Of course you need more money. “No Money No Mission” is the theme of the graduate level Nonprofit Fundraising course that my colleague Dr. Bob Grimm and I are co-teaching at the University of Maryland this semester. All nonprofits need more money. But “why” do you need it? This is more than a “case statement” question. Fundraising needs should be driven by an overall … [Read more...] about Strategy Begets Fundraising
strategy
Execution Beats Strategy?
While I preach and preach about the importance of having an excellent, coherent strategy I cannot deny the overwhelming importance of great execution. In recent weeks I have worked with two top leaders (both women incidentally)who are fantastic at execution - which has driven this home. The importance of being able to GSD (Get Stuff Done) is always vital, as two friends of … [Read more...] about Execution Beats Strategy?
Implementing Integrated Strategy
The three most important questions that your strategy should answer are: *What products/services/programs of value are we going to provide and to whom? *Who do we need to staff the provision of these products/services/programs? *How will we finance all of this activity? An organization should have at least one strategic goal which relates to each of these … [Read more...] about Implementing Integrated Strategy
SWOT Your Goals!
SWOT Analysis (evaluating your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is the most widely used tool in strategic planning. But that is not the only time you can use it! It is also very helpful to SWOT any goal – individual or organizational – that you have. But make sure you put the SWOT in context. Ask these questions: *Given my/our commitment to … [Read more...] about SWOT Your Goals!
Preparing the Strategy Process
“We are too busy doing stuff! We don’t have time for strategic planning!” Once you get past this objection then you get: “Okay, but we need to be efficient!” Which I appreciate. None of us have the time for everything we want to get done. But I do recommend that you be deliberative about three aspects of preparing for your strategic planning process before charging ahead … [Read more...] about Preparing the Strategy Process