Author: whatifconcepts

Empowering those that inspire so they can excel at the work that matters.

A Whole New Horizon

Take a lesson from Thomas Jefferson on strategic planning.  He completed the Louisiana Purchase and then sent the Corps of Discovery to the region to map and document the new territory.  President Jefferson directed Lewis and Clark into the wilderness with a scientific and commercial purpose.  He did not micromanage and the corps was out of touch while on its mission for two-years.  Jefferson had the vision and then empowered his agents to make it a reality.  Perhaps this was the equivalent of John F Kennedy’s vision of a man on the moon.  Set the goal and allows those with the right talents to map the course.

The Secret of Pacelines

I rode in a great cycling event today, the 4 Summit Challenge in Cascade, Idaho.  One of the interesting things that happens in larger events is that a paceline forms.  Each rider spends a minute or more at the front driving the group forward and everyone behind gets the benefit of their draft and save 30% on their energy output.  In a well practiced paceline, each rider rotates down one side of the line and then works their way to the back to the front of the line.  Ideally, when you are at the front your job is the maintain the speed and power that the previous rider established.  Being consistent prevents gaps forming and surging.  With an unpracticed group, their is a desire to demonstrate ones form and surges are inevitable, actually costing more effort as the paceline varies between sprinting and then coasting.


When you think about teamwork or leadership in your organization, how can each member add to the momentum of the team’s effort?  How can you keep the exertion at its highest sustainable pace?

Mistakes Were Made

I spent the past month juggling the schedules of three potential clients.  To make the projects work I needed to purchase a complicated airline itinerary.  I have been waiting to make the final purchase of the ticket in order to get confirmation from each party.  What I forgot to do was to keep everyone informed and communicate constantly.  One long-term client engaged another consultant for a portion of their project.  They needed certainty and wanted to lock in the dates.  Although I was committed I forgot to reassure the client that they were a priority.  Nothing I can do now but remind myself that more communication is better than less, even if it is not definitive. 

Are you communicating constantly?

Transactional vs Treasure

A great organization that I support just wrapped-up an online auction.  Their experience seems to confirm what I always suspect, auction items that can be readily purchased outside of the auction typically lead to transactional bidding patterns.  Meaning individuals will bid as long as they perceive that they are helping the cause and getting a deal.  It is hard to inspire transformational giving through a computer screen.  Here is a sampling of the results from an online auction.

As you can see, the Boise State Football tickets went for slightly more than valued.  The Escape to Cancun winning bid was at one-third of the estimated value.  Finally, the stay in Antigua received no bids.  The majority of the items in the online auctions that I have reviewed tend to fall into the middle range.  Winning bids are 30-60% of the estimated auction item’s value.  What does this mean?  The bidder gets a deal but in reality they are technically not making a donation since their bid did not exceed the item’s estimated value, meaning there is no tax-deduction for the transaction (not a legal opinion).  The nonprofit gets a portion of the proceeds but pays the online auction company for the software or an annual fee plus a percentage of the proceeds (starting near 10%) of the auction’s gross.  Lastly, somebody donated the item and they hope to see the maximum value gained for their donation.  If their item goes for a huge discount the feeling of success and appreciation is easily diminished.

How do you maximize an online auction?  Blend the value of the auction items so they mix a commodity with an experience that is challenging to replicate.  A coffee card for $50 is fine but it is rarely going to generate its value.  When you consider the time and effort that went into securing the gift card and then the resources required to register the item, the return on investment is limited.  So what if you take the coffee card and include an invitation to have coffee with the founder of the cause?  Or the mayor of the town?  Or a celebrity?  Suddenly supporters are bidding on an experience and get a coffee card on the side.  Items that are perceived as commodities get treated as such.  Experiences that offer a chance to connect with what somebody believes are regarded as treasure.

Moving Up the Mountain

Ski lifts, gondolas, and funiculars only work if they bring a skier or snowboarder far enough up the ski hill so they can ski down to the next lift which takes them higher.  Simple enough to design.  The same principle is relevant when trying to engage fans and donors.  These individuals who are test commitment need to travel far enough up the mountain that they can easily transfer to the next level.  If you unload them in the middle of nowhere after an initial inquiry or contribution most are not going to head any higher.  However, if you provide a map, offer assistance, and help them see the same view that inspires you, the chances of success are much higher.

Do your ski lifts connect?