Author: whatifconcepts

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

Ask the Question Another Way
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen (Vintage)

Reading the book, Born To Run.  I am especially intrigued by the science of what biological and physiological traits provide human with a competitive advantage in nature even though we are not fast enough to outrun many of our potential predators.  As the scientist broke down the possible advantages of the human physiology they stumble across critical answers once they ask critical questions in the opposite way.  

Are you asking the same questions hoping for different answers?  Try reversing your query.  When the question is re-framed it may just reveal a completely different answer that may provide a new perspective.

Is Anyone Out There?

One of the great outcomes of workshops and conferences is that you have the opportunity to meet people who may share your purpose.  Sometimes the experience can be a bit overwhelming as you trade business cards and contact information.  A coach of mine suggested that you should create a help wanted sign that specifically outlines what outcome you are seeking.

Who do you think posted the following help wanted sign years ago:

“ Men wanted for Hazardous journey.  Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.  Honour and recognition in case of success.”

If you guessed Ernest Shackleton you have a good historical knowledge.  Notice how specific the post reads.  Interested parties are not going to mistake this for a Disney Cruise.


How does your help wanted sign read?

What Would You Remember?

If you competed in the Tour de France, what would you remember after riding for three weeks and over 3,400 kilometers?  Would one stage be more memorable than another?  Would you recall all the start and finish towns?  How many sections of the course would be etched in your memory?  Would you be more likely to recall a specific day if it were the hottest or rainy and extremely cold?  What about pedaling climbs pitched at over 10% for hours to reach a mountain pass?  Or the descents with hairpin turns and straight sections where you descended at over 100 kph?  If you managed to secure one of the leader jerseys for a day, would that alter your focus?

Turns out that extremes stand-out.  The moments that are anything but normal.  So often we wonder why our cause does not get all the attention as we finish with the peloton (pack) every stage.  In the Tour de France riders take inspiring chances to gain a stage win, attacking in the first minutes of a stage that might last five hours only to be caught in the final thirty minutes of racing.  Why? For 90% of the race they are the story.  The commentators spend the majority of the time talking about the breakaway.  The cameras are tuned to them because until they are caught these riders represent the chance that something extraordinary might happen.  

What do your fans remember?  How do you stand out?

All the Marbles

 Is success contingent on reaching a summit you have selected as the focus of your efforts?  Are there actions you can take along the way that will make your adventure more complete regardless of reaching the highest peak?  Chris Davenport is climbing Mt. Everest right now but he managed to spend time skiing the Lhoste Face at 24,000 feet.  In a recent interview, he suggested that his trip is already a success because he took the time to ski in the one of the most memorable location he has encountered in his skiing career.  Maximizing the opportunity is one of Chris’s strengths.  What can you add as you continue on your adventure?

Taking A Clue From Fundraising

Fundraising is a bit like playing the board game Clue.  You need everyone in your organization to be traveling from room to room constantly.  Go to the library, kitchen, and conservatory.  It is a bit like the daily routine of taking your kids to school, spending the day at your workplace, and getting a workout at the gym.  While there you can be an admbassador for your cause’s amazing work.  You are a walking billboard and it is easy advertising. 

The next level is start inquiring about what is taking place in each room.  Is Professor Plum in the study?  At this level you are asking your board and staff to start discovering what is compelling to those who have or are considering making a philanthropic investment in your cause.  Perhaps you represent the local animal shelter and meet a donor who has made an initial contributions to the shelter but is a leadership donor to other enterprises in the community.  You can start a conversation with, “I see you are supporter of the local theater company.  I so appreciate that as I am a fan of the company and attended last season.  I am wondering what makes them so compelling to you?”  You are seeking some insights into what drives their philanthropic investments.  What do they believe?  What needs are they trying to meet?  How do they decide?  At this level you are an advocate, seeking specific information about what drives specific donor’s intentions.

Somebody needs to accuse Colonel Mustard of murder in the Ballroom with a wrench.  In the same way, there are key people in your organization who are uniquely motivated to ask for a philanthropic investment.  If you have assembled the right information from the ambassadors visiting all the rooms and added important details from the advocates then the ask is is a bit like the Accusation in Clue.  You will not get an answer until you ask.


Have fun playing.

To learn more about fundraising models, Kay Sprinkle Grace offers some of the leading models worth exploration.
Beyond Fundraising: New Strategies for Nonprofit Innovation and Investment, 2nd Edition

If There Were No Fences

If there were no fences in a baseball outfield, would it change how a batter swings?  If you could not hit one out of the park would it change the game?  The thrill and spectacle of a home run is an easy achievement to focus on and celebrate.  Just watch an ESPN highlight.  Does a fence in the outfield add to the game of baseball?  Does having a boundary change how we execute on a daily basis?

Celebration

Of the social sector celebrations you have attended, which ones are remarkable?  Is one event better than many smaller ones?  Who do you include?   Do you include a celebrity or well-known individual who may draw a larger crowd?  Do you create a separate experience for your leadership philanthropic investors?  How do you exceed expectations?