BMOPS News

The following is a transcript of  comments between me and a world class business broker regarding our projects "business" model. If you are interested in the Genesis of the BMOPS project, this will shed some light on the subject as well as other thoughts and concepts of our ongoing effort.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

God's peace be with you!

Steve

Linked-In Article 

Shanti Bedard 

Exit Advisory Group

Sydney, Australia

11/21/2019

Introduction

If you are looking to really build company value, recurring revenue is a key driver. Whether it's adding additional revenue streams or transforming your business model. Simon Bedard's latest post in the series of #ninemodelsofrecurringrevenue talks about the Content Subscription Model....not just a model reserved for the big players - check out the link to the article to also read more. This is the 3rd model in the series, with more to come...

#business #businessstrategy #revenuegrowth

Simon Bedard

Business Sales and Acquisitions

Exit Advisory Group

Sydney, Australia

11/21/2019

If you had to pay for every movie & TV show on Netflix, would you still use it?

Today we’re highlighting the Content Subscription Model. 

It's #3 in our series of #ninemodelsofrecurringrevenue.

Some of the best-known examples include Netflix & music-sharing service Spotify. 

In fact, this model revolutionised the way Netflix did business enabling them to morph from a DVD rental company that used couriers to distribute content, into a streaming platform.

By bundling their large pre-existing library of evergreen content, they got more value selling it as a lower-priced subscription to a larger base of consumers.

That's also why we nick name this model the All-You-Can-Eat Library Model. You can give everyone access to a buffet of content for a monthly fee.

Don't worry, it’s not just for the big players. Our latest article shows you how small businesses have successfully use this strategy. See the link on the comments below.

Why are we so focused on Recurring Revenue? 

Because research shows that businesses with recurring revenue models get higher valuations than those that don’t.

And our goal is to help people build company value so they can exit at the top of their game

#innovation #technology #entrepreneurship #business 

SDA comment:

[1 of 2] Netflix is a great example of your #3 - Subscription Content Model. I have recently established a Content Model website/blog inspired by my long term friend and colleague, Scott Ralls. Although not a revenue generating endeavor, it is quite satisfying on a much more important plane. 

Due to severe health issues, Scott, a previously over achieving Texas entrepreneur has been homebound for a number of years. Scott had been presenting a live, daily (365/year) Bible Study on Facebook utilizing the features of Facebook Live video for 3 years when I visited him and his wife, Mitzy at their home in Lubbock, Texas this past February (2019). When I discovered that he had over 1,000 Bible lessons in his files and 100's of them recorded on video and happily stored on Facebook's servers, I almost leaped into the air from my chair. I realized that the primary challenge for most new websites is having enough specialized content to satisfy whatever market they intend to serve. A large body of suitable content can take years to develop and cost a pretty penny. 

[ Continued]

SDA comment:

[Page 2 of 2] Scott and I immediately went to work and in addition to continuing to produce his daily LiveCast (1/2 Hour of God's Power with Scott Ralls), of which I am now co-hosting. We have established a website/blog with over 700 written Bible Lessons available to the public "on Demand" and an archive of 100's  of Video Lessons on our associated Facebook Page. 

You might question:  How does this fit with Simon's #3 Content Model?  We do not receive the oh-so-valuable subscription revenue he speaks of. Well, we're talking content out the wazoo here folks! If you have that tackled, you are well on your way to a fast and successful launch for your internet business.  It just so happens that our currency is denominated differently than most. We're dealing in Souls and Eternal Consequences while most of you are counting beans, however, the principle is the same. Great and voluminous content will attract eyeballs and in your case bring in that consistent revenue stream you're seeking.

Biblical Musings of a Prodigal Son

www.biblicalmusingsofaprodigalson.com

1/2 Hour of God's Power with Scott Ralls is presented Live EVERY day at 7:00am Texas Time and can be found on our Facebook Page: @texasbmops

  

Can I get an Amen?

Shanti Bedard reply:

Interesting model you have there Steve(n)  Dickey Arnold, it’s certainly a significant library of content. I know there is no right of wrong answer here as far as I see it, but I’m curious, do you choose not to monetize it because of the religious nature?

SDA reply:

Our choice to abstain from including revenue generation in our model comes from a personal desire to remain focused on our purpose. As an avid entrepreneur for over 50 years, it is my nature to think in terms of sales, revenue and profit, however in this endeavor those thoughts would distract us from our objective. We have carved out a place in our website for sponsorship, but have not pursued any. 

