second involves adopting a mindset of generosity externally to equip and resource the church and the mission to see the Good News advance. Both are an important element in committing your business to the Kingdom.

So let’s start with the internal stuff. Let’s start with culture and reflecting the Kingdom through your values. Before starting I want to pause and acknowledge that I am not blind to the very real risk sharing your faith at work.

There are two tactical angles you can take to become a Kingdom outpost.

I get it. You’re thinking, if I share my faith, surely I’ll get sued or someone will accuse me of discrimination at some point. And no lie, that could happen. The climate is vastly different than it was 20 years ago. So wisdom is critical. Be discerning. Be smart. But, on the flip side, don’t be a coward. Don’t use that as an excuse and back away from what we are called to do. God wants you to use your resources he’s given you to advance His name. It’s your company and you should be in control of culture and values. And your culture and values can go a long way to setting the stage for gospel conversations if and when they arise.

Ok…back to reflecting the Kingdom. This angle is definitely less direct but nevertheless an effective and important element of any Kingdom outpost. Frankly, all businesses should start here and hold these characteristics as non-negotiable values inside their company walls. These values go a long way to displaying something attractive, something good that make people want to know more. The grace, the generosity, the leadership, the peace, the hope, and the love we experience by being part of the Kingdom that can be tangibly put on display almost overnight in your business. Reflect those things that are true about God and watch how it affects culture. Watch people change. Watch them start to lean in and want more. The world is dying for something stable, true, and consistent. Since the beginning of creation we have been wired to desire something that we can’t find in the world. We long for restoration and the love of Jesus. Using your business, you can give people a taste of that when they experience your company. Below are six attributes you can consider emulating. This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means but ensuring these are on display in your company will be a great start.

Be Generous: God is generous…so be generous. This is a big one because it can be so tangible.

Support the Family Unit: Families are often sacrificed at the alter of success. Show your team that family comes first in your company.

Improve the Lives of Those Around You: Life is and will be better in the Kingdom. Work to see the lives of your team flourish just as God has worked for your flourishing.

Celebrate Wins: There is celebration in the Kingdom. Emulate this. Your culture will thrive when you celebrate wins and people.

Serve your Customers: Everyone talks about service, but I’m talking about the type that is rooted in humility. It’s a powerful example when people see you put others before yourself.

Be a Listener: Being heard is a powerful emotion and demonstrates patience and love. It’s not lost on your staff when you take the time to listen.

Give Grace: Mistakes happen, but how you respond matters. Reflect the grace you’ve received in your own life to others and your leadership will stand out.

Model Integrity: Doing what you say is incredibly important. God always does what he says he’ll do. Trust is a huge part of your testimony being impactful. Always opt for integrity over convenience.

So this is step one…creating culture to reflect the Kingdom. Step two takes it up a notch. This is where things get even more exciting. We at Speiro call it “external generosity”. What we mean by that phrase is this. External generosity is being generous with the resources you have inside your company to affect and advance efforts outside your company. Beginning to view you company this way ads a whole new perspective to many facets of your company. It will shape how you see profits, strategy, budgeting and get your mind focused on the great mission happening outside the walls of your business.

For more on this, see Part 2 of Making your Business a Kingdom Outpost. Don’t miss it!

Money Might Ruin You

jeff@gospeiro.com (Jeff Weber) — Fri, 05 May 2023 02:32:38 GMT

Elon Musk once said, ”Two of the worst possible curses: You Live forever. You can have anything you want”.

Well that’s a non-typical statement for sure. His perspective on living forever is off but he does have first-hand experience with at least one of the two. He can literally have anything he wants. So he knows a little bit about the topic. But why does he say this? Most people wouldn’t argue with having anything they want in life. We live in a culture that glorifies success, wealth, and prosperity, and it's normal to pursue financial gain. That is true in business as well. Business and success are inextricably tied. Most business owners want to hit it big in their entrepreneurial ventures. Striving for more cash in the bank account is baked into our mindset every day we flip on the lights.

