Meet Tim Tebow . . .

This is Tim Tebow, he’s the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. You may have heard of him (who hasn’t?!).

Tim loves the Lord and everybody knows it (Can’t you tell?!). His customers (the football fans) know it and so does his co-workers (teammates).

However, he’s gotten a lot of negative and positive attention because of his faith. I can relate to Tim’s story because just recently, one of my clients asked me why I “only offer my services to Christians.”

My reply was that I don’t offer them only to Christians, but I know what I’m called to do and who I’m called to help. That’s why this blog is dedicated to Christian entrepreneurs, because we have unique entrepreneurial challenges.

Do I advertise my faith to clients?

It depends – it depends on which facet of my company they meet first. If they contacted me through this blog, then yes, I guess I do advertise my faith. However, if I meet them for the first time at a networking event, I wouldn’t start a conversation by reciting my declaration of faith.

So, for me, it depends.

Do I mention to them that I’m a Christian and if they’re uncomfortable working me I’ll understand?

Absolutely not! – that’s just not wise. My faith is personal unless it comes up during the right time (a spiritual question is asked) or in the right forum (like this blog).

I suppose everyone is different and it also depends on what kind of business you operate. So, let me pass the torch to you.

Do YOU as a Christian entrepreneur let customers or clients know that you’re a Christian? Is it the right move to make? If you’ve never told your customers, how do you think it would affect your business and sales? If you’re not a Christian, how would you handle someone you do business with advertising their faith?

Drop your answer in the poll below and be sure to let me know why you chose it in the comments too.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

Good News!

During the holiday season, I ran a very successful promotional that gave you two full hours of 1-on-1 coaching for the same price as one. I knew, when I started it, that it would be very popular so, I’m extending the deal.

For a very limited time, get the best deal in personal & professional development since sliced bread! Get 2 full hours with me to;

• Develop a solid business plan,
• Develop a marketing plan designed to make you money,
• Get advice for growing your blog’s traffic,
• Get my best advice for branding your business,
• Learn the tools I use daily that help me master social media marketing,
• and much more!

This is an excellent opportunity to get the help you need at an affordable price that you won’t find anywhere else!

The holiday season is over – it’s time to kick 2012 into gear and I want to help you do it. If you need some help starting, growing, or marketing a business this is the promotional you’ve been waiting for. Don’t let this offer pass you by, because once February comes, it goes away.

If you’re excited and ready to take your personal life and business to the next level, click the buy now button below, and let’s schedule your coaching session. If you have any questions, check out the F.A.Q. and customer testimonials on the official page.

2 for 1 Holiday Special

2 Hours of Coaching for Only $100! [You get one session, FREE! That's a savings of $100! ]

Let me help you make 2012 your best year yet.

To your success!

Rod

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

What do you want to accomplish next year?

Back in November, I introduced a special discount, just for the holidays, of my Success Coaching services. This discount gives you 2 full hours of business coaching, with yours truly, for the price of one.

Well, the end is nigh . . . the deal goes away on Saturday December 31st at midnight.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get my best advice, help, and guidance concerning your business, blog, or project.

Let me ask you a question. . .

What do you want to accomplish next year?

According to, Steve Borgman, you should;

Write down all your ideas!

Maybe, like me, you need to completely re-assess your blog, your business plan, or your methods of carrying out your business plan.

In that case, take advantage of Rod Kirby’s two for one coaching special!  I am personally working with Rod to look at my blog through entrepreneur lenses, and he’s already made a big difference in just one hour of coaching.

If it can work for Steve it can work for YOU!

My Success Coaching is geared toward;

Your 2 full hours of coaching includes;

• Getting my best advice for taking your business to the next level,
• Learning how to maximize social media marketing for your business,
• Having your blog critiqued and improved by my proven techniques for blogging success,
• Defining your business ideas, setting goals, and implementing a business plan,
• and much more!

