Video Transcript: Introduction

Hello and welcome to Introduction to Business! My name is Dr. Charles Streeter and I’ll be your professor for this course. Whether you're joining us from a bustling city in Nigeria, a quiet village in the Philippines, the heart of Europe, or right here in the United States—I'm so glad you're here.

Today, we’re diving into a question that seems simple but is actually quite profound:

What is business, really?

Let’s explore this together.

At its core, business is the activity of making one’s living by producing or buying and selling goods or services. But that’s just the surface.

Business is about solving problems. It’s about creating value. It’s about serving people.

Think about it: every time you buy a loaf of bread, ride a bus, or use a mobile app, you’re interacting with a business. Businesses are the engines that drive economies, create jobs, and improve lives.

But business is more than just money. It’s about relationships, ethics, and purpose.

Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on what the Bible says about work and enterprise.

In Genesis 2:15, we read:

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

From the very beginning, work was part of God’s design. It wasn’t a punishment—it was a purpose.

In Proverbs 22:29, it says:

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”

This verse reminds us that excellence in business is honorable. Skill, diligence, and integrity are not just good business practices—they are spiritual virtues.

And in Colossians 3:23, we’re told:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

This means that business, when done with the right heart, can be a form of worship.

Business looks different depending on where you are in the world.

In Japan, business culture emphasizes respect, harmony, and long-term relationships. In Brazil, personal connections and flexibility are key. In Kenya, mobile banking has revolutionized how people do business, even in rural areas.

But no matter where you are, the principles of business remain the same:

• Identify a need
• Offer a solution
• Deliver value
• Operate ethically

Whether you’re selling coconuts on a beach in the Bahamas or launching a tech startup in Silicon Valley or Austin, TX, these principles apply.

Let’s go a little deeper.

Why do businesses exist?

Some say it’s to make a profit. And yes, profit is important—it keeps the business alive. But profit is not the purpose. It’s the result.

The true purpose of business is to serve.

Peter Drucker, one of the most influential thinkers in business, said:

“The purpose of business is to create a customer.”

In other words, business exists to meet needs. To make life better. To bring solutions to problems.

And when we do that well—profit follows.

But if you provide a great product, but have no ethics, the business is going down the wrong path.

Ethics.

A Business without ethics is like a ship without a compass. It might move fast, but it’s headed for disaster.  We have seen countless people in business fail once the public, ie customers, see their unethical and sometimes criminal behavior. 

In Proverbs 11:1, we read:

“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”

This verse speaks directly to business practices. Honesty matters. Fairness matters. Transparency matters.

In today’s world, where corruption and exploitation can be found in many corners, ethical business stands out like a light in the darkness.

And here’s the good news: ethical businesses are not only morally right—they’re also more sustainable. People trust them. Employees stay longer. Customers come back.

So, what kind of mindset should you have as a student of business?

Here are three key traits:

1. Curiosity – Always ask questions. Why does this work? How can it be better?
2. Creativity – Business is not just numbers. It’s innovation. It’s thinking differently.
3. Courage – Starting something new takes guts. You’ll face failure. But every failure is a lesson.

And remember this: you don’t have to be an entrepreneur to think like one. Whether you work for a company, run your own business, or serve in a nonprofit, the entrepreneurial mindset will serve you well.

I want to  end with a powerful idea:

Business can be a force for good.

It can lift people out of poverty. It can bring clean water to villages. It can create jobs for single mothers. It can fund education. It can heal communities.

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Your business can be that light.

You don’t have to choose between making money and making a difference. You can do both.

In this course, we’ll explore:

• How businesses are structured
• What makes a great leader
• How marketing works
• Why finance matters
• And how to start your own business

We’ll look at real-world examples, hear from global voices, and always come back to this truth:

Business is about people.

So whether you dream of launching a company, managing a team, or simply understanding how the world works—you’re in the right place.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope this session has inspired you, challenged you, and maybe even changed the way you see business.

Remember: you were made to create, to serve, and to lead.

Let’s build something meaningful—together.

See you in the next video, God bless!