In its most basic understanding, entrepreneurship is closely associated with business. It supports the notion that an individual can develop an idea into something that not only changes the world but that also has the capacity to financially support its creator. This understanding has the potential to exclude the nonprofit community from the booming entrepreneurial movement currently underway, both nationally and locally.
Maximizing Excellence, LLC embodies the truth that entrepreneurship is more than business start-up. What was required to transition ME,LLC from idea to reality is just as much entrepreneurial as it is a life perspective. A perspective, for the past five years, guided by innovation, vision, leadership, and creativity. Whether we are strategically charting the course of an organization or coordinating a capital campaign, we utilize these entrepreneurial strengths when working with nonprofits to achieve the goals and desired outcomes.
When addressing nonprofit development, be a social entrepreneur! An individual who draws upon business techniques to find the most effective strategies to resolve a social need.
- Think BIG – Help to concentrate the future by unifying stakeholders around a goal that is challenging and imaginative. Establish a dream with a finish line that can only be crossed by everyone doing their part.
- Ask for an investment – Entrepreneurs seek out investors to help fund their efforts. Nonprofits should be seeking out the same; individuals to invest in the mission of the organization.
- And then ask for “financing” – The goal of every entrepreneur, both business and social, is to cultivate an idea to the point of sustainability There comes a point in which the function of a dollar transitions from an investment in an idea’s creation to financing its continued existence. Nonprofits must convince supporters ongoing of the worth and effectiveness their programs and services contribute to society’s betterment.
- Acknowledge that you are an innovator of social change – Innovation is defined as the application of better solutions to meet new, unidentified, or existing needs. When embarking on organizational planning, think outside of the box, beyond status quo operation and then act on that innovation to generate increased effectiveness.