• A blog that is better poised for online sales, generates more web traffic, and is in position for more community growth,
• A marketing plan that incorporates social media marketing for sales & generating buzz,
• A solid business plan, a foundation for business success, resources to help you win,
• and much more!

Every article, video, and podcast published on this blog is designed to inform, educate, and inspire you to greatness in your life and business. However, sometimes, we need someone to take our hand and show us the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to have someone work with you 1-on-1 to help you accomplish your goals in 2012.

If you’re ready to rock in the new year, hit the buy now button below, and schedule your success coaching session today! 

2 for 1 Holiday Special

2 Hours of Coaching for Only $100! [You get one session, FREE! That's a savings of $100! ]

Have questions, concerns, or want to check out other testimonials from entrepreneurs just like you? Check out the F.A.Q. on the Success Coaching Page, here!

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

2011 Holiday Gift Guide

The Holiday shopping season is in full effect and Christmas is only a few weeks away. It’s time to break open the piggy bank and start shopping for the ones you love and the ones you’re forced to love (smile).

If you’re like me, you’ve got an entrepreneur or small business owner (or two) in the family and buying anything for them can be a challenge.

Don’t worry, the Success Coach is on the case!

For the next few weeks I’ll share with you some awesome gift ideas for the aspiring entrepreneur, small business owner, blogger, or techie in your life.

Are you ready? Then let’s get this party started!

Note: All product images and links are affiliate links. This means, if you decide to buy a product I’ll receive a small portion of the proceeds. You can check out our policies page for more info.

Every small business owner is different, but they all need knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to succeed. You can easily give that to them with books.

Here are a few of these best books, this year, for entrepreneurs.

Steve Jobs

1. Steve Jobs

Steve Job’s authorized biography should come as no surprise, as it’s one of the most read books since Jobs’ death back in October.

This book delves deeper into Job’s background, upbringing, business genius, and more.

Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from Steve Jobs and what better way than to get a book that will surely empower everyone that reads it. As Laura June of theverge.com mentions;

Given the unprecedented access to Jobs and his blessing to interview those close to him presents the reader with a vast and exceedingly complex — but also incredibly consistent — portrait of the man who created Apple and some of the most important technology products of this century.

 2. EntreLeadership By Dave Ramsey

I love Dave Ramsey’s no nonsense Christian debt  elimination advice. My parents were the first to turn me  on to Dave and I haven’t stopped listening to him yet!

If you’re unfamiliar with Dave Ramsey, he helps people get out of debt right where they are with what they have. As he puts it, being debt free is 80% habit and 20% mental. In his latest book, Entreleadership, Dave shares life lessons for “winning” in business.

I’m not done reading through it, but I love it thus far. Dave shares practical advice for how he trains his teammates (no matter what position you work, in his company, you’re a team mate) for leadership. Specifically, his goal is to train his staff to be as productive as a leader and have the same passion as an entrepreneur – that’s his key for business success.

3. Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months by Melinda Emerson

Melinda Emerson is an incredible person and I truly mean that. There are very few  African American women that are as business savvy in the way that she is. She’s an  author, blogger, speaker, and even host of Smallbizchat via Twitter.

In her book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, she breaks down how to start a business month by month. You’ll find great advice starting with your business plan all the way to setting up shop online. It’s very detailed, very inspirational, and a great guide to help anyone get started. You’ll find my video review of her book below. If you can’t see the video watch it on Youtube instead.

4. The Accidental Entrepreneur By Susan Urquhart-Brown

This great book by Susan Urquhart-Brown has a similar feel to Melinda’s book. But, has a different, kind of quirky flair to it. I like it because it’s kind of written in short “blog-post” styled articles. For instance, you’ll learn;

• the 8 questions everyone should ask up front
• the top 10 traits of the successful entrepreneur
• how to obtain a license and sellers permit
• the best way to create a business plan
• 10 simple ways to get referrals
• the 6 secrets of marketing a business
• and more!

