Connecting

Are you connecting with people who believe what you believe.  Said differently, are you seeking out individuals who share the same purpose as your enterprise?  If you are able to find the point of intersection where an person’s beliefs connect with your cause’s purpose you are on the road to developing loyalty and trust- these two characteristics cannot be faked or manufactured.  These are the individuals who evangelize for your cause.  Find them and they will walk the world telling others about your great works.  They are an unstoppable force.

Road Trip

Strategic planning often divides on the willingness of a cause to think beyond the horizon line.  If you take a road trip and plan to drive 300 miles the first day, that is the equivalent of an operational plan.  You can reach the goal with a sense of certainty.  You can plan the stops and even calculate the amount of gas you need.  If you plan to go from Maine to Anchorage, then you have to assume a strategic view.  You can estimate the number of days, the possible routes, and some resources required.  You also have the option of considering different modes of transportation (boat, plane, train, bike).  

It is easy to schedule a 300 mile day trip.  It takes courage to launch for distant shores.  But the ability to steer your cause towards the destination is what makes your purpose meaningful both in a day-to-day measurement and throughout the journey.



Image planning to put a rail line across the continent.  That was a strategic initiative.  You knew the destination but encountered many unknowns along the way.  A certain destination kept the purpose clear throughout a very challenging task.

The Best Use of Your Resources

Tom Brady’s recent car crash uncovered some interesting facts.  He was driving an Audi that was donated by local car dealer in response to his willingness to serve as honorary chairperson of the Best Buddies nonprofit in the Boston area.  It raises interesting questions.

  • What is the best use of your organization’s limited resources?
  • How do you engage a high-level celebrity to represent your cause?
  • Was the Audi dealer willing to consider an alternative form of contribution or were the three cars on lease the only option?
  • What does a celebrity spokesperson say about an organization’s values?  Do they believe what you believe?  Do they understand your social enterprise’s purpose?
  • Does your brand suffer/gain measurable when the spokesperson has personal challenges or success?


How have you used celebrities to further your enterprise?

Back to School Night

Does you organization or cause hold the equivalent of a ‘back to school night?’  A chance for members and customers to come and interact with your staff and get a sense of what programs exist.  Is is scheduled at a convenient time with some headline event or announcement?  Is there a chance for the attendees to connect with each other and share their passion?  Do you ask your audience if they would recommend the organization and the event?  Do you announce new programs or enhancements to your most popular services?

Done well, it can really be an exciting evening.

Free the Hikers

How do you draw attention to your cause, especially when it is the welfare of your family?  In the case of Shane, Sarah, and Josh, the three Americans being detained in Iran their families have turned to social media as vehicle to develop a tribe of supporters and donors.  Using the website Free the Hikers they have communicated the journey and provided a personalized portrait of the individuals being held on charges of spying.  The national media outlets have run numerous stories this week as the possibility of one of the hiker’s release appeared imminent.  It is easy to be a Facebook fan.  A deeper level of involvement includes signing a petition or making a donation. 


How does one help?  What is the tipping point?  What is the next move?

Can I or Should I?

Too often companies forget that just because they can do something doesn’t mean they should. Can is about WHAT you can do. Should is about WHY.

                                                                                         Simon Sinek
What filters does your enterprise use to decide what is the best course of action?  Are you certain about your organizational purpose?  If so, are you able to pause and consider ‘should versus what,’ when you reach critical decision-making intersections?

Memorable

I competed in a running race today that was memorable.  Smokey the Bear was waiting at the high point with great view overlooking the city.  You could stop and have your picture taken at the 4.5 mile turnaround with Smokey and it was all downhill from there.  Plenty of running races exist but by adding this one element the race director made this event stands out from all the others.

What is the smallest amount of change that would have the most significant impact on your organization?

Super CEO?

Radio Times aired a great piece on what makes a good boss or bad boss.  If we are managing staff, volunteers, or a tribe of fans it is nice to know what approaches resonate.  Robert Sutton’s book, Good Boss, Bad Boss takes a closer look at the best practices and those that are worthy of an intervention.

Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best... and Learn from the Worst

A little inspiration from Michael Scott

Open Call

Three advertisements in the local paper caught my eye.  They announced general opportunities for prospective board members to come to the organization’s next meeting.  If this is the primary strategy for recruiting board members it is a bit like making a generic boarding announcement for an unspecified flight in a busy airport.  “We are now boarding.”  However, consider a more focused and announcement, “dynamic social sector enterprise that is committed to enhancing literary skills for elementary school students is seeking new board members who are 25-35 and poses expertise in entrepreneurship and social media.”  Then you have it down to, “we are now boarding Zone 1 for the noon departure to Maui.”  I can immediately determine if my talents are required and how I might be engaged.


We have been trained to respond to specific demands on our attention and time.  Consider using some of these in your favor.