There is also an aspect of control involved. We are a two person operation with a clear concept of what we are creating.  Sponsors would have their own agendas and automated advertising feeds could place ads on our pages that would distract from our presentation or  message. 

We are presently beginning stage two of our plan: promotion. We are investing in a small Facebook campaign funded out of pocket. It is a loaves & fishes campaign that relies on God’s involvement in order for it to expand beyond our meager funding.

Finding Peace When We’re Tempted to Panic

Finding Peace When We’re Tempted to Panic
LYSA TERKEURST

“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” Daniel 6:10 (ESV)

Nothing can throw me into a pit quite like circumstances I can’t control. It’s that place where anxiety threatens to swallow me whole as my mind races through all of the fear-inducing what-ifs and unknowns.

That’s why I’m so thankful for the example set by Daniel in Scripture. Daniel 6:1-15 gives us such a clear picture of what we can do when all that feels safe and secure in our lives begins to come under attack.

In Daniel 6:10, Daniel has just learned that anyone caught praying to someone besides King Darius will be thrown into the lion’s den. Can you imagine the level of fear this edict could have stirred up in Daniel? He easily could have found himself in a pit of despair before he ever came close to that pit full of lions. But Daniel’s reaction is amazing.

Daniel goes home, throws his windows open and prays anyway. I wonder if I could have been so brave?

And do you know what he chose to pray?

“God, save me!”

“God, it’s not fair!”

“God, this is too much!”

“God, smite my enemies and wipe them out!”

No. None of the above.

Daniel 6:10b tells us Daniel spoke prayers of gratitude. “He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”

Since Daniel's response is so opposite of the way most of us would react, it makes me stop and ponder. And what I discover are three powerful truths I want to both remember and live out.

1) Thankfulness must become a habit.

Our initial responses are usually a by-product of the rituals we’ve established in our life. Since gratitude-filled prayers were Daniel’s reaction, that tells me gratitude and trust in God were front and center in Daniel's heart. Daniel was able to give thanks, even in the midst of uncontrollable circumstances, because it was a habit he’d already formed in his life.

2) Fighting fear begins the moment we start giving thanks.

Being a thankful person seemed to help Daniel combat fear. Never once does the story mention Daniel trying to hide. He didn’t set about trying to control or manipulate his situation. He simply threw his windows open and prayed where anyone and everyone could see.

This wasn’t Daniel living in denial of his circumstances. This was Daniel turning to God in the midst of his circumstances.

3) We can’t always fix our circumstances, but we can fix our eyes on God.

Daniel’s posture during prayer is revealing. First, we see Daniel was praying toward Jerusalem — a posture based on King Solomon’s words in 1 Kings 8:35-51 during the temple dedication. Daniel knew where his help and his hope came from — it came from God, and God alone.

Daniel’s deep level of trust is also revealed in that he was kneeling as he prayed. Prostration is a sign of both self-awareness and God-awareness. (1 Kings 8:54, Ezra 9:5, Luke 22:41, Acts 7:60) It’s an act of deep humility. We may not always be kneeling when we pray, but we can always choose the posture of Daniel’s heart.

Let’s ask the Lord to help us humbly and gratefully fix our eyes on Him instead of fixating on our problems today. And let’s allow Daniel’s life to be proof to our hearts that the words of Isaiah 26:3 are indeed true: God is able to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on Him, because they trust in Him.

Father God, I know it is normal for us to sometimes find ourselves in a pit of fear and discouragement. But we don’t have to stay there. Today, we’re choosing to fix our eyes on You. And we’re remembering that each thing we verbalize our thankfulness for is like a steppingstone out of the pit we’ve been in. Thank You for providing Your timeless truths that prove to us over and over again how powerfully capable You always are. With You by our side, we have no need to fear. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 7:17, “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.” (NIV)

Colossians 4:2, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (ESV)

Remembering God's Blessings

Remembering God's Blessings

By Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 9:1-2

We are given amazing privileges when we trust in Jesus. Recalling these promises is a good way to maintain a thankful heart, even when facing challenges in other areas. Consider four such blessings:

1. Christ’s gift of salvation. No matter what trial we’re facing, it is microscopic next to the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. The cross was a steep price to pay, but the Savior willingly took our place in order to offer us forgiveness and eternal life.
2. Assurance of God’s love. The Lord cares for us unconditionally—that is His very character (1 John 4:16). Unfortunately, the storms of life can cause us to question this, but Romans 8:31–39 unequivocally tells us that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
3. Answered prayer. We have the awesome privilege of talking to the Father about anything burdening us—and He never grows tired of listening to His children. Our omnipotent, omniscient God is not only able to help us in any situation; He also knows the best possible way to do so.
4. A personalized plan. The Lord has a will, plan, and purpose for our lives that He will accomplish if we obey Him. No one is exempt from adversity, but we can trust God to bring good from everything He permits to come our way.                                                            Hardships, temptations, and tests will touch us all, but the Lord allows difficulty for a reason—even when we don’t understand why (Rom. 8:28). Therefore, submit yourself to the Father, thank Him for His wisdom, and be confident that He will accomplish His purposes for you.

