4 Digital Storefronts Mistakes That Hinder Your Success (+My Best Advice)

Are you a pastor or ministry worker looking for ways to supplement your income? If so, you’re not alone.

In today’s economic climate, many people are turning to working online to earn extra money.

However, there are some common mistakes that people make when they get started with this business model.

These mistakes can hinder your success and keep you from earning the income you need.

In this blog post, we’ll explore four of these mistakes and offer the best advice ever for avoiding them.

So if you’re ready to start earning extra money through a digital business, read on!

What is the Digital Storefronts System?

Digital Storefronts System is the practice of using digital tools and platforms to generate income.

This can include blogging, creating YouTube videos, selling products or services online, freelancing, or any other type of activity that generates revenue through the web.

It’s not a new concept, but it has gained more attention in recent years as people search for alternative ways to make money.

Digital entrepreneurs are typically pastors, ministry workers, or other individuals with specialized skills who want to supplement their income without taking away from their missional focus.

digital tentmaking business for pastors who want to make extra income

They have become a great asset to the local church in recent years.

Based from reviews of the Digital Storefronts Program, it gives our students a unique opportunity to practice what they learn from the program while contributing to the Kingdom of God – a win-win situation that many are thankful for.

What is a digital storefront business?

A digital storefront business is a business that operates primarily online.

It might be selling products or services, providing consulting, creating content for websites, or any other activity that can be done remotely.

The beauty of this type of business is that it allows you to work from anywhere in the world and reach a global audience. And with the right tools and strategies, you can make a decent income from your digital assets.

What are the benefits of starting an online business through digital storefronts?

First, it provides you with a flexible way to make money that fits around your other commitments and responsibilities. You can work when and where it suits you, whether you’re traveling on missions, serving your community or spending time with family.

Second, digital storefronts gives you the potential to reach a global audience and maximize your earning potential.

Finally, digital businesses don’t require large start-up capital; as long as you have an internet connection, you can get started right away.

benefits of a digital storefront business

These benefits make digital entrepreneurship an attractive option for those looking to supplement their income.

In addition, digital storefronts is an effective tool for businesses to generate high quality buyer leads. Not only do high-quality buyer leads come with high conversion rates, but using digital storefronts can save businesses a large sum of money in the long run.

With the right digital storefront presence, businesses can also build their brand awareness and improve customer relationships across a wide variety of channels.

Keep reading to learn more about avoiding the common mistakes digital business owners often make when getting started.

Mistakes That Will Hinder Your Success

There’s been a lot of new members in our Christian-based business community lately and I couldn’t be happier.

I just wanted to share a few common mistakes I see first-time business owners make.

These are mistakes that I’ve made admittedly more than once.

My hope here is to help you learn from them so that you can give yourself a little advantage. 

Here goes:

Mistake #1: They wait for the “right time” to start their Digital Storefront business.

I often get asked: 

“Hey Cory, I’m interested in your Digital Storefront Mentorship but between my family and my ministry work there’s no way I could find the time. Do you think I should wait until I’m able to focus more on the program so I can get through it faster?”

With just about anything in life there’s never going to be a “perfect” time.

Whether that’s starting a business, following a new mission, or simply picking back up an old hobby.

Time is there for us if we’re willing to make it.

Even 5 minutes a day is better than waiting for the time to be “right”.

Because if you have a goal you want to achieve, 5 minutes a day is going to get you much, much closer than doing nothing at all.

You’d be amazed how those 5 minutes turn into 10 minutes..

Then into 30 minutes..

Then into a full hour

And it turns out that we had the free time all along!

Aside from all that, I believe that if the Lord is placing something in front of you — an opportunity, a challenge, a mission…

Whatever it might be, he does so fully aware of all the other stuff we have going on in our lives at that moment.

Sure, sometimes this might feel unfair.

We might feel like we’re already at our tipping point and couldn’t possibly handle anything more.

But I fully believe He shows us these challenges and opportunities anyway because he knows we can handle it!

We simply have to trust that the opportunity in front of us is there for a reason.

Even if 5 minutes a day is all we have to spare.

In fact, there are many full-time ministers, pastors and servants that are inside our Digital Storefronts community.

They too found it hard to build a side business on top of their full-time calling. But, because they had a bigger purpose, they worked on their digital business whenever they had free time.

Now, they’re making money from their digital assets.

They are now able to fully support their family, while still serving God and their communities full-time. 

Mistake #2: They keep God and their Digital businesses separate

This is something I’ve spoken about many times before, so sorry if you feel like you’re reading this for the hundredth time.

Because so many of us carry the belief that business is NOT one of the traditional ways to bring glory to God, a lot of people make the mistake of keeping them separate.

Worse, they only turn to Him for help when they find themselves facing a challenge or roadblock that requires His wisdom and guidance.

Here’s the thing though…

God wants to be part of your business!

God wants to be a part of your digital storefront business

Of course that does not mean to ask Him for wealth and abundance — I do not advocate the prosperity gospel or anything similar. But, where we can lean on Him for help is to keep us focused on the things that matter most.

Helping others.

Providing for our families.

Giving back to our churches.

You see, business carries much temptation. There’s no way around it.

And sadly, this is why there are so few Christian business mentors out there – many fall victim to these temptations and ending serving Mammon rather than God.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

And I think the solution is to simply invite God into your business from the start.

