#FounderFlounder.
This is a unique term, a 'diagnosis' of sorts, descriptive of some key initiators or founders of organizations, that is, those who started, envisioned, and/or birthed a new nonprofit, social enterprise or small business. Founder flounder is the condition where the founder struggles or loses his/her footing without a clear path as to how to move forward.
We have talked with many founders who find themselves suffering with this condition and are looking for help. They don't know what is happening to them. They feel isolated and alone. Common times to experience this condition?
(1) At the beginning. The vision starts to take root and the founder has no idea how to bring the dream to fruition. They are ready to move forward but they do not know how.
(2) Two-three years in. The passion begins to wane. Funds are scarce, hard to come by or have dried up. The founder and his/her team are tired. (This is the most common place we see the condition.)
(3) The founder is ready to turn over the reins. The identity and the day-to-day operations of the organization have been so intertwined with the founder that he or she cannot see a clear exit strategy.
If you find yourself suffering with Founder Flounder, please realize you are not alone. Entrepreneurship is hard. The ups and downs of social entrepreneurship are real. As they say...the first step to recovery is recognizing you need help. So, here are three steps forward:
(1) Identify the stumbling blocks. Make a list of the things you don't know, the questions you have, and the trees in your path you can't see around. Be authentic and real. It's okay to take your time with this.
(2) Call together three advisers. These are individuals who know you, know your organization and work and have your best interest at heart. Lay it all out on the table. Hear and consider how you might heed their advice.
(3) Outline three (or more) steps you can take and who you need to help you take them. Whatever you need to learn or know -- whether it's how to form a business, how to raise funds, how to develop an exit strategy -- find professionals in the field or business colleagues and make the plan to get help. Doing nothing isn't an option so make plans and move forward.
While the situation in front of you is tough and difficult to face, you do not have to go through this alone. You can begin to address the Founder Flounder with a reset and a plan. If you're stuck, reach out to us. We would love to help.
-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP
#nonprofits #socialenterprise #founderssyndrome #successionplanning #smallbusiness
