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The Ponzi Scheme was named for an Italian illegal immigrant to America named Charles Ponzi. He duped victims out of millions a century ago by selling them a bogus investment with grand promises. He paid those promises from other people’s investment, perpetuating the fraud for years. His lack of concern for his victims seems evident ... The post The Ponzi Originator appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As a foolish young man, I drove my car into a ditch and had no money for a tow. I called a friend’s grandfather for help.   After hearing what happened, he summarized my behavior: “You were proud, drunk, stupid, and you’re broke?” Stung, I answered, “Yes, sir.” He replied,   “Now that you understand your foolishness, ... The post Back on the Road appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

An episode of “Touched by an Angel” featured Monica investigating a struggling taffy factory. The equipment and employees had not changed, yet performance declined after the founder died.   Monica discovered one difference: the former owner had prayed for the company and every employee. His son discontinued that practice.   The story offered me a reminder that ... The post Prayer in Business appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As a child, I sometimes crossed my fingers behind my back when agreeing to something I did not want to do. As a teenager, occasionally I promised to join a friend, then abandoned it when a better invitation arrived.   Those choices may have seemed small, but broken promises erode trust. In business, where relationships depend ... The post Yes or No Should Be Enough appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In my twenties, our audit department hired a supervisor I’ll call Mary. She reminded everyone of her college degrees and constantly complained about our boss.   Mary promoted her credentials as making her better qualified to lead the department. Eventually, during a staff meeting, she challenged our boss, expecting coworkers to support her. No one did.   ... The post The Folly of Grumbling appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As a teenager, I spent summers working on my uncle’s farm. We planted soybeans and watched them grow, but summer always ended before harvest.   I found it disappointing to invest labor without seeing the final results. My uncle, however, understood that farming requires patience. He trusted that the harvest would come in its season.  James ... The post Patiently Awaiting the Harvest appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Max DePree, former CEO of Herman Miller, once discovered factory workers discussing his compensation. They believed he deserved more than they earned, but felt the disparity had become excessive.   Rather than reacting defensively, DePree listened, researched, and prayed. He eventually established a policy that the CEO’s compensation could not exceed twenty times the average factory ... The post Pay Inequities appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

When Kathy and I married, we held our reception in a facility owned by a wealthy man. Before the reception, I found a man in overalls setting up the tables and chairs alone.   Assuming he was hired help, I asked why no one was assisting him. He barked, “That would cost me money.” He was ... The post The Perils of Hoarded Wealth appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

The Biblical story of Nehemiah is a powerful reminder that our integrity affects our testimony.  As the Old Testament civic leader was working to rally people to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, opponents continually tried to derail his efforts. A man named Shemaiah tried to convinced Nehemiah to hide in the temple for Nehemiah’s own ... The post Maintaining Your Testimony appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Mark was a technical expert who was promoted to manager of the engineering team. His experience had given him great insight into common company challenges. Whatever the issue was, chances are good that Mark had seen some version of it.  Unfortunately, that knowledge became a blind spot in his leadership. Too often, when a team ... The post Listen First appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Years ago, my wife, Kathy, and I interviewed Sheri, a high school coach, about her faith at work experiences. We discussed several students whom she loved despite their past poor decisions.   Kathy asked Sheri, “How hard is it to love these kids when they make such poor choices?”  Sheri’s response was profound. “I’ve learned,” she ... The post Love the Sinner appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Years ago, a University of Kansas researcher referenced in Harvard Business Review, discovered that people asked to sell their personal coffee mug wanted 2.2 times more than potential buyers were willing to pay. Their personal connection to the coffee mug caused them to overvalue the mug.  Small business owners have a similar problem. The first ... The post Overvalued Businesses appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Christopher Columbus was passionate about his dream. He had a desire to find a new and quicker route to the Orient, but he needed financial backing.  In 1485, Columbus pitched his idea to the King of Portugal. His plan was rejected, but Columbus persevered.   For the next seven years, he approached multiple nations and potential ... The post Columbus’ Passion appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

One of the kindest comments a colleague once shared with me is that I am open about my failures.   He was troubled by Christians who proclaim to be challenge-free, even though their struggles are just as evident as anyone else’s.   I jokingly responded that my shortcomings are so visible, it would be a sin to ... The post Honest Weakness appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

New to his manager role, Steve made a mistake common for newly promoted team members; he wanted to keep everyone happy, even if that wasn’t best for the entire group. Over time, team members caught him saying one thing, only to later take actions that contradicted his words. Soon, team members lost trust in him.  ... The post Don’t Be a Hypocrite appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.