Admit to Him that we need His help in staying true to the mission we first set out on.

Let Him show us how to use business as nothing more than a vehicle to become better servants.

Mistake #3: Digital entrepreneurs work too hard at the beginning

I know that might sound a little strange, but stick with me here because I think this mistake also extends well beyond the realm of business:

With the excitement that comes with starting a new journey and pursuing a new goal, so many people jump in head first.

Giving 200% of their effort and stretching themselves thin – trying to get results as fast as possible.

Only to burn-out just 3 to 4 weeks later.

The key to success in just about anything is to commit to a long-term plan and set a reasonable pace for yourself.

If you’re excited to jump in and get to work at the start of something new, that’s great!

I would say use as much of that energy as you can while it’s there.

Just be aware that nothing great happens overnight.

To achieve our goals in life will require us to stick with them even during times when motivation feels hard to come by.

Planning for long-term success and being slow (yet consistent) is the best way I’ve found to overcome this.

Mistake #4: Business owners don’t lean on others for help!

This is a simple mistake, but it’s something that seems to happen everywhere.

It’s so often in life that we feel like we have to do things all on our own…

But there’s almost always someone else out there who’s been where you stand now. Who could help you navigate the challenges in front of you.

There’s no shame in asking that person questions, no matter how small or silly it might seem!

Here’s something else I’ve learned over the years:

Those who might judge you poorly for asking your “silly” question, or would look down at you for not knowing what they know…

Those behaviors are a reflection of themselves and who they are as a person..

NOT a reflection of you, your intelligence, or your problem-solving abilities.

Luckily I never see this kind of thing happening in our Digital Storefronts community.

I’ve been on the receiving end of this kind of behavior many times in the past.

Even though I know that there’s only one person who’s approval I need, I can’t lie by saying that those kinds of judgements still don’t hurt a little.

Even then, what we stand to gain by leaning on others and asking them for guidance far outweighs the discomfort or any potential ‘judgements’.

So don’t make this mistake of feeling like you have to do it alone!

The Best Digital Business Advice I Ever Got…

Here’s the best advice I got when I was starting with Digital Storefronts:

“Not every client is going to see the value in what you do. But don’t let it get to you. Sometimes it’s best to just keep moving along and see how you can help the next person you cross paths with.”

Without a doubt it hurts getting told no by a potential client.

Especially when all we’re trying to do is help them with our work!

But sometimes the people we want to provide our services to just don’t want or need our help at that moment in time.

While it can be frustrating, what we must do is respect their decision.

In fact, when a potential client tells me they’re not interested in working with me, here’s how I usually respond:

“Ok, no worries! Would it be alright with you if I followed up in say, 1 month, to see how things are going?”

There could be a hundred reasons why the business owner on the other side might not want to commit to working with us.

Maybe they’re tight on cash. 

Or have a lot going on in their personal lives. 

Maybe they just enjoy figuring things out on their own!

Whatever the case, I’ve learned over the years that it’s always better to accept their response.

Rather than try to get “salesy” and try to push anything on them.

We don’t like it when people try to do that to us, right?

Plus, there are always others out there who are in need of our skills and services..

Sometimes it’s better to move on and focus on them instead!

I’ve also found that when I make it a point to accept that potential client’s decision, even if it’s a “No”..

It helps them see that I’m not just after their money!

What happens with a lot of these clients that first say “no”…

They’ll end up emailing me a month or two later, telling me they’re interested in working together now!

The point here is, don’t get too caught up with clients who might not recognize the value you’re providing them.

And definitely don’t let it get to you!

Everyone has their own unique ways of operating their business.

All we can do is show others our ability to accept and understand it.

Trust me, since everyone else out there in online business is trying to force their products and services onto others, you’ll be a breath of fresh air to any business owner.

Even if they’re not looking to work with you at that exact moment in time!

If you’ve ever felt frustrated or discouraged getting a “no” from a client, then I hope this helps.

I hope those mistakes I’ve shared above open your eyes to the opportunity present in front of you at the moment.

And help you move to action.

How can I start making money online through a digital business?

Starting a digital business is not as hard as you may think. When you read through the Internet, you’ll find lots of different ways to begin.

In general, you’ll need to decide what services you want to offer and how much you will charge for those services.

Next, it’s important to find potential clients in your niche, who can benefit from your skills and expertise.

You should also create a website or blog so you can showcase your work and services.

Finally, create a portfolio of previous projects so that potential clients can see the type of work that you do.

Although digital entrepreneurship can be challenging at first, our reviews show that the process has been extremely worthwhile for our students.

As the Digital Storefronts Program combines digital proficiencies with the opportunity for self-employment, many students appreciate that their efforts are giving them greater autonomy and job satisfaction, not to mention the freedom and resources to pursue their pastoral mission.

If you’re interested in starting your own digital storefront business, we recommend signing up for our free training.

There are many benefits to owning a digital business, but it’s important to avoid making common mistakes.

Our experts will teach you everything you need to know about getting started and achieving success.

With our help, you can launch a successful digital storefront business that fits around your lifestyle and earns you the income you need.

If you’ve been looking to start a Digital business, now is the right time!

I’m giving away a Free Training that you can access right away. Click on the button below to get started.