How to Start

How to Start

Hi everyone, It’s been about a month since our last issue. I took a little time to get all my ducks in a row with “The Sharpened Iron” Community and my agency Pure Growth Media.

This week we’re back with an issue that I hear a lot of entrepreneurs in general deal with.

How to start.

Starting a new business or making changes to your current one can be really tough.

Many Christian entrepreneurs struggle with doubts and figuring out the best way to move forward.

In this issue of "Better than Rubies," we’ll look at how biblical principles can offer encouragement and support during these challenging times.

TL;DR

• Trust in the Lord: Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. When we submit our ways to Him, He will make our paths straight.

• Overcome Fear and Anxiety: Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God. His peace will guard our hearts and minds.

• Seek Wisdom: James 1:5 advises us to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault.

• Persevere: Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

• Embrace Faith: Matthew 17:20 teaches that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.

The Big Idea: How to Start

Trust in the Lord:

Starting something new often brings about feelings of uncertainty and fear.

However, as entrepreneurs, we must trust in the Lord and His plans for us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to lean not on our understanding but to submit our ways to Him.

Trust that He will guide your path and provide the direction you need.

You might ask how you can trust in him…

Begin each day with prayer, seeking God's guidance for your decisions and challenges.

Surround yourself with a community of fellow believers for support and mentorship.

Trust that even when the path isn't clear, God's plan is greater than ours.

Celebrate every victory, no matter how small, as a reminder of His faithfulness.

Remember, your entrepreneurial journey is part of God's larger story.

Trust in His plan, seek His guidance, and watch how He uses your business for His glory.

Overcome Fear and Anxiety:

Fear and anxiety can be significant barriers to taking action.

Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to turn our worries over to God through prayer and petition.

Turn your worries over to God through prayer, trusting in His plan.

By presenting your requests to Him with a thankful heart, you invite His peace into your life.

This peace, which goes beyond our understanding, can calm your fears and reduce anxiety, allowing you to focus on the path He has set before you.

Seek Wisdom:

When facing new challenges, seeking God’s wisdom is essential.

James 1:5 advises us to ask God for wisdom, and He will give it generously.

This wisdom will help us navigate the complexities of starting and growing our businesses.

To receive wisdom, you must ask God with faith, believing that He will provide it.

This wisdom will help you make sound decisions, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities that align with His purpose for your life.

Trust in His guidance and lean on His understanding to lead your business to success.

Persevere:

Starting something new requires perseverance. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to become weary in doing good.

If we remain steadfast, we will reap a harvest at the proper time.

Trust in God’s timing and continue to work diligently.

During times of struggle, remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and refinement.

Stay focused on your goals, keep pushing forward, and maintain a positive attitude.

God sees your hard work and dedication, and He will reward your perseverance at the right time.

Believe that your consistent efforts will lead to success and that His timing is perfect.

Embrace Faith:

Even a small amount of faith can achieve great things.

Matthew 17:20 teaches us that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.

Embrace your faith, trust in God’s power, and take bold steps forward.

Remember that it is not the size of your faith, but the greatness of the God you trust in, that makes the difference.

Let your faith guide your decisions, inspire your actions, and sustain you through challenges.

As you move forward, believe that God will work through your faith to accomplish His purposes in your life.

Reflections and Actions

• Question: What practical steps can I take today to move forward, even in the face of uncertainty?

• Question: What fears are preventing me from fully trusting in God's promise to strengthen and help me?

• Question: How can I incorporate prayer and thanksgiving into my daily routine to combat anxiety and fear in my business?

• Action Step: Write down areas where fear is impacting your business decisions. Pray specifically for God to replace fear with His spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

Nuggets of Wisdom:

• Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

• Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

• James 1:5 (NIV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

• Galatians 6:9 (NIV): "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

• Matthew 17:20 (NIV): "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'"

Christian Brand of the Week: Salem Media Group

How Salem Media Group Got Started

Salem Media Group was founded in 1974 by Edward G. Atsinger III and Stuart W. Epperson.

They aimed to create a platform that would provide the best outlets and platforms for the Christian message, aligning with their personal beliefs and values.

Their mission was deeply rooted in spreading Christian teachings and conservative values through media

Over time, they expanded their reach, and today, Salem Media Group is a leading multimedia company in the U.S. specializing in Christian and conservative content​.

Why Salem Media Group Was Successful

Focus on a Specific Audience: 
Salem Media Group is very clear about who they serve.

They create content specifically for Christians and conservatives.

This focus helps them connect deeply with their audience, building strong loyalty and trust​.

Slow to Diversify, Fast to Adapt: 
Salem Media Group started with radio broadcasting and has significantly expanded since its inception in 1974.

Salem Media Group began its expansion beyond radio in the early 2000s. The decision to diversify was driven by the evolving media landscape and the need to reach a broader audience through various platforms.

Their expansion into digital media included launching platforms like BibleStudyTools.com, Crosswalk.com, and OnePlace.com, which offer Christian content and resources.

Additionally, Salem ventured into book publishing with imprints such as Regnery Publishing and self-publishing services through Xulon Press and Mill City Press.

Today, Salem Media Group operates in three primary segments: broadcast, digital media, and publishing.

Strong Digital Presence:
With the growth of the internet, Salem Media Group has adapted by creating a strong digital presence.

Salem's digital platforms, including websites like Crosswalk.com and BibleStudyTools.com, attract millions of users.

The Salem Web Network, the internet division of Salem Media Group, reports over 59 million site visits each month​

This helps them stay relevant and grow their audience even more​.

High-Quality Content:
People trust Salem Media Group because they produce high-quality, uplifting, and informative content.

Popular conservative talk shows like "The Dennis Prager Show," "The Hugh Hewitt Show," and "The Eric Metaxas Show" attract large audiences.

Websites such as Crosswalk.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and GodTube.com are highly trafficked, providing Christian resources and entertainment to millions of users monthly.

Regnery Publishing, which they own, has released several best-selling books, including "The Case for Trump" by Victor Davis Hanson and "Liars, Leakers, and Liberals" by Jeanine Pirro.

This commitment to quality kept their audience coming back for more.

Their Decline:
Salem Media Group has seen a significant decline in its market value due to several factors.

One major reason is the persistent decline in advertising revenue, which has impacted the media industry broadly.

Salem Media, which relies heavily on advertising, has been particularly affected by this "ad recession."

In 2023, the company reported a $46 million operating loss with $258 million in revenue, down from the previous year.

Overall, these factors—declining ad revenue, significant debt, asset sales, and the delisting from Nasdaq—contributed to the sharp drop in Salem Media Group's market value over the  past couple of years.

Key Takeaways:

• Clear Target Audience: Salem Media Group has successfully identified and catered to a specific audience, building strong loyalty and trust within the Christian and conservative communities.
  

• Content Quality: They produced high-quality content by leveraging a combination of skilled talent, diverse platforms, and a deep understanding of their audience. By consistently delivering content that resonates with their target demographic across radio, digital media, and publishing, Salem has cultivated a loyal following and solidified its position as a leader in Christian and conservative media.
  

• Faith-Driven: Salem Media Group serves as a powerful example that businesses grounded in faith can not only thrive but also achieve significant commercial success. By aligning their values with a dedicated audience, they have built a media empire that demonstrates the potential of faith-driven entrepreneurship.

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