FOOD . . . FEAR . . . AND STUNTED NONPROFIT GROWTH
I hate trying new foods. I'll just come out and say it. People joke that I have the tastes of a 5 year old. I like burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, pizza, and pasta. If I feel like being a grown up I am 100% meat and potatoes with steak, ribs, and roast being my favorites. Friends will try to convince me to try new things, however I get terrified and never do. Crazy, right? Some of you may be saying to yourself "I can't believe this guy. He is missing out on so many new experiences", and you are probably right.
The same can be said about running a nonprofit. Trying new things can feel risky and make you feel panicked. Just for example, the work we do at MSG is something new and different and thus the number one reason we hear of why folks are nervous to use us. Using a third party to bring qualified leads to nonprofits? Using a firm to lead a Government Relations Team? Having a third party write grants instead of hiring an employee?
The great thing is not only can MSG help save you and your board time, money, headaches, and stress but we can also bring NEW money and Planned Giving potential to the table. However some folks choose not to move forward with us because they never tried it before and thus don't want to move forward with us yet (We do provide RISK FREE options FYI).
It's not just about MSG though . . . it could be about anything. Organizations get scared to try a new event. They get scared to try a new program. They get scared to talk to a new potential donor. They get scared to outreach to clients in a different way. They even get scared to put files on a computer instead of using paper. Now by no means are we suggesting that you should not do your due diligence on things nor are we saying that there is anything wrong with taking your time or even saying no to ideas . . .but yet, if you say no to everything, all the time . . . how are you going to grow? How are you going to stay relevant? How are you going to challenge you and your employees? How are you going to keep things exciting?
No matter what type of business or organization you run, the life cycle is the same. You have a starting point, you grow, your plateau, your shrink, you finish. The question is how long do you stay at each stage? Those organizations who are willing to try new things and work on staying relevant, are the ones who having longer growth periods, and at worst, at least experience longer plateau and shrinking stages.
Here is your challenge for the month of July. Try something new. Sure, we would love for you to reach out to MSG, that's a given. Our team can relieve you of so much in regards to Resource Development. However if you choose not to use MSG, there are other ways to grow as well. Try a new program you were scared to do before. Talk to a new set of clients. Figure out a more efficient way to do something.
Whatever you choose to do, we wish you the best, and want you to have FUN doing it. Go experience new things!!!
----------------------------------------- To learn more about feasibility studies, planned giving studies, need assessment studies, and capital campaigns, visit us at www.midweststudiesgroups.com.