There is a dark side to money that should be carefully considered (more on that later). And Jesus has some things to say about those who make money a primary focus in their life. And Jesus was right somewhere around…hmmm…100% of the time. So starting a business simply to get rich is a terrible motivation (I know because in my old life, I tried). Conversely, you absolutely must pursue money and profits with everything you have. You really no such thing as having too much cash in business. I mean, we all want to build a robust, cash producing, wealth generating company, right? No one starts a business to make mediocre profits, grow slowly and scratch out a meager living simply to avoid the pitfalls of money. That would be weird and if that’s your perspective you might want to think twice about starting a company. So how does a business owner reconcile this tension?

I don't know about you, but a good percentage of wealthy people I know aren’t as happy as I would assume they’d be.

To be more direct, a lot of them, if you lift the hood of their lives, are trainwrecks. And that’s a head-scratcher for those looking on. They have what everyone wants, right? Cars, boats, vacations and maybe an extra house or a cabin. You know, all the cool toys you grew up wanting. Yet many of the wealthy friends I have, in moments of honesty, will tell me that not all is well on the home front. Seriously, I have lots of wealthy friends and business acquaintances that are miserable (that is not an exaggeration). Many drink too much and a good majority have some level of depression in their lives. Here's the deal: There's a good chance making millions of dollars will ruin your life.

But why? How can that be? They’ve achieved what others dream about. The answers to that question might not be as obvious as you think.

Most people could take a pretty good shot at why a wealthy person might not be happy. You might throw out some of the obvious answers like…to much stress…not enough sleep…burning the candle at both ends…too many irons in the fire…not enough family time…etc, etc. If those come to mind you are partially correct. But those answers don’t really address the large, empty hole that many wealthy people feel in their soul. So, what is happening here? How can you achieve some of life’s biggest dreams and yet be unhappy? Or worse, watch as your life falls apart in front of you.

Here's the deal:
There's a good chance making millions of dollars will ruin your life.

Ya…I said it. A lot of people simply won’t do well with 6 or 7 zeros at the end of their bank balance. Yep…its true…they won’t. At this point you may be starting to question, maybe even rolling your eyes. Not me you say. Look, don’t shoot the messenger. Jesus said it way before I did. The whole camel through the eye of the needle ringing any bells? Well, once again, Jesus was right (big surprise). Money profoundly affects people’s lives when they come into it. Money is a powerful catalyst for change in a myriad of areas. Think about it. How many lottery winners declare bankruptcy (let me help you…70%). How many young people who get wealthy turn into dumpster fires (think pro athlete or young actor). How many Old Testament kings started out well and ended badly. How many people get a little bit of fame, and their life goes sideways. And we can all name a celebrity pastor who went off the rails or worse walked away from the faith. At this point you’re probably saying ya, but those are extreme examples. I’m never going to be famous or have a hundred million dollars. Doesn't matter.

If you find success in business and the money starts to come, you’ll be facing your own personal version of how money will influence your life. How you deal with it matters.

Look, money is so deeply rooted in our daily lives that any movement up or down in your bank account changes the lens in which you experience life. Financial success changes your perspective, your decisions, how people view you, whether you go to the latte stand or whether you drink Folgers at home, whether you fly coach or business class, whether you get leather seats or the cloth, whether you cook spaghetti or steak for dinner or whether you subscribe to the basic or the premium channels on your TV. Little by little, decision by decision, change happens (think boiling frog). But here’s the thing, these are just the symptoms. These are just the fruit on the outer limbs of the tree that makes up your life. What is happening at the root level is where the real problem lies.

