The B.I.G. Strategy for Solving the World’s Greatest Problems
- Harry T. Jones
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Significance is rarely found among ‘successful’ entrepreneurs.
Many of us have experienced this pain firsthand.
Entrepreneurs often make a lot of money, have many employees, and display all the appearances of ‘the good life.’ But, deep inside, they lack the power that only significance can provide.
Significance comes by finishing well.
Finishing well means making a difference in a world plagued by sickness, poverty, violence, vulnerability, economic exploitation, isolation, and idolatry.
As an entrepreneur, you are called to make that difference through building, investing and giving.
Throughout history, transformative solutions have emerged not just from charity alone, but from strategic businesses that create sustainable change.
Think about it, what decimates poverty more than entrepreneurs creating jobs? Sustainable job creation is one of the most effective ways to dismantle systemic poverty and empower generations.
As you move toward finishing well consider the B.I.G. strategy: Building, Investing, and Giving.
The B.I.G. strategy allows business leaders to integrate their faith principles into everyday operations in ways that respect diverse perspectives while creating meaningful change.
Through the BIG strategy, entrepreneurs can write a compelling story of faith and hope that speaks louder than words ever could.
Understanding the B.I.G. Strategy
1. Building: Creating Sustainable Solutions
Building businesses as mission (BAM) represents a powerful approach to solving systemic problems. Unlike traditional businesses focused solely on profit, BAM enterprises integrate four critical dimensions:
Profit - Making money to ensure sustainability and legitimacy
People - Creating positive impact for employees, customers, vendors, and communities
Planet - Operating as good stewards of the earth
Purpose - Making a meaningful difference in the world (most of the businesses we work with are led by Christians demonstrating their faith)
When entrepreneurs build businesses as mission, they transform these four areas into bridges that demonstrate divine values and purpose.
2. Investing: Multiplying Impact Through Strategic Capital
Impact investing represents the second pillar of the BIG strategy.
Unlike traditional investing focused solely on financial returns, impact investing directs capital toward businesses that generate both profit and purpose.
By investing in businesses committed to addressing issues like poverty, exploitation, and isolation, we can scale solutions that charity alone cannot achieve.
3. Giving: Strategic Philanthropy with Purpose
The third pillar, giving, remains vital—but most effective when done strategically. Philanthropic giving can:
Address immediate needs that markets cannot solve
Seed innovative approaches that aren’t yet profitable
Support infrastructure that enables market-based solutions
Provide dignity and hope in crisis situations
Strategic giving isn’t about temporary handouts but about catalyzing lasting change.
The Transformative Power of B.I.G.
When building, investing, and giving work together, remarkable transformation that visibly demonstrates our faith is possible
Finding Your Place in the B.I.G. Strategy
Where do you fit in this approach to solving the world’s greatest problems?
What do you want most in life?
What are you willing to sacrifice to get what you want?
Why should people care?
These questions help you craft your “life plan”—a vision for how you’ll contribute to solving the world’s greatest problems through building, investing, or giving.
The Warning: Don’t Miss Your Purpose
At one time in my life, business was everything. Working 16 hours a day was common. At one point, I was working 20 hours a day and sleeping four. It was all a frantic attempt to get to the top of the ladder.
The day you realize your ladder is leaning against the wrong wall is a sad day.
Success without purpose leads to emptiness. The BIG strategy isn’t just about solving the world’s problems—it’s about finding your purpose within that mission.
Your Call to Action: Will You Build, Invest, or Give?
The BIG strategy offers a framework for meaningful impact. Your role may involve one, two, or all three approaches. What matters is that you find your place in solving the world’s greatest problems.
The world’s greatest problems await your unique contribution. Will you build, invest, or give?
Harry T. JonesP.S.
Join me in engaging with Solving the World’s Greatest Problems
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