Nonprofit startup organizations can learn a lot from entrepreneurs and startup businesses. While both types of operations are different on some fundamental levels, how each approaches success and growth are very much the same.
Nonprofit Hub about startups
Nonprofit Hub pointed out the fact that entrepreneurs put a lot of time and money, not to mention blood, sweat, and tears, into their endeavors. It takes a lot to get a new enterprise off the ground. Many nonprofits pride themselves on how much they do with very few resources. While this is indeed admirable, charities shouldn’t be afraid of investing funding into their activities to grow. It’s good to monitor spending, but if organizations don’t put anything into their operation, they cannot expect to get anything back.
Networking is also an essential skill for entrepreneurial business owners. Being able to connect with a variety of people across many industries and geographic locations is a terrific skill that broadens the company’s scope. Charitable institutions need to constantly work toward expanding their donor database. Start-ups and nonprofits need to have effective social media strategies email marketing tactics and strong communication skills.
Nonprofit Hub quoted Chase Adam, who founded a nonprofit organization called Watsi. Adam encouraged other charities to set their sights on growth and impact. By this he means that nonprofits should constantly be working toward doing more for their cause, increasing constituent numbers and encouraging more gifts. By targeting both growth and impact, charities simplify their goals and are better able to identify the steps necessary to reach them.
Entrepreneur outlined several habits that successful start-up business owners should make routine this year. It would be wise for nonprofit board members, staff, and volunteers to take note as well.
Rise and shine
Waking up early is the best way for an entrepreneur to start the day. It sounds simple enough, but many people are surprised by how much better they feel and how many more tasks they accomplish by waking up even half an hour earlier than normal each day. It provides a running start each morning.
Educate oneself
The site also recommended reading something new each day. This not only keeps the mind fresh, but it can also inspire new ideas or approaches to stale problems. Reading fiction novels has also been said to increase emotional intelligence and compassion. These are essential skills for nonprofit staff.
Give thanks
Practicing gratitude and taking time each day to actively thank supporters and colleagues increases positivity. These habits also serve as reminders of the hard work the organization has already accomplished. This should be celebrated, especially when the work gets more intense and team members run into moments of frustration.
Use a planner
Keep meticulous schedules and use a personal calendar or planner. Having an organized day, week and month relieve business owners and nonprofit board members from stress. The start-up and nonprofit worlds are both regularly full of appointments, meetings, planning sessions, and marketing. Everyone must be organized and on time for events. Find a method that works and stick to it.
Be devoted
Finally, go above and beyond the call of duty. Just because a skill or task doesn’t automatically fall under the job description for an entrepreneur or board member, doesn’t mean it won’t come up at some point. Be open to helping out in multiple departments and filling in for others when they are unavailable. Don’t be afraid or unwilling to put in the extra time to see that a task is completed well. Again, the effort put into a venture will make it what it is. When care, commitment and dedication are the foundation of an organization, it has a much greater chance of success.
