How Nonprofits Can Beat the Recession - Part 2
Kevin Stirtz
January 29, 2009
Sometimes when our world changes dramatically, we find ourselves grasping wildly for new solutions and ideas. But if we change too much too fast, we risk getting rid of tools that can be useful to us. Or we get paralyzed with fear and wind up doing not much of anything except worrying about how bad things are getting.
Both responses can make a bad situation worse.
While it's tempting to make massive changes during times of transition (it feels good that we're "doing something") a better solution is to maintain a balance. Think of a person who wants to lose weight and be healthier. They try every new fad diet that comes along. By doing so they risk abandoning whatever healthy activities they were doing in favor of something new and unproven. They lose the benefit and results of what works.
As we face a challenging economy this year, many of us will want to try new things. And that's good. New problems require new solutions. But the first step is to evaluate what tools you already have that can continue to help you be successful.
What have you done in the past that helps your program be successful? What strategies or activities succeeded? As you look at these, ask yourself, are they still relevant in this new economy? Does it seem likely they´ll still work?
Please note, I´m not suggesting you necessarily do more of what used to work. Quantity is not a substitute for quality. These days far too many nonprofits are going overboard on mailings and telemarketing. They know the success rate is dropping so they do more to make up the difference.
It reminds me of the old saying about selling cars: "We lose money on every car but we make it up in volume".
What I am suggesting is that you take a hard look at the basics of running your program and keep doing what makes sense.
For example, you still need to recruit volunteers and raise money. So reaching out and talking to people in your community makes sense. The more relationships you can build and strengthen, the better you can weather this economic storm.
What other fundamental activities have worked in the past for you? Are they still effective? If so, make sure you keep doing them, as long as they serve your organization.
Remember, this is a time of transition and opportunity. The successful people of tomorrow are those who use today as an opportunity to learn how to do better.
Both responses can make a bad situation worse.
While it's tempting to make massive changes during times of transition (it feels good that we're "doing something") a better solution is to maintain a balance. Think of a person who wants to lose weight and be healthier. They try every new fad diet that comes along. By doing so they risk abandoning whatever healthy activities they were doing in favor of something new and unproven. They lose the benefit and results of what works.
As we face a challenging economy this year, many of us will want to try new things. And that's good. New problems require new solutions. But the first step is to evaluate what tools you already have that can continue to help you be successful.
What have you done in the past that helps your program be successful? What strategies or activities succeeded? As you look at these, ask yourself, are they still relevant in this new economy? Does it seem likely they´ll still work?
Please note, I´m not suggesting you necessarily do more of what used to work. Quantity is not a substitute for quality. These days far too many nonprofits are going overboard on mailings and telemarketing. They know the success rate is dropping so they do more to make up the difference.
It reminds me of the old saying about selling cars: "We lose money on every car but we make it up in volume".
What I am suggesting is that you take a hard look at the basics of running your program and keep doing what makes sense.
For example, you still need to recruit volunteers and raise money. So reaching out and talking to people in your community makes sense. The more relationships you can build and strengthen, the better you can weather this economic storm.
What other fundamental activities have worked in the past for you? Are they still effective? If so, make sure you keep doing them, as long as they serve your organization.
Remember, this is a time of transition and opportunity. The successful people of tomorrow are those who use today as an opportunity to learn how to do better.