So what’s the real issue? Why did Jesus bring up this whole camel and needle thing? What did he know about the human condition 2000 years ago that he wanted to make sure we get into our noggins. And why do people with money regularly become unhappy and discontented? Good questions. Here is the issue…actually a 3-part issue that makes up one consistent outcome. The root of the problem and the start of the cycle is that money will slowly, inevitably, and inconspicuously make you comfortable. Yes…comfortable. Wait what? That doesn’t sound to insidious. I know what you’re saying. You’re saying, I kinda want to be comfortable. Who doesn’t? Ok, maybe those crazy Navy Seal guys that seem to enjoy taking baths in 33-degree water on a minus 40-degree day. But me? No, I’m cool with some comfort in my life. Heck, I know for myself I rarely hunt out of a tent anymore. I kinda prefer my camper these days. So, I get it. Pursuing comfort is wired into all of us. Here’s the thing. Comfort, experienced over years, starts to rewire your brain. Comfort makes you less dangerous. Comfort makes you bored. Comfort makes you soft. Over time, the more comfort you experience the less willing you are to be uncomfortable. Your brain starts cherishing comfort and it starts expecting, if not demanding it. And by the way, this is not an overnight thing. It happens subtly over years.

I said this was a 3-part issue. So pressing on. Here is the second phase of the cycle.

The second phase is that comfort will cause you (and your brain) to develop expectations.

You develop expectations because your body likes comfort and your mind expects it and wants you to stay in the comfort zone at all times. You begin to expect that life will stay in the neat little box you’ve created for it. You expect things to go the way you like because you have the money and resources to ensure they do. If your expectations aren’t met and comfort isn’t achieved, you’ll create limitations around whatever it is that’s pulling you out of your comfort zone. Now you’re on a path to being less useful in the fight.

So here’s the third leg of the cycle. As I mentioned, once you have expectations about how life should go, you’ve set yourself up for regular disappointment. This is where things take a slightly darker turn. This is where the cycle can start to get more serious. Here’s why: Regular disappointment inevitably leads to periods of unhappiness. And make no mistake, dashed expectations that lead to disappointment are a regular occurrence on this planet. Whether your latte isn’t the right temperature or whether your car gets scratched or whether your kids go off the rails, life (and people) will disappoint you. With that, regular and consistent periods of disappointment (and unhappiness) will make you do two things. You will find yourself either throwing money at your problems or you will simply become depressed…or both. Each of these reactions can start a viscous cycle in your life. To fix the disappointment you’ll find yourself doing just about anything to regain comfort. You’ll find yourself car shopping or looking for a new toy. Or maybe if you take another vacation you’ll feel better. Maybe a new purse or a new gun. That will help right? Nope. These attempts to find the next dopamine hit actually work against you because they only serve to start the cycle all over again.

Here is where the spiral gets tighter and tighter.

What makes you uncomfortable starts to become less and less extreme. What used to be a small inconvenience becomes a major disruption to your day (remember the 192-degree latte?).

It’s an ever shrinking, ever contracting version of life that you must maintain to feel comfortable. When this happens, you will begin setting up limitations and walls around your life so that the disappointment can’t break in. And over time, slowly but surely, you look back and you’re just not the same person. And if you start throwing money at life trying to maintain happiness, you’ll find yourself with a garage full of cars you don’t drive, a second house you never use, and a closet full of clothes you never wear. And one more thing, as the years pass, you’ll find your bank balance has slowly dwindled and you’ll wonder where it’s all gone. Now you have to work harder, which means less time at home and more stress.

So there you have it. Therin lies the paradox. The unintuitive connection between money & unhappiness.

So there you have it. Therin lies the paradox. The unintuitive connection between money & unhappiness. This cycle is why so many people with money become so unhappy and often times let it ruin their lives and rob their joy. It’s a head-scratching thing to watch. Why can’t they just be happy? They have it all. But we were made for deeper satisfaction that money can’t provide. Satisfaction that can only be found elsewhere. Read on.

So now what? Should I even try to make more money? We admitted earlier that if I’m in business my only option is to shoot for the moon, striving for profits and large ones hopefully. There really is no middle ground. And if that is the case, how do I break this tension? Glad you asked. Here is the antidote. The solution for the cycle of money and unhappiness is…generosity.

