Higher Ethical Standards Agreement

Between IBA United and Advisor members

This Higher Ethical Standards Agreement is entered into between IBA United and our association Business Advisor Members.

IBA United is an association of Independent Business Advisors working together to support one another in various ways.
Each member has their own independent business entity, and follows their own judgment in their business decisions. IBA upholds that each Advisor has their own unique experience and approach and has the autonomy to operate as they see fit. At no time does IBA have ANY authority over a member or their business, excluding in management of IBA United.
The purpose and intent of IBA is to help Business Advisors and Clients carry out the Dominion mandate as illustrated in Genesis 1:28. That we are all called to Godly stewardship of the authority God has given us in this world. Genesis 1:28 “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
It is our duty to perform our services “As unto the Lord”. Colossians 3:23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”
Since our work is to be done as if provided unto God himself, we must excel, and not provide mediocre service. Proverbs 22:29 “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before Kings, not mere men.”
We Advisors acknowledge our shared commitment to these higher ethical standards grounded in Christian principles outlined in the Bible and we will do our best to carry them out as we each see fit.
We Advisors also affirm our identity as Christians and business advisors, acknowledging the authority of God in our personal and professional lives. We do not divide ourselves by things like denominations, though those things may be important, but rather we unite ourselves under Christ.
Stewardship extends beyond financial matters to include ethical decision-making, treating others with respect, and promoting justice and fairness in all business endeavors. Proverbs 16:11 - "A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are his work,"
IBA United and Advisors agree to hold each other accountable in upholding the principles outlined in this agreement.
In the spirit of Matthew 18:15-17, if any disputes or disagreements arise, the parties commit to resolving them through peaceful and biblically sound means.
IBA provides resources, documents, tools, education, and advice to our Advisor members and to Clients, in order for them to achieve the best results according to our experiences and judgment. Amongst these tools is the 5by5 Business System, which all advisors may use to help their clients.
Part of the benefit of IBA United is the association of several professionals, and building a name together. As such, IBA encourages Advisor members, but does not require them, to use IBA United tools, logos, documents, etc. to promote themselves and their work as long as they are members of IBA United. We encourage co branding with IBA United of any education material you create to promote yourself. Slap that IBA logo on it and use it to promote your work as an esteemed member of IBA United. We are UNITED because we know it is hard to build a business alone and easier to build it together, United, with one similar cause, and so we stand together as IBA United.
As much as IBA United tries to support our members, IBA also expects similar camaraderie from it’s members and between its members. We encourage our members to support one another, promote one another, and share information directly with one another. We are doing this, building IBA United, so that we can build together, united, and enjoy the benefits of building with others.
This is an agreement of association and not a legally binding contract. It represents our commitment to God, to higher ethical standards, and to one another. Advisor members may leave IBA at any time for any reason. IBA also has the right to disassociate members if we believe it is best for IBA and all members. If separation occurs we ask Advisors to remove the IBA United logo from their work.