5. 8 Steps to Create the Life You Want by Dr. Creflo Dollar 

With a last name like, Dollar, you might be a bit hesitant to listen to anything he has to say, but Dr. Dollar is a gifted man of God. He’s the pastor of  World Changers Church (one of the largest in Atlanta, GA) and he has a calling to help people gain power to live victoriously through the Word of God.

He’s got a new book called, Winning in Troubled Times, but it doesn’t compare to how awesome this book, 8 Steps to Create the Life You Want. I’ve read them both, but my life changed after I read 8 Steps. In it, Dr. Dollar breaks down how to live successfully in your spiritual life, become debt free with your finances, and more. I highly recommend this book if you’re ready to see a change inside out.

That does it for this edition of our gift guide. Stay tuned, because next week we’ll do some heavy lifting with some awesome gadget suggestions. I’d love to add your ideas to this list. What books do you think would make a great gift for any small business owner? What did YOU read this year that inspired you or empowered you to succeed in your business? Share your story or add a recommendation in the comments below.

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

Rod Kirby

Today, I’m being featured in an interview at Latara Ham-Ying’s blog, the Kick Start Success Blog.

It’s a fantastic interview that really gets to the core of who I am, how I got to where I am today, and more!

I highly recommend and want to invite everyone to check it out. Here’s an excerpt;

Rod Kirby is the under 30 CEO of Kirby Media Productions. His company specializes in helping entrepreneurs take their business to the next level via the web, video, and with social media. Rod is m a newlywed (going on 6 months!) and editor of The Success Center which is the #1 Christian entrepreneur’s online destination for small business help. Needless to say, he got a lot going on and he says he would have it no other way.

LVH: What three words would you use to describe your success journey? Please share why you chose these words.

My three words would be impatience, prosperous, and sacrifice. Why you ask? Well, I’ve started 3 businesses before my current one, I was extremely impatience with the whole “success process.” I learned a while back that I had to sacrifice my “Rod ideas” for “God ideas.” I also found out that God takes pleasure in the prosperity of his people so I discovered tools (within myself) to be prosperous in life & business.

Read More

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

Welcome to “Weekend Reading!” At the end of every week I’ll post links to interesting articles, videos, and other content from around the web.

Why?

Because, smart entrepreneurs are constantly learning, reading, and working . . . even when they’re not at work! So, dig through some of the resources below and post your own in the comments below.

Enjoy the articles!

• 9 of the Best Probloggers of 2010
• Want Business Opportunities to Find You? Follow These 4 Steps on LinkedIn
• How To Live Like a Millionaire
• GET MORE VIEWS ON YOUTUBE
• How to Get 80+ Comments on Your Next Blog Post
• Understand the Value of Your Time
• Top 10 Things That All Customers Want
• God Doesn’t Use Cookie Cutters
• This Will Change Everything: Google Translate Android App Translates Real-Time Speech
• IBM’s Watson Supercomputer Wins Practice Jeopardy Round

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

God Can Still Do It for You!

Yesterday I was having breakfast at a hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. To my immediate left, a middle aged woman whizzed by me with her hands full of trash. She was the hotel’s cook and she zoomed around the room like a lightning bolt; picking up trash, cleaning counters, restocking food, and etc.

I watched her for a solid minute as she worked feverishly throughout the room. And I thought to myself, “I wonder how long has she worked so hard for these people? I bet she could and wants to start her own restaurant.” Immediately after that thought I heard a voice say,

“God can still do it…”

I looked at her again, felt the presence of the Lord upon me, and began to weep right at the table. I fought back my tears as best I could, got myself together, and thanked God silently.

By now, the lady moved out of sight behind a door marked, “employees only.” I got up, went through the door, and waited for her at the entrance. Once she saw me, she instantly offered her assistance, and I said to her, “The food was great, have you ever thought about starting your own restaurant?”

“I love cooking and I absolutely want to do that!” she said.

“Well, I just wanted to let you know that God can still do it for you and it’s not too late.”

