Ian Hodge On Starting A Successful Dominion-Minded Business

A few weeks ago, I asked a question about how we as Christians can start a successful dominion-minded business. Ian Hodge, who was a long-time friend of R.J. Rushdoony, and a contributor to the Chalcedon Foundation provided an answer that I believe can serve as a helpful starting place. Hodge answered:

"Josh, there are only two questions you must be able to answer to make your business successful. 

1. Why on earth would anyone in their right mind buy the product or service I am offering? 

2. Why on earth would anyone in their right mind buy that product or service from me? 

The first question helps to identify if there is a need for the product or service you offer. Your answer to the second question should identify what you do differently to everyone else in the industry, and thus forms the marketing campaign for your business. 

I would ONLY read books by business growth experts who have a multi-year successful track record in advising many businesses and growing those businesses. That means, get your advice from successful business/marketing managers not salesmen or women who have the gift of the gab (as we say in Australia) and very little track record in building sustainable businesses."

If we want to build a successful business from the ground up, we must first determine if there is a need.

So for example, my wife owns a photography business here in Southern, West Virginia. There are eight high schools within a fifty-mile radius. If you think about it, that's a whole lot of seniors graduating on a yearly basis. There is a need for senior photography. However, she's not the only person that's figured that out. This leads to Hodge's second point.

Once we determine if there is a need, we must identify what it is that sets us apart from everyone else in the industry.

As Hodge stated, this forms the marketing campaign for your business. For my wife, what sets her apart is that she not only offers quality photography services, but she also offers high quality videography services. She is the only photographer in the area that offers these kinds of services. So, whenever it comes to marketing, this point is highlighted in her campaign.

If you're interesting in starting a Dominion-Minded Business, ask yourself these two questions: Why would anyone buy the product or service I am offering, and why would anyone buy that particular product or service from me. When you're able to answer these questions and answer them well, you're on the path to building a successful business from the ground up.