The Revenue Model Doesn’t Come First

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35

I’ve learned something important during my years as an entrepreneur.

Many solopreneurs build their entire business on a revenue model. Every single decision they make is filtered through that framework.

It makes you live by a standard: All that I do has to bring in money, or else it’s not worth the effort.

But this is reasoned from scarcity, while we come nothing short with a God who provides all that we need. Plus, it seems a bit self-centered, and that’s not what the Bible teaches (Philippians 2:4, 1 Peter 4:10).

There’s an importance in utilizing our gifts and abilities to serve others. When you try to place the revenue model-first concept next to servanthood, it doesn’t match so well.

I got inspired by the model of appreciation. You grade your services based on the level of help (or worth) you provide your client.

Instead of: What can I earn with my service, and what will it cost me?

Put the emphasis on the other. On the value that you create.

You can create an e-book for 15 dollars and try to push it for easy money, but if it’s lousy, why offer it in the first place?

What if a 50-dollar-call is worth way more for your client?

Then they will return!

GIVE has been my word in 2024. Acts 20:35 was my inspiration and foundation.

It stirred me to develop a generous heart like Jesus, becoming more like Him in my walk as an entrepreneur.

I wanted to avoid focusing on money and strive for the ultimate value in what I give.

2 years later: I’m still learning.

It’s not a simple, quick fix. My mind has zoomed in so many times on the financial aspects of a business that it’s hard not to think: ‘How is this going to make money?’

If Jesus said it’s more blessed to give, then why is it so hard to apply in business?

It’s almost a no-brainer that giving a lot of value (sometime for free) will actually bring in the best results. But again, I don’t want results to be my drive. I desire to act from a genuine heart.

How do you balance the necessity of financial health in a business and the right motivation for giving? (without ending up abusing a giving-principle for your own gain).

I want to grow in this area.

I’ll work on a generous heart at the core of my business. It’s, after all, a Biblical principle.

Blessings to you,

Jane

P.S. You can give in any form: Time, money, resources, words of encouragement, advice, etc.