The Goaldigger Group

I was on a quest to search for tips on success in business that are Biblical and I stumbled upon www.scruples.org
For success in business spiritually as well as materially follow these six steps.
Step #1. Discover your Purpose in business. Why are you going into business? Are you in business for the sole reason to make money or are there other reasons to be in business. Remember the words of Joshua: But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15b) At the outset ask God to show His MINISTRY PURPOSE for you in business. Some ideas:

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e.g. What kind of “brick layer” are you? It’s a job; it’s a living or is it a great cathedral?

Step #2. Plan your business start up or expansion carefully. Taking these seminars is a good start. Now use the material you are receiving here to carefully plan your business activity. A Proverb says: The plans of the diligent lead to profit, as surely as haste leads to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5)

Thus this proverb can be expanded to read: The plans of diligent people who plod carefully lead to profit and prosperity as surely as the lack of planning by people who are lazy, careless and hasty leads to loss and poverty.

Step #3. Be prepared to work hard! Business owners spend long hours at their business and rarely get to take time off. The hard work starts even before you start the business. Planning is hard work and it must be done well for your plans to succeed. Another Proverb says: Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4) Now try your version:

Step #4. Stay with it and persevere through difficulty Studies have shown that the true potential of a business is not seen until after at least three years of business activity. So stick with it through thick and thin! A verse from Galatians is particularly relevant here not only for persevering in business but also for persevering in righteousness: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Too many small business people give up too soon. Somebody else reaps the seeds that they have sown because they have not persevered until the time of the harvest.

Step #5. Proceed in wisdom. Wisdom is the skill for living. Learn from your mistakes and grow in your knowledge and understanding in your business activity. Serving God first in business is the equivalent of fearing God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

Step #6. Honor God in time and money. Those who really do fear God and serve him in business will prove their heart attitude is to honor God by tithing regularly a portion of their business income and by observing a regular Sabbath in their work activity. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; so that your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. (Exodus 31:15a) God delights to honor those who honor him. Another proverb says: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. (Proverbs 23:4)

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ATLANTA, Georgia – The National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM), in partnership with the City of Atlanta, will convene NCBM’s 38th Annual Convention May 30 – June 3, 2012. The convention, headquartered at the Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel and Convention Center, will bring NCBM mayoral members, local and statewide elected officials, Congressional leaders, federal department representatives, foreign dignitaries, civic leaders, corporate representatives, educators, entrepreneurs, community organizers, youth and academics to the economic hub of the South for the purpose of advancing municipal development.

“NCBM’s Annual Convention provides the opportunity for urban and rural mayors to collaborate with local leaders, high level officials and public and private partners to address the issues mayors face daily,” said Robert L. Bowser, National Conference of Black Mayors President and Mayor of East Orange, NJ. “Atlanta’s history as the cradle of Civil Rights and its evolvement into a 21st Century megalopolis known as an economic and political powerhouse guided by Mayor Kasim Reed, leads us in selecting this culturally diverse city as the location for the Convention. With 2012 being such an important year, Atlanta will prove to be the ideal location for the convention as we connect with key policy makers on the topics of the economy, job creation, healthcare and foreign policy. This convention is the perfect time and place for our organization to unite in showing our girth and legacy through a united voice as we work towards improving municipal development for our communities nationwide.”
Collectively, NCBM members lead more than 48 million constituents throughout the nation. More than 250 members are expected to attend its 2012 Annual Convention in Atlanta, with a large assembly of international delegations from Africa, South America, Europe and the Caribbean, along with special appearances from key international leaders. Atlanta Mayor and NCBM member Kasim Reed will serve as official host. “As leaders of large urban cities and rural areas, mayors play a vital role in ensuring the future economic growth and safety of our nation as we address challenges at home and increasing global competition from emerging economies,” Reed said. “Crumbling transportation infrastructure, joblessness and failing public schools are issues that mayors tackle on a daily basis. The National Conference of Black Mayors gives urban and rural leaders an important forum to share ideas about potential solutions to the pressing issues that face our communities and nation at large, and this year’s theme, “Mayors Agents for Change: Thinking Global, Acting Local,” could not be more important or timely.”
The conference will address some of our communities’ most pressing issues, such as job creation, housing, health, sustainability, green technology, international trade, good governance and ethics, broadband and more. It will include relevant workshops, panel discussions, and addresses by some of the top political leaders.
Prominent leaders scheduled to appear include Valerie B. Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama; Reta Jo Lewis, Special Representative for Global Intergovernmental Affairs; President Macky Sall, The Republic of Senegal; Vice President Angelino Garzon, The Republic of Colombia, Portia Simpson-Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Ambassador Neil Parsan, Trinidad & Tobago; Congressman John Conyers, John Hope Bryant, OperationHOPE; and Ambassador Andrew Young.
Founded in 1974, the National Conference of Black Mayors works to empower leadership on the local level, articulate public policy positions and serves as a clearinghouse of information pertinent to municipal development and financing. It also provides technical and management assistance through cutting-edge research.
“This convention is unique to other conferences we’ve hosted in years past,” said Executive Director Williams. “The needs of our cities are reflected in every aspect of municipal government: from housing, job creation, infrastructure development and sustainability, and financial literacy to name a few. Therefore, we have focused our efforts on creating a conference that allows our membership to truly access the resources needed to benefit their individual communities. While we are all similar, each community is unique in its own right. The presenters we’ve assembled are tuned in to the needs of our nation’s communities and will address those needs. Ultimately, we are producing an environment that allows our membership to tap into resources that bring change within their communities and our nation.”
NCBM is excited about the partnerships emerging with the Atlanta business community as a result of the conference. With Atlanta as the host city and the National Office headquarters, the organization is positioned to further enhance and birth new relationships within the business community. Working closely with local businesses, civic and hospitality industry organizations, the convention will also have a positive impact on the local economy.
Sponsors for the National Conference of Black Mayors convention are the City of Atlanta, United Water, John Deere, Comcast, AT&T, Kemi Construction, Arcadis, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Wal-Mart, Aetna, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Georgia Power, Stewart Bros, Inc., and Cracker Barrel.
The National Conference of Black Mayors looks forward to convening its 38th Annual Convention and experiencing Atlanta’s irrefutable Southern hospitality next month.

