Always remain in control of your company, either via equity ownership or organizational bylaws.
ADAGE
God Is in Control
———-
RESPONSE
Always remain in control of your company, either via equity ownership or organizational bylaws. Be wary of dilution of control created by financing. Never sign a financial instrument with performance covenants. Ten percent of nothing is nothing. It’s better to have 90% of something small and valuable rather than 10% of something large and worthless. Never let “professional management” replace you or your team. Never assume you’ll be able to get the votes on your board necessary to advance your agenda. Never put somebody you do not respect in a position to impact your control. Would you place Satan at the head of your table? Almost every decision to relinquish control is driven by ego or greed; the desire to get big, fast. Don’t worship the false idols of a Harvard MBA or a Wall Street investment banker. Never, ever IPO. We are always responsible for the things God has entrusted to us. See your business as your calling. We tend to make others responsible, so we don’t have to be. Fear is no excuse for failure to execute our responsibilities. God is in control.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 31:15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
QUESTIONS
How do the Scripture(s) apply to the business adage?
Should you run your business as a democracy?
How is God in control of your business?
A VC wants to invest in your business. They want to purchase 49%, leaving your with 51%, however; the terms of their investment significantly limits the actions you can take without their approval. Are there conditions under which you would be willing to accept significant limitations on your control?
DOWNLOAD
Download the free PDF worksheet for this adage, print it, and use it in your meeting, conference, or group.
