We must adopt a generous mind-set that “connects” with the community as a whole.  A mind-set that desires to permeate every aspect of the community where we are planted, and creatively apply our blessings as a solution to the needs of the community.  In doing so we practice “holistic generosity” and not “partiality.”

A generous mind-set comes from understanding God’s true abundance and knowing there is no shortage in God.  Being generous eliminates the demand mentality placed on us by the word “give,” and allows us to operate in the freedom of “sharing” our wealth and  blessings with all people so it can do good within our entire community.

Consider these words:  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.” [Galatians 6:9-10 NIV]

It’s not only about having enough for programs or departments within our churches.  It’s much more than that.  It’s about living with a daily mind-set of generosity toward anyone we come in contact with wherever we might be.

Let’s stay relevant by appropriating this mind-set of HOLISTIC GENEROSITY and empower those we can to target their blessings not only within the church, but to all individuals and to the communities they are planted in.

We are anticipating great things by the power of God over these next several months as we travel here in the United States, Denmark, Czech Republic, France, England Kenya, Australia and South Africa.  We ask that you stand with us in prayer for these upcoming meetings.  

For the remainder of the year we only have a few openings in our ministry schedule.  We would love to help you in any way we can.  If you would like to schedule a meeting for your organization, business or church please send us an email right away at: contact@ondrey.org.

For quite some time I taught to give, give, give, but I came to the realization many years ago that a persons level of generosity, or the level at which they can share their blessings with others, is directly tied to their ability to create more than enough of something that can actually be shared.

With that in mind, any teaching directed toward sharing ones wealth as a show of generosity must be preceded with teaching and empowerment in creating wealth.  Because if wealth is not first created there is none to be shared.

If you think this is a foreign idea then just consider God and man.  In Genesis 1:28 God tells Adam to “…be fruitful and multiply…”  This wouldn’t be possible if God had not created something to share with Adam that he could utilize in the next round of increase.  Adam wasn’t being expected to increase something out of thin air.

Let’s not be afraid of teaching others to CREATE wealth while targeting the result of that teaching to SHARE the wealth that we create with the individuals and communities around us.

Begin your process today! Join us in Phoenix on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at our Financial Wellness Institute by clicking here.

If you would like to schedule a Financial Wellness Institute or an Entrepreneurial Empowerment Conference in your area, send us an email at: contact@ondrey.org

If you are preoccupied with “what ifs” then worry will become a problem.  Please trust me on this issue, it will eventually be a problem because doubts and fears paralyze you and stop any level of motivation or productivity in your life. Your emotional energy is sapped from you. However, you can train yourself to calm down, collect your thoughts and look at life with a positive perspective.

Pursuing your dreams requires you to focus, but in a world filled with a myriad of distractions that can be hard to do.  Developing focus means breaking bad habits and replacing them with good habits.  One of those bad habits (and it’s been one in my life at different times) is worrying and not taking time to just observe your surroundings and allow yourself to dream about your future.  Please watch this video and dream big!

1. IDENTIFICATION
Be clear about what your dream is. Write it out on a piece of paper and read it over many times to make sure it is not vague and therefore unreachable. Clarity will help you stay focused.

2. BREAKTHROUGH
Stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone. Sitting back and doing what you’ve always done will not take you to your dreams. Obliterating the walls that hold you back will help you gain confidence.

3. COMMUNICATE
Talk to others who have knowledge of the area you are dreaming about. Find people who will encourage you instead of those who are always trying to convince why you can’t do something.

4. TIME UTILIZATION
Use time to your advantage, especially those times that feel as though they are being wasted. Find what is stealing your time and remove it from your life. Get up and put some action into the time you have.

5. FLEXIBILITY
Be flexible and allow the dream to change and develop. What you begin with may not be the final appearance. If what you are now doing is not getting you closer to your dream, then you may have to change direction.

6. PREPARATION
Be prepared for challenges. Being uninformed can lead to wrong decisions about some of the most critical issues you will face. Education at any level is a key to improving yourself.

7. CONSISTENCY
Develop your dream by building daily habits that take you closer to living your dream. Your actions, the decisions you make, the way you live your life are all largely dictated by your habits.

1.    IDENTIFY THE OPPORTUNITY

You have the ability to choose different business opportunities, but selecting the right one is not always easy.  First of all you must recognize your particular entrepreneurial skill set, understand your interests and decide if you have a passion for that field.

2.    YOU DON’T HAVE TO REINVENT THE WHEEL

Sometimes the best ideas are tried and true that are already successful.  Cupcakes are a great example.  People love cupcakes so why try to invent a new dessert type?  It’s OK to pursue your version of what’s already out there.  You only need a new slant on an old idea.

3.    CREATE A BUSINESS PLAN

This is critical to any new venture.  More businesses fail due to a lack of planning than any other reason.  Be clear on what must happen in the first few months and years.  A comprehensive business plan examines the financial aspects of your desired business as well as the mechanics of moving it forward, stat up costs, market research, inventory control, marketing, advertising and more.

4.    NARROW YOUR NICHE

Answer the question, “Who exactly is my customer?”  Instead of saying our product or service is ideal for “all women” or all whoever, pinpoint exactly who you are really targeting.  Utilize demographics (age, gender, geography) and psychology (personalities, values, attitudes, interests).  When you know who you want to reach it will be easier to execute your plan.

5.    GENERATE FUNDS

Proper funding of a business startup is another critical issue that is often pursued improperly.  You may need to depend on your own personal savings for a while, or funds raised from friends or family.  Are you ready for that?  Enter the venture with your eyes wide open.  Most importantly, pursue customers and clients more than capital.  Ultimately they are the source of long term financial health.

6.    THINK CREATIVELY & CONSERVATIVELY

Sure it would be convenient to own you own commercial kitchen for baking, but the cost of signing a long term lease and purchasing that equipment may be prohibitive.  Find a new solution to getting what you need for little or no cash.  Use interns or family to help if needed.  Utilize a network of advisors.

7.    PRICE FOR PROFIT

Pricing shouldn’t just cover your costs.  It must also generate a PROFIT for your business.  Don’t undervalue your time, talent and length of experience.  This is a classic mistake in most new businesses.  Work the numbers!  Look from the top down.  Ask yourself, “How much do I want to make?” and then determine how that breaks down by week, by month and my year.

8.    STOP STALLING & START DOING

When is the right time to begin?  Many people believe they must have the exact right education.  Ultimate success is not always determined by where (or if) you went to school.  I’m not saying you shouldn’t obtain an education (I did), but that is not the final determining factor in your success.  It comes down to your “want to.”  How much do you want something.  You’ve got to hustle, you’ve got to get started.

(This is an excerpt from my upcoming new release, “8 Startup Strategies for a New Business.”)