Yep…good ‘ol fashion, Jesus inspired generosity. Generosity breaks the tension. Generosity redeems the whole equation. Generosity gives purpose for business success and earning wealth. Generosity puts a mission behind your money. When you start worrying less about your own comfort and more about serving others, you’ll find the true path to lasting happiness.

Jesus was right when he said it is more blessed to give than to receive. The truth is that Jesus doesn’t want you in the poorhouse. Jesus wants you to flourish.

Sin and brokenness often disrupt that, but Jesus is clear about the blessing that comes by being obedient and obedience with money is part of that. There is important work to be done and if you’ve been given resources, it’s for a purpose. There is a lot of brokenness and hurt in this world and the gospel is the antidote for that so its important to use the resources God has given us to advance the Good News. And here’s the thing, God made our world, and our world uses money to operate. While the Spirit can move in whatever way He chooses, money does facilitate gospel advancement. If you’ve been entrusted with resources (like a business), you’ll have opportunities to make an impact with that resource. If you can begin to see money the right way, you may find God begins to trust you with more.

Here is where the tension really breaks surrounding money and business. If using your business for the Kingdom is a concept that resonates with you and can you start seeing your resources as a weapon for good, then you should go and make as much money as you can. Yep…go crush it. No tension. You should work to earn huge profits. You should build your business to be the most glorious, money producing, God-honoring cash machine that it can be. That’s how you break the cycle. That’s how you redeem wealth. Jesus was the most generous man to ever walk the planet because of the joy that was set before him. When we follow his lead, you’ll find joy you didn’t know you could have. Look around your business and ask yourself, how can my business start to impact the Kingdom? What do we have (cash, talent, resources) that can move the needle. With the right lens, you’ll be surprised how much you have to offer.

God has some really special things to say about a cheerful giver and one who scatters the seed he’s been given for his purpose. Your business is part of the seed God has given you.

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How to craft your Vision & Mission Statement

Mission & Vision Statement Worksheet

Navigating Success: The Essential Role of Mission & Vision Statements in Business

These statements serve as the guiding stars for a business, offering direction, purpose, and a framework for strategic planning.

1. What is a Mission Statement?

2. What is a Vision Statement?

3. The Importance of Mission & Vision Statements:

4. Crafting Effective Mission & Vision Statements:

Conclusion:

I n the complex world of business, where choices abound, these statements act as a lighthouse.

How to Posture Your Business in the Face of Global Uncertainty in 2024

1. Resist Temptation to Make Rash Decisions: Stay Smart and Level-Headed

If you’re panicked, your team will be panicked and your family will be panicked.

2. Don't React Too Early or Too Late: Timing is Everything

3. Preserve Cash: Building a Solid Financial Lifeline

4. Create a Scaled-Back Cash Flow Model: Know Your Adjustments

5. Focus on Moderate, Cost-Effective Growth: Steady Progress is Key

6. Stay Generous: The Macedonian Model

Stay generous, seek first the Kingdom and the Lord will be faithful in whatever way he knows is best.

7. Keep Perspective: Faith and Resilience

In 2024, the small business journey may be a challenging one, but with faith and some sound planning, you will have a lot more peace and certainty that things will be fine on the other side.

Steps to Starting a Small Business

By default, businesses are considered sole proprietorships, operating under the owner's name.

Steps to Starting a Small Business

1. Choose the Business Entity:

2. Select an Available Business Name:

3. Designate a Registered Agent:

4. Create an Operating Agreement (if applicable) :

5. File Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization:

6. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) :

7. Acquire Business Licenses & Permits (if required) :

8. File Annual Reports:

Understanding Small Businesses

Funding Options for Small Businesses:

Choosing the Right Location:

Tips for Starting a Small Business with Limited Funds:

Starting and managing a small business involves careful planning, legal compliance, and effective financial management. Seeking professional advice from attorneys, accountants, or business consultants can be invaluable throughout this process.

