Ideas and Networks
Among nonprofit organizations and charitable causes, the intrinsic worth and obvious value of the cause or sought after change is very often seen as sufficient to propel the idea of cause forward and gain support. The unique fundraising idea is that worthy goals—even urgent needs are not achieved or met based upon their worthiness—ever.
Oh, so you’re going to talk about that thing called “marketing”, you say. “I’m not a salesman” or “I don’t stoop to selling,” you intone.
Marketing and selling do have their place. Yes, they do. What I want to focus on today, however, is the idea of connections, networks. The power of networks trumps the intrinsic worthiness of any idea—no matter how life changing or urgent.
Principle 4 of The Eight Principles™ is Learn & Plan™. Learn who will naturally support you by values and vision. That’s the identification piece.
Tribes are not created, their connected. They are built beginning with those who are closest to your cause by relationship and affinity. This is Principle 5 of The Eight Principles™, Work from the Inside Out™, in action.
So as you go out to change the world, begin with those you know—and who know you. But don’t forget, you’ll have to sell even your relatives on the idea.
