COACHING
In our nonprofit and social enterprise work, we are primarily business developers, not cheerleaders.
I love to encourage people. Social entrepreneurs are my people and I want to come alongside as they dream big and have broad vision. I love to champion mission, vision and innovation. I love problem solving and creative ways to tackle challenges. But can I be real here for a second? I do you no favors if I don't ask the difficult questions or help you think through the how-to's.
I met with a woman this week who wants to save the world. She has many ideas and creative thoughts about how to help people get back on their feet. I loved her passion. I believe she is well-intentioned and sincere. She came to me looking for business help and next steps. As she sat across from me and I started talking about writing down plans, creating priorities, and the need to know who else is already doing work in this area, I watched her demeanor change. Alas. She wasn't really looking for business development help; she wanted a cheerleader.
As you embark on a new venture or if you are in the position to help others bring their vision to fruition, think about these strategic actions:
👉 Write it down. If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist. That means ALL your plans -- all ideas, all could-be's and all vision of what you feel called to do. Get it down on paper.
👉 Prioritize. Identify what can be reasonably accomplished in the next 12 - 18 months. What do you have the know-how and skills to do? What solves the problem? What is most important?
👉 Get feedback. Pick three or more people who know you well and will tell you the truth. Share the vision you've written and the priorities you've identified. If you get a green light from your advisors, you are ready to talk to a business coach for next steps. If your advisors have questions or words of caution, spend the time to ponder their concerns before you move forward.
Entrepreneurship is hard. It is fun and rewarding but it requires good forethought and planning. If you are on the side of helping others with their vision, take some time to counsel them well about vetting the vision before developing the business. Encourage them and cheer the dream, but not at the expense of telling them the truth or asking the hard questions.
-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP
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