She looked at me with a sincere happiness in her smile and said, “Well, thank you… that means a lot to me.”

We talked a little more about her future plans, she thanked me for the encouragement, we shared a quick hug, and I went back to my room.

I wanted to share that short story with you because the experience really touched me. What are your heart’s desires? Do you want to start a business? Are you waiting for the day you can take your current business full-time? No matter what you’re passionate about, God can still do it!

I know some of you have tried almost everything to “make it BIG,” but, I want to encourage you to stay diligent with where you are. Just because a door has been closed or circumstances make it seem like there’s no way out, does not mean, God has forgotten about you.

Repeat after me: God can still do it!

• If you’ve ever been denied a business loan – “God can still do it!”
• If you still work a 40 hr a week job, but you’re ready to take your business full-time – “God can still do it!’
• If you’ve been having trouble getting funding for your 501(C) – “God can still do it!”
• If you don’t know where you’re going to get money for supplies – “God can still do it!”
• If you’re not bringing in regular clientele in your business but you still have bills to pay - “God can still do it!”
• If your bank account is empty – “God can still do it!”
• If you don’t know how you’re going to stay in business through these touch economic times - “God can still do it!”
• If you feel like you’re too old to start that business you’ve always wanted to - “God can still do it!”

Are you starting to see a pattern here?

Now, it’s your turn. Share your story in the comments below. What are you waiting on God for in your life and business?

I highly recommend reading quit your job and make millions when you’re done.

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

And the winners are . . .

Towards the end of December, in 2009, I wanted to bless all of you who made this site so successful. So, I offered everyone my success coaching services for 25 bucks (and boy did you keep me busy)! Well, last year, at the end of 2010, I wanted to do something really special. I started a contest to offer a select few of you FREE coaching with me for an hour.  I get the feeling that just like in 2009, I will once again be busy!

I want to thank everyone for sharing the post on Facebook, sending out tweets, and everything extra that you did. I wish I could offer this opportunity to everyone, but I’m only one man . . . and I know my limits. So, without further adieu, the 3 winners of the #Succeedin2011 free coaching sessions are . . .

Congratulations to all of the winners! If you see your name on this list, please contact me today to schedule your free coaching session.

If you didn’t win in this contest, don’t fret . . . because, I’m giving EVERYONE 20% OFF ALL of my services [coaching, corporate identity design, blog development, and video production] until February 1st!

• Take a look at my services page to see what’s on offer,
• Fill out this form, and
• Enter “Promo Code; Succeedin2011“ in the subject line with your project details.

2011 is definitely off to a great start for me, but I want to be a part of making it a great year for YOU as well. Thanks again to all the entrants. There will be more contests in the future, so stay tuned!

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

If you haven’t heard the tech news, Google TV (video explanation) is coming to a set-top box or HDTV near you in the fall. Think of having the search power of Google plus a full web browser in your TV and tell me if you’re not excited (oh, and the service is free!). If you’re note excited yet, take a look at some of these quick facts that Mashable put together.

In support of their set-top box, the Revue, Logitech has launched the “Host with the Most” contest for a gig as a spokesperson once Google TV launches in the fall. Being the uber-gadget geek that I am, I entered the contest and could definitely use your help.

Here is an excerpt from an interview I did with the editor at GTVhub.com;

What initially attracted you to the “Host with the Most” contest?

It’s a real opportunity for me to: A. get some exposure, B. get my hands on a Logitech Revue device (for free!), and C. be a “brand champion” for a company whose products I genuinely love to use!

What excites you about Internet TV, and what do you think Google TV and Logitech Revue will bring to the table over other platforms?

In a way, the Internet TV revolution started with Youtube and Web 2.0, now we (consumers) want a better user experience (watch what you want on your HDTV!) and that’s a part of what Google TV will offer. Having Logitech as a hardware partner is just the icing on the cake. They make PC peripherals that are durable, of high quality, and “just feel right” in your hand. So, in short, Logitech Revue + Google TV = Pure Awesomesauce.

