Innovative Concepts

Investor Update
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One of the great rewards that comes with investing in a Kickstarter project is that the updates from the project mangers are frequent, creative, meaningful, and typically deliver clarity about the impact of my investment.  I think this model provides a template for many social sector organizations.  I am often struck that a $50 investment in Kickstarter project provides me with a behind the scenes looks as the projects develops.  It is not always pretty but you see inventors and creators sharing their journey.  Compare this to a $500 contribution to a nonprofit that may get me a form letter recognizing my donation and perhaps mention in the annual report.  Which one do you think a philanthropically minded investor is most likely to recall when it comes time to reinvest?

Clarity About Purpose
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Sometimes you will make a decision that angers a lot of people.  You will not satisfy the majority.  However, if you articulate what you believe and why you believe it you build a foundation of authenticity and trustworthiness, two characteristics that cannot be easily faked.


As an example, Joan Anzelmo who served as Superintendent of the Colorado National Monument turned down a request to hold a 2007 stage of the then named Quizno’s Pro Cycling Challenge.  Numerous politicians in Colorado made appeals to the Secretary of Interior to over-rule her but her decision was upheld.  The promoters and cycling community were shocked but her rationale is compelling and her blief certain.  She believed that, “A mega sporting event is not just compatible with running a national park.”  Agree or not, she was upholding her purpose as a Superintendent, even though she was cycling enthusiasts on the side.


How have your beliefs guided your decisions, even when they are not popular?

Our Board $$$$!
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As annual reports rolled across my desk the past month from causes I supported I was struck by one consistency.  Most social sector organizations’ board members come from the top donor levels.  To be a board member one needs have relative philanthropic capacity, at least that seems to be the theme.  It makes me wonder if the best decision makers are the individuals who have the deepest pockets?  Of course I expect ever board member to reach a little deeper when it comes to contributing to a cause they serve, but that does not mean a $100 donor is going to suddenly reach the $5,000 giving level.  Who on the enterprise’s board represents those who are passionate fans but purchase tickets to programs as their budget allows?  Who sits outside on the lawn with the majority of the attendees and not under the tent with a select few during a symphonic performance?  Who is in-touch with those that come into the gallery after open-night when the tour is free?  Who can advocate for the strategic implications of an initiative not just from the perspective of how it effects the major donors?


I would suggest that some of the best decision-makers and the most remarkable collaborations have come when the board’s background has been varied and its shared experience does not generate from the number of zeros to the left of a decimal point in a bank account.


What does your cause’s annual report say about the board?

When it Comes Down to it
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What is your enterprise signature move?  Now, what does the community associates with your cause?  What would a person on the street say when asked about your organization?  Why not go ask around?  It is not about what you think you are best at but rather what your cause is perceived as being uniquely aligned to deliver.


The biggest challenge for most enterprises lies in the difference between what they think they do exceptionally well and what the community perceives.  How can a cause effectively plan, market, budget, program, invest, align when clarity is lacking?


Perhaps asking a simple ‘what do you know about …..’ may be the most important question to ask this year.

More than the Uniform
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Occasionally an individual is clear about what they believe.  It is the core of all their actions and they are authentic.  If you follow the NFL even remotely you probably have seen the interest around Tim Tebow, the second year quarterback for the Denver Broncos.  His religious faith has been debated as much as his skills as a quarterback.  He has even been the focus of a Saturday Night Live feature.
  
The power of Tim Tebow is that he consistently wears his belief on his sleeve, even when he does not have his uniform.  His belief separates individuals into those that share his belief and those who are repelled by it.  There are not a lot of people left in the middle.  He is controversial simply because he has articulated his purpose.  Not everyone is going to join his tribe but those that do feel a powerful connection.


What would it take for your enterprise to develop the same level of intensity with your fans?

You Go Where Your Eyes Focus

For those who have descended a mountain on a road bike, you have most likely experienced thrill or fear.  A cyclist who has a feel for their bike can sweep in and out of tight corners at a high rate of speed while remaining in control.  For those who find their fear rising as the bike accelerates, a hairpin corner appear as daunting as dropping over a waterfall in a barrel.  One of the tips that accomplished cyclists, race car drivers, and downhill ski racers talk about is their constant search to see as far down the track as possible.  Their bodies have more time to adjust to the route in the distance that their eyes have scouted.  One cannot react quick enough to what is directly in front of them unless the speed is sufficiently slow.


If you want your enterprise to be able to carry its momentum you may need to start looking further ahead.

Service
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Have you ever had the fortune of being provided the perfect experience?  An instant memory?  A moment that just clicked because it had all the elements that you deem as important?  I encourage organizations and individuals to articulate what they believe and then find the confluence between their cause’s belief and those of their most passionate supporters.  When one can map this intersection there is a tremendous platform from which to deepen a relationship.  One model to assume is that of a concierge.  A very talented individual in this profession will spend a few moments assessing what is important and then create the best possible experience.  If your causes is an outdoor education program this may be an opportunity to take key supporters on an overnight trip.  A boarding school might provide graduates with a sleep-over night to open a new dorm before the students arrive.  A letter from a program participant who hails from the same hometown as a donor who supports financial aid might be the most personal experience.  The possibilities are limitless but the critical component is a personalized touch.  If one truly grasp what each member of the tribe believes and it can be traced to your enterprise’s purpose, you have the most magnificent start towards success.


My sister recommended the book Concierge Confidential and I look forward to picking-up a few more tips in the coming days.

12-12
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“The only things you live to regret are the risks you didn’t take”

If you selected one new experience or activity each month for 2012 what would they be?  Inspiring suggestions by Jacqueline Carly.  How might it change your year-in-review on December 31, 2012?


*Sorry that Jacqueline Carly’s link stopped working consistently.  She suggested learning a new language, taking-up yoga, giving-up smoking, meditating, cooking a new dish, saying thank you among other more creative suggestions.
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Open your eyes,
spread your arms wide,
breath in a fresh start,
embrace the moment.
Put opportunity on the front line,
immerse yourself in purpose,
share your talents with your tribe.
Allow success to be your tailwind,
serendipity your guide.
Take time to ponder
from numerous vantage points,
circumnavigating the peak
before ascending. 
Discover your best ideas
and send them forth.
The lessons shared today
are amplified far beyond 
horizon lines
from where you stand now.
Be brave,
Be adventurous,
Be willing to change.