Getting ready to launch your own non-profit?

Have a unique focus or problem to tackle - If you aren’t going to