Unraveling Leadership: 4 Paths to Company Loyalty

Now is the time to rally them as their fearless leader and ask them to make a personal sacrifice and drag this one across the finish line.

The next time you're at the helm of a team or navigating your own career path, consider which type of leader you aspire to be.

Do I Have to Choose Between a Healthy Family and Business Success?

It’s 8:30 pm and you’re still at the office. You know you need to get home but tomorrow is a big day.

It’s 8:30 pm and you’re still at the office. You know you need to get home but tomorrow is a big day.

Does this mean that we should neglect the business that helps to sustain our lives? Deﬁnitely not. But for the vertically minded business owner, there should be a diﬀerence in attitude and priority.

Seek first His Kingdom and you will have no regrets.

If you're disciplined and prioritize you can navigate his tension between work and family.

You don’t have to choose between a healthy family and a successful business.

﻿ Our job is to our priorities straight, work hard and let Him do the rest. Give it a try.

The Power of Trust: Solid Leadership & a Winning Company

Trust is the cornerstone upon which successful organizations & successful careers are built.

Solid levels of trust create a great work environment that encourages employee loyalty and productivity.

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the talents & resources entrusted to us.

In the Christian faith, we are called to love one another as Christ has loved us.

Why Muffin Mondays Matter

The opportunity we have with our employees is a big one and one that should be carefully fostered and built through acts of generosity of all kinds.

They feel loved, thought of and hopefully appreciated and in the end, that is the goal to showing them Jesus.

Avoid Burnout in Your Business: Enjoy the Ride.

It started with that first lemonade stand. You killed it in the summer of ’95!

Below are some tips we like to recommend for anyone starting a company or someone already in the saddle that wants to ensure they don’t hate the thing they’ve built in 15 years.

Entrepreneurs are typically highly driven people. Most of my business friends are high-builder, high-output folks.

Collaboration not only lightens the workload but also fosters creativity and innovation. Embracing the power of teamwork will not only prevent burnout but also enhance the overall quality of your business while giving Jesus a chance to work through interactions and the culture you create.

Cultivating a growth mindset will not only keep you motivated but also allow you to navigate challenges with new creativity and knowledge.

If you stop and appreciate it, running a business is a blessing. It’s a gift from the Lord if you have a business that is providing for your family and allowing you to be generous. It should be a gratifying and fulfilling experience, not one that leads to burnout and exhaustion.

The "Speiro Way": Unleash Profitability & Generosity in Your Business

Not that long ago, we experienced a significant shift in one of our businesses.

Regardless of which trap you find yourself in, the likelihood that either will allow you to be wildly generous and achieve significant financial success is very low.

The Speiro Way works by prioritizing giving and profit before expenses.

In the following points, we'll delve into practical ways to break free from this profit-draining cycle and pave the path to sustainable success.

HOW TO IMPLEMENT THE SPEIRO WAY:

Once your bank accounts are ready, it's time to take action on the implementation of the Speiro Way, which can be summed up in three simple steps.

By implementing the Speiro Way you create a culture of profitability and generosity. We could all use more automation in achieving our goals!

Unleashing the Power of Your Brand: The Art of Obsession

I’m a sucker for a rock-solid, compelling, and well executed brand.

We can all name that one store or that restaurant or even an internet brand that speaks to your soul and more often than not, when you see one of these unique, winning brands they are succeeding in their business goals as well.

So brand is important. But exactly what is a “brand”?

59% of consumers are willing to pay more for products or services from brands they perceive as a higher quality brand.

I’ll say it again, do not skimp on this part. If things go the way they should, you’ll be using this brand for decades, so get it right the first time.

There you go. These are the core elements of a brand that you should consider and be focused on. If you put in the work to wrestle through these, your chances of success go way, way up.

Why Should I Give out of my Business?

Our job is to our priorities straight, work hard and let Him do the rest. Give it a try.

Here's the deal:
There's a good chance making millions of dollars will ruin your life.