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ABOUT NCBM
The National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) represents more than 650 African American Mayors across the United States; collectively its membership represents over 48 million citizens. NCBM is a leader in the redevelopment of our most vulnerable communities and works towards the empowerment of leadership on the local level. Founded in 1974 with the mission to enhance the executive management capacity of its member mayors, NCBM articulates public policy positions and serves as a clearinghouse on information pertinent to municipal development and financing. NCBM provides technical and management assistance through cutting-edge research, best practices and partnerships that enable its mayors to challenge and overcome grappling issues that erode the vitality and sustainability of our nation’s cities.

AIMD launched the Diversity Leadership Academy® (DLA) unit of the organization in 2001. Its mission is to help bring state-of- the-art Leadership Skills in the area of diversity management to leaders across all sectors of our society including business, nonprofit, religion, arts and culture, government, education, politics, etc. The Coca Cola Company was the founding sponsor of DLA awarding AIMD a $1.5 million donation to develop a leadership education programs in diversity management that help build communities that work for all its citizens. Since the inception of the DLA unit, AIMD has designed and delivered programs different parts of the country with the support of critical sponsorship support and local partners. Click here to learn more.

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According to Forbes, Sara Blakely is the newest woman to join the brinks of others on the Forbes’ list. Blakely started her company right in Atlanta, Georgia. “Atlanta has been such a supportive community,” said Blakely, a Florida native. “If I had launched in New York, I may have gotten lost in the shuffle.”

Life as an entrepreneur hasn’t always been a red carpet, but Blakely learned at an early age that challenges are as big as the attention you invest “With every obstacle that has happened to me in my life, my brain immediately says, ‘Where is the hidden blessing?’ ” Blakely said. “In starting a business and growing a business, everyday is learning how to manage obstacles.”

Her life reads like a great American novel. The kind where the heroine overcomes incredible odds, and then turns around to help others do the same. Francine was:

» Born in Atlanta, GA, and raised in poverty in New York’s South Bronx;
» Addicted to heroin, alcohol, and other dangerous drugs by the age of 14;
» A Vegas call girl;
» Hit by a car and told she’d never walk again at 26 years old;

» Today, a successful lawyer, author, professional speaker, and self-esteem coach.

She proves that all things are possible IF, you are willing to do certain things. Her message and compelling personal story prove that.

Francine Ward is the author of Esteemable Acts: 10 Actions for Building Real Sef-Esteem, 52 Weeks of Esteemable Acts: A Guide to Right Living, and The Staying Legal Guide to Copyright & Trademark Protection.

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According to CNN, the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Slavery by Another Name: The Re-enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II,” by Douglas Blackmon, tells the story of African Americans in the post-Reconstruction south who were imprisoned and forced into involuntary servitude after being convicted of trifling crimes. Now a modern-day prisoner in Alabama is suing for his right to read the book.Read more on CNN

What do you think?

One of metro Atlanta’s leading bankers, James Young, President and CEO of Citizens Trust Bank, died Monday after a brief battle with cancer. I had the honor of meeting and speaking with Mr. James Young last summer at Word of Faith Economic Empowerment Conference. He shared the story of how as little boy he used to go with his dad to clean up banks and he said one day he will own his own bank. I learned that it takes action to achieve.

“The passing of Mr. Young has left us deeply saddened. He will be tremendously missed but not forgotten,” said Cynthia N. Day, newly appointed President and CEO of Citizens Trust Bank, in a statement issued Monday. “Mr. Young has left a lasting impact on us all with his wisdom, his character and his ability to inspire others. We will continue to honor him and the legacy he has left. Citizens Bancshares Corporation’s Board of Directors, management team and staff continues to embrace and pray for the family to show our support.”

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Tyra Banks, host and creator of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ can now add super educated role model to her list of accomplishments. She tweeted a photo of her striking a pose with her diploma on Harvard’s campus. Along with the picture, she wrote, “Smiling ear2ear on the Harvard Business School campus w/ my diploma! Tnx 2 my fab photographer mama 4 the pic!” Tyra shared the purpose of her enrollment. She explained, “There’s a difference between a career and a business. I’m not looking to build a company based on fans.” That is very smart Tyra! I love goal diggers! She is also shared, “You have a drive that the average person does not have. I’ve just started to take care of myself, and you need to do that, too,” she said. “Don’t chase the money, even if you want to be a banker. Chase the passion. Chase the dream.” Go Tyra! Don’t forget to tune into the College Edition on ANTM.Now let me get back on my doctoral flow!

ATLANTA (February 16, 2012)- Ray’s on the River, known as one of Atlanta’s premiere riverside dining destinations, is partnering with The Ken Ford Foundation (KFF), founded by internationally known musician, “King of Strings” entertainer, Ken Ford to host “Strings on the River” on Saturday, May 19, 2012. The Ken Ford Foundation is an organization that focuses on enhancing academic excellence through music appreciation and making music classes and programs for youth available throughout the state of Georgia. Read the rest of this entry →