Finally, if you are selected, how will you help Logitech promote the Revue and spread awareness of Google TV?

I had the idea of starting some kind of web-TV show. One where I’ll review tech products, do interviews, etc. I have a unique ability to connect with people, especially those in the social media community. So, I’m confident that they’ll respond with their support of Logitech’s Revue and Google TV.

If all else fails, I’ll stand outside with a sign that reads, “Will Work for You if You Check Out My Revue!”

You can check out the full interview here.

So, please, if you’ve got 2 minutes, vote for me and help me win the opportunity of a lifetime. If you love me, and I know you do, then click this link, log into your Facebook account, and vote. Best part of all, if you really think I deserve the job, you can vote for me once a day until the 20th!

So, thanks for your support in advance. It’s a great opportunity for me to get some national exposure, connect with even more people, and generate new and exciting content for you here.

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

Watch this video and I promise to share something powerful with you after the jump!

Question: If God placed a dream in your heart and He promised it to you, does that mean that it will come to pass automatically? Survey says,

“Nope!” <add buzzer sound here>

The truth is, God will give us the tools we need to succeed, but we’re still obligated with working the dream and protecting it. “From what?” You ask. We have to protect it from the destruction of our circumstances, nay-sayers, debt, jealous family members, even our own disbelief. In short, anyone or anything that would come against you and your destiny.

Like a new mother you’re going to have to protect your baby from the harsh elements of the world. How do you protect your dream? Here’s a hint, control your senses and control your destiny!

1. Close your Eyes – You can’t dwell and meditate on the reports of the economy, crime, rampant disease, and other distractions that bombard your eyes on the evening news. Look past your current economic circumstances and peer into the future! Keep your focus on the dream and have the courage to continue pressing toward it. The clip above is from one of my most favorite movies, The Pursuit of Happyness which illustrates the amazing success story of Chris Gardner. If you haven’t seen it yet, you owe it to yourself to have it in your DVD collection. Close your eyes to ill reports and watch something that will truly inspire you!

Final Thought: The things you see determines what you want, so if you see nothing but the economic recession then you want to participate in it. (Yes . . . you have a choice!)

2. Tune-out what you Hear – Have you ever been told that you couldn’t do something or “that’ll never work.”? In the clip above, Chris Gardner (Played by Will Smith) said to his son, “Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something . . . ” You have to have such a passion for your dream that you won’t allow people to tell you it won’t be successful. Your mind is a radio station playing all kinds of music. You’re the DJ, so it’s your job to keep the positive tunes pumping. One way of doing that is by reading books that will inspire, empower, and equip you for success. I highly recommend Chris Gardner’s new book,

Final Thought: The things you hear prompt your actions so make sure that you’re only listening to people who will give you good feedback, strengthen, and empower your ideas.

3. Watch what you Say – Did you know that the power of life and death are in the tongue? I believe that what we say forms the atmosphere around us. If you say, “My business will never take off because I just don’t have any funding,” then it won’t because you’ve created an atmosphere of failure. As an entrepreneur I have good months financially and I have not so good months, but I thank God in advance for them all. Why? I want to be set-up for success! It’s that simple.

Final Thought: The things you say affects your attitude which ultimately will determine if you’ll even take a step on the road to success. Watch over your words and make sure you’re always speaking life and never death for your dreams.

Let me hear from you! What dreams and aspirations do you have? Are you “working” them or letting the dreams sit on the back burner? Are you protecting your dreams? Login using your Facebook or Twitter accounts and sound off below!

This article was originally written for my “Success Tips!” newsletter subscribers, but I really wanted to share this with the entire community. Please subscribe to “Success Tips!” here if you don’t already. Also, if you receive my newsletter and this is your first time visiting the Success Center, subscribe and receive blog updates, news, and more!

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About The Author

Rod Kirby