Thanksgiving: For Richer or Poorer

Thanksgiving: For Richer or Poorer 
by Shawn McEvoy

"Christians who are poor should be glad, for God has honored them." - James 1:9

The rich eat ham,
The poor eat tuna.
Doesn't take as long to cook,
So we eat soona.
--Jay Henze 

The words of that heretofore unknown poem were uttered by my lifelong best friend sometime around our senior year of high school. He conjured it out of thin air while I was spending the night at his house. It was the result of one of those "I'm so tired I'm laughing at anything" sessions you'd often experience with close friends around midnight.

It was also the result of Jay's enduring awareness of the socio-economic differences between himself and many of his friends, like me, from the affluent north side of town. So whenever I think of ham, tuna, or Jay, I often think of richness and poorness as well.

Recently, thanks to a fantastic tour around the Missionary Learning Center, I was thinking about missions and outreach. It struck me as interesting that whenever a mission of mercy or evangelism is commissioned, it tends to be to an area where there is a high concentration of poverty, whether it's to India, Mexico, or inner-city Philadelphia. Well, yes, as it should be.

After all, Christ commanded us, if we loved Him, to tend to His lambs (John 21:15-17). James 2:15-16 admonishes us not to ignore those in need of food or clothing. Paul and the Apostles started churches among those who were poor (Acts 9:36; 10:4). Poverty was crippling in the time of Christ and so it continues to be now. The very fact that Jay had a roof over his head and the fish he despised came in a can rather than him having to catch it made him one of the wealthiest persons on the planet. So the holidays are certainly a time to think about - nay, physically assist - those less fortunate than ourselves (2 Corinthians 9:9).

Then again, are we missing something?

Consider James 1:9 - "Christians who are poor should be glad, for God has honored them." There are lots of ways to be poor, and Jesus told us they brought about blessing in the long run (Matthew 5:3-12). Those poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Those mourning loved ones will be comforted. Those who make peace rather than seeking their own profit will be called sons of God, Who chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith (James 2:5). 2 Corinthians 6:10 states: "Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything."

And what about the rich?

That's the hard part, literally. Jesus said it's very difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven. Those who love their life too much find it hard to lose it. James reminds us it's the rich who "oppress us and drag us into court, blaspheming the fair name by which we've been called (James 2:6-7)." The word "miserable" has at its root the word "miser." The love of money isn't just the source of evil, but also of depression and dissatisfaction.

So… doesn't that mean that the rich have just as many spiritual needs, if not more, than the poor? Who will go to them? Who will train them in the joy of giving their money away and not living by comparison to others? What mission trips are planned?

I contend that untold legions of us are making such a trip this very month, back home to our families and friends, where a big ham might fill the center of the table, people will put on their fineries, and a lot of the talk will focus on the daily drudgeries of keeping our precious lives in working order to cover up the hole that's getting bigger in the soul.

We might spend a few minutes at the table saying how we're thankful we're not like others, or that we have our health, or that our family is with us - before we stuff ourselves, stare blankly at the Dallas Cowboys or Detroit Lions to avoid looking at each other, or fall asleep. Of course, you probably know someone for whom Thanksgiving is an unwelcome chore, a painful experience of dodging rejection, annoyance, questions of future or romance, and Uncle Jimbo.

Or, if you're truly rich, as I am for marrying into a godly family, there will be genuine thanks, true giving, heartfelt prayers, and corporate worship.

Whatever the case in your gathering, let me encourage you to take the love of Christ with you and accept the difficult challenge of bringing it to the wealthy this Thanksgiving. Jesus said a camel fitting through a needle's-eye was difficult, not impossible (thank goodness for most of us). 

Intersecting Faith & Life: While you're together, try to figure out a way your clan can come together to do something for the impoverished among us. Without that outpouring, the warm comfort of wealth can grow stale and dry. Meanwhile, the next time you think on the cloud of poverty and those who suffer at its chill, remember that, at least in the biblical view, it carries a silver lining of comfort, inheritance, peace, and, I suppose, eating soona. And if those elements are present at your table, then you have a cornucopia indeed. 

Further Reading

1 Timothy 6:6-11 
Matthew 5
Make Your Life Rich without Money

How to Transform a Life Today, Biblically

How to Transform a Life Today, Biblically
By John D. Barry

Our world is full of problems. It feels overwhelming. But the solution starts right here, with each of us. Here are some practical and biblical steps you can take today to transform a life.

SPEAK WORDS OF LOVE AND PEACE

Much of the rhetoric of today has become filled with anger and hate. The Bible calls us to be peacemakers.

If we truly think of ourselves as children of God, those saved by the grace of Jesus, then we should be peacemakers. Rather than lashing out at others with hateful rhetoric and disdain, we should consider how we can show other people the very love of Christ.

That can be difficult when we feel ostracized for our faith, but that’s the time when such actions are most needed. Just after Jesus’ line about peacemakers, he says:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12 NIV).

If we experience persecution and difficulties truly for the sake of the gospel then Jesus considers us blessed. We have become like the prophets of old. Our response to pain, difficulties, and persecution should always be love.

Jesus even went so far as to tell us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). We are to love and leave justice in Jesus’ hands. Jesus summarizes this nicely when he says to Peter:

“Put your sword back in its place … for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52 NIV).

Peace is a masterful plan. It gives us the ability to completely trust God with our future. When we respond out of love, we silence hate.

REALLY LIVE THE BIBLE’S MESSAGE

Far too many people claim belief in the Bible but don’t really live its message. The Bible’s calling is clear: We are to self-sacrificially love others. It is not enough to claim belief in Jesus without taking action. The book of James puts it this way:

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14, NIV).

Jesus explained this idea when he differentiated between authentic and inauthentic believers by their actions on behalf of the stranger, sick, and imprisoned (Matthew 5:31-46). For Jesus, anyone who claimed to have experienced his saving grace but did not act on behalf of the outsider, marginalized, and helpless simply did not know him.

Take action today to empower others—really live the Bible’s message. Make a self-sacrificial choice for the sake of the gospel.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

In my experience, there are many Christians who like to talk about ideas but when it comes to action, there is silence.

Jesus did not tell us to simply speak about the gospel; he told us to take action on behalf of the gospel. In the book of Acts, Jesus frames the message this way:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NIV).

Jesus’ message necessitates action. The remainder of the book of Acts illustrates this point. Starting from Jerusalem and moving out to the rest of the world, the early church begins to spread the word about Jesus’ saving act.

When you truly experience Jesus, you can’t help but take action. For far too long, we have talked about the need to bring the gospel to unreached people groups yet there are still 3,000 people groups without a single missionary. In Bihar, India alone—where the organization I lead is working—there are 101 Million people who have never heard the name of Jesus.

We need solutions to these problems. And that starts with each of us taking action. We need to be willing to give of our time and resources for the sake of Jesus’ mission. We should be willing to do so, to the point it hurts.

At one point a man said to Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 NIV). What are you looking back at? What do you need to let go of? How can you take action for the sake of reaching the unreached today?

A Prayer for Thanksgiving Day

A Prayer for Thanksgiving Day
By Debbie McDaniel

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God, it is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good; his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5

All across our nation, Thanksgiving is a day that we set aside in order to do one thing.

Be thankful.

And usually what goes along with it, is lots of food, family and friends, laughter and fun, times of giving to others in need, maybe some football, or traditions that you’ve recognized through long years.

And sometimes too, there is also loneliness. And struggle. Or deep loss. Feelings of hurt and painful circumstances that you’re still trying to hurdle over.

Whatever you’re facing this Thanksgiving Day, in the midst of all of it, may we remember again that God gives us the opportunity each and every day, to give worship and thanks to Him. Every morning He gives us breath, is His invitation to come joyfully into His Presence. He reminds us that He alone is God and we belong to Him. He assures us that His plans in our lives are for good, that his love covers us securely, and His faithfulness extends from generation to generation.

No matter what, He’s given us so many reasons to choose thankfulness and joy this day. Let’s do what the Psalmist of this great chapter says:

- Shout for joy.

- Worship the Lord with gladness.

- Come before Him with joyful songs.

- Know that He is God.

- Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.

- Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

- Recognize His goodness, love, and faithfulness, through all the generations of our family.

Dear God,

Thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over our lives. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. We’re so grateful you for your amazing love and care, for your mercy and grace, for always working on our behalf, even behind the scenes when we’re unaware. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us, even through loss and the most difficult of times. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy, this Thanksgiving Day and every day.

We give you thanks and praise, for You alone are worthy!

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.