Shark Tank

I'm an ideas guy. I love new ideas and I love improving ways of doing things. The idea of making something simpler, creating a new product or service, or improving on a process excites me. I'm also a fan of cool TV shows. One of my favorite shows from the past few years is called Shark Tank. It's on ABC on Friday nights and is followed by one of my other favorite shows called What Would You Do?

The concept of Shark Tank is simple. A panel of wealthy investors welcome entrepreneurs who present their product or service to the sharks. The sharks listen to the presentations, drill the entrepreneurs with questions and attempt to poke holes through their concepts while analyzing the prospect of a successful investment in their companies. Inventors and small business owners come to the sharks with ideas ranging from bakeries to workout videos, from new pickup truck bed products to concierge services. The idea is awesome, educational, and exciting to watch.

One lesson I take away from the show is the importance of a plan. While the investors want to see previous profit and success, they also want to hear what the plan is for the investment they're considering. If there is not a good plan of action, the sharks declare themselves out of the potential deal. If, however, the sharks see previous success combined with a great plan of action, they'll jump at the chance to invest and take a cut of the prospective success the company can bring them.

Praying Pelican Missions is involved in a brilliant mission that has a track record of success and a great plan. Part of what I'm involved in with PPM is helping shape the goals and plans of what we're doing and what we're all about. Encouraging persons to participate on short term mission trips and partner with local churches overseas is just scratching the surface. If Kevin O'Leary were to hear about how PPM is helping build schools, churches, invest in VBS programming, and leading persons to Christ through the local church he'd be stupid not to throw an investment at the idea and sit on the return. While PPM survives off of persons participating on mission trips and monetary donations, the investment is much more than financial. The investment is time, preparation, and relationships. In Jamaica alone, we're seeing pastors ask for teams to invest in the idea of local churches impact communities through development projects like construction chicken coops for families, build new schools buildings, help establish training centers, and share the gospel with young people. The need is great and the opportunity for investment in God's kingdom work will never end. Now who wants to fly with the Pelicans?!