When you started your organization you probably had big dreams. Dreams about having more time, or solving a certain problem, or living a certain lifestyle. All too often, our dreams can get lost in the daily grind of operating our organization.
Is this just “reality,” or is there a better way? I think there is a better way. I believe that you can:
- Work with clients who genuinely appreciate the work you do.
- Work with clients who will pay you what your services are worth.
- Have your days be filled with things you really like to do.
- Spend more time with the people you really like being around.
- Create a business that supports your life rather than taking over your life.
- Walk away at the end of the day with the satisfaction of knowing that you made a difference.
You can have all of these things in your organization whether you are for-profit, nonprofit, or something in between.
Our big dream is to help organizations who are dedicated to positive social change. We envision a community full of business owners growing businesses that help them achieve a bigger purpose than just a paycheck. We envision nonprofits with defined strategies and a diverse funding base that turns their dreams of making the world a better place into reality.
For us, organization development consulting is a way to have a positive impact not just in our own community, but in communities across the world. We have done what we suggest to you, start with the big picture of what you want in your life, and then let your organization (and your marketing plan) become the vehicle to help you achieve those goals. This is why we put such an emphasis on creating a plan and a strategy before jumping into anything else. Strategy dictates what your organization will do so that you can achieve your goals.
As you are working on your budgets for next year, why not try this approach–rather than allocating some percentage of revenue or prior years expenses to the same line items, start by creating a picture of what you would like your life, your organization, to look like during the coming year. Next, determine how much revenue your business will have to generate to support those goals. Now, figure out what it is going to take to generate that much revenue. I think you will find that taking this approach will change budgeting from an academic exercise to something you will be excited about doing and achieving.
Our big dream is to help you realize your big dream. Contact us to talk about what you’re doing and what you need to get there.
