It all started with a conversation. Two friends who live 1700+ miles from each other managed to take an idea that started from a casual conversation and cultivate it into an online discussion where many Christians and Non-Christians can come together. With 2.7 billion blogs circulating the net, it is easy to get lost in cyberspace; but these two friends managed to find their niche to spread the word that their business, along with other unique businesses, is More Than a Company. Shawn Weekly of Texas and Eli Brown of New York met in 2001 through each of their Pastors at a conference in Texas. “Eli and I realized that we are like minded individuals,” stated Shawn. The two became so close that Shawn was even Eli’s best man in his wedding. Shawn Weekly, a Software Engineer for TheKnot.com partnered with Eli Brown, Vice President in Product Development for Goldman Sachs, highlight companies that are either Christian based or has Christian principles. Though the blog is drenched in Christian overtones and undertones, you find that it heavily contains well written articles about all things business. You will find content such as, handling stress in the workplace, entrepreneurial tips, marketing, and politics.

The one thing that we are not trying to do is sound ‘preachy’, we are trying to create dialogue. Based on the conversation that we have between the two of us, we are trying to bring others into it. -Eli

Why did you decide to work together on this project?
We decided to work on this project because we share a similar point of view on how we can use our skills to move the church into some new and interesting avenues. Most companies think of the “bottom” line in terms of financial profits, but we also consider the social impact we can make. Is the business helping poverty in the community? Is the business creating jobs for people and reducing unemployment? Is the business helping to improve the overall quality of life of those it interacts with? These are questions we think about when we are trying to determine our next steps in business.

We are also both serial “entrepreneurs” and are constantly talking to each other about new ideas. The Bible says that God would give us “witty inventions” (Prov 8:12), and we intend to use those innovative ideas to help the church and people.

There are 2.1 billion Christians in this world *not including China* and we really want to try and speak to them….we are taking you out of Sunday and bringing you into your Monday-Friday 9-5. -Shawn

How did you come up with the concept?
We feel there is a need for Christians to step up to the plate and start businesses that can help finance the churches’ goals, as opposed to churches having to always ask for donations. We also realize there are a lot of people in churches that want to start a business and have great ideas, but don’t know where to begin. If we can help to get these businesses started, then there is an opportunity to help build the church more strategically and also help the church to better finance their initiatives.

Who is your audience?
Our audience is any person who has a business or plans to start a business. While we share our information from a Christian perspective using biblical teachings, we try to provide information that can be applied regardless of your background or choice of faith.

What adversity are you facing with the site?
So far I can’t say we have had too much in the realm of adversity. There are some areas that we are still working though. Shawn lives in Texas and Eli lives in New York, so we only work together remotely via phone, Skype, Huddle.net, Email, and other forms of virtual office technology. The good thing is that we both bring unique strengths to the experience, so we are never both working on something simultaneously, but rather we split the job up into parts and each person focuses on where they can add the most value.

Do you feel your blog is too niche?
Right now, niche marketing is where the internet is moving. Internet users are looking for information that is specific to their own needs and more direct and focused on what they are trying to find out. Does it limit our audience to some degree? Yes, but with the types of goals we have, we are more concerned with “quality” of the visitors than the “quantity”. All we need is the right core group of Entrepreneurs with the same goals we have to help both the church and society, and we are on our way to something great.

Does it have crossover appeal?
I think that is something we are examining now. The thing about our blog is that we are blatantly indicating upfront that we primarily cater to an audience that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. But that does not mean that people of other faiths can’t appreciate the content or our corporate goals. Our goals for social and economic development are not specific to Christianity, but rather are the goals numerous secular organizations have as well. If we can leverage the right relationships, we hope to build partnerships with both Christian and secular organizations that help us achieve “ the greater good for mankind”.

Do you want to push the envelop or keep it safe?
We want to keep it agile and open with the content. Right now we haven’t pushed the controversial button but who knows- Shawn
Religion is a hot button without ever having to say anything. – Eli

How do you define if a company is “Christian”?
A business is not “Christian” per say, but rather the principles on which that business runs should align themselves with a Christian or Biblical standard. It is the ethics and principles of the business that align it with a Christian standard.

Do you have to be a Christian to be featured on your site?
To be featured on our site, the business has to be run on Christian ideals. In the majority of cases, that means the owner is probably a Christian. There will be cases where we highlight topics or inspirational stories that are not about Christians, but we will direct the content and the point of the story back to a Christian perspective. The Bible is full of wisdom, and we will find ways to apply that to a variety of stories.

What is your goal with the blog?
Initially, our goal is to generate dialogue and to bring people together by leveraging existing social networks. Once we have built a network of entrepreneurs who have a vision for God’s plan, we want to develop conferences, training, mentoring relationships, and materials for people in any stage of business development. We also want to create opportunities for working closer with churches and non-profits who have ideas for helping people globally. Next, we are still trying to find strategic partnerships and get our brand out there. It takes time to build a successful brand that people recognize and respect. We are focused on that aspect right now.

Quickfire Questions

Who do you want to meet?
Shawn – Warren Buffet
Eli- Bill Gates

What is your favorite quote?
Shawn – To know and not to do, is to not know at all
Eli- We exist to engage the culture. By making the TRUTH of CHRIST relevant and attractive, changing people’s perception on LIFE to see that God is FREEDOM and Not religion or law.

What item can you not live without?
Shawn – Phone
Eli- Phone

Phrase or saying do you most use?
Shawn – Really?
Eli- No problem

What is the top song in your iPod?
Shawn – Stand by Anthony Evans
Eli- Window by Canton Jones

Team Blackberry or Team iPhone?
Shawn – Team Android!
Eli- Forget Team Blackberry. iPhone all the way

Check out More Than A Company on these sites and after you tell them AUDRA sent you, ask them to pray for us!

Www.MoreThanACompany.com
www.Twitter.com/MoreThanACo

http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwMoreThanACompanycom/176804659774?ref=ts