Recently I had the opportunity to speak with the inaugural class of the Martin Luther King Business Development Institute in Indianapolis, IN. Initiated by the First Baptist Church North, where my brother Ivan is the pastor, this group is committed to gathering weekly over a seven week period to learn how to build entrepreneurial businesses. These folks are experienced and aspiring entrepreneurs with interests in creating local enterprises such as a community newspaper, an insurance agency, a security company and a group travel operator.
This is an impressive group. First because each member of this group should be commended for daring to dream! Too many times we accept the status quo and suppress our ambitions. This group recognizes that there are gifts that we all have; and maybe even a calling that they are to pursue.
Additionally, it is significant that this group has committed to themselves and to each other to train and prepare for their ultimate success. Many of us want what we want, but expect results without preparation.
Third, they are willing to work together. When talking with this group, it was clear that each participant is as engaged in the others’ success as they are focused on their own. This is notable and unique. No “crabs in a barrel” here, this group has the unusual clarity to understand that they can accomplish more individually and collectively by supporting one another than they can by going it alone.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this diverse group is comprised of individuals that have each come to the conclusion in their own way that a measure of economic self-determination is important for their prosperity. Some in the group want retirement income, others a side-hustle, and still others want to build an empire. But no matter the scale or scope of the vision, they all “get it” and are determined to make something happen!
Will each of these plans work out as anticipated? Will revenues and profitability materialize as their business plans project? We know that’s not likely – and so do they. Some will go better than planned; others will encounter unexpected and perhaps insurmountable obstacles. But they press forward – undeterred – anyway.
No matter the outcome, it all starts with the dream. The participants in the Martin Luther King Business Development Institute each have a dream; and they’ve all taken the most important step towards making them come true.
Not insignificantly, the church that is offering this program, and its leadership, also deserve commendation. It’s one thing for a shepherd to make sure that his inner-city flock is fed; it’s quite another to adopt a Harvard curriculum and to teach them to feed themselves!
Bravo! #XEQTE. #DBTE!
This is an impressive group. First because each member of this group should be commended for daring to dream! Too many times we accept the status quo and suppress our ambitions. This group recognizes that there are gifts that we all have; and maybe even a calling that they are to pursue.
Additionally, it is significant that this group has committed to themselves and to each other to train and prepare for their ultimate success. Many of us want what we want, but expect results without preparation.
Third, they are willing to work together. When talking with this group, it was clear that each participant is as engaged in the others’ success as they are focused on their own. This is notable and unique. No “crabs in a barrel” here, this group has the unusual clarity to understand that they can accomplish more individually and collectively by supporting one another than they can by going it alone.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this diverse group is comprised of individuals that have each come to the conclusion in their own way that a measure of economic self-determination is important for their prosperity. Some in the group want retirement income, others a side-hustle, and still others want to build an empire. But no matter the scale or scope of the vision, they all “get it” and are determined to make something happen!
Will each of these plans work out as anticipated? Will revenues and profitability materialize as their business plans project? We know that’s not likely – and so do they. Some will go better than planned; others will encounter unexpected and perhaps insurmountable obstacles. But they press forward – undeterred – anyway.
No matter the outcome, it all starts with the dream. The participants in the Martin Luther King Business Development Institute each have a dream; and they’ve all taken the most important step towards making them come true.
Not insignificantly, the church that is offering this program, and its leadership, also deserve commendation. It’s one thing for a shepherd to make sure that his inner-city flock is fed; it’s quite another to adopt a Harvard curriculum and to teach them to feed themselves!
Bravo! #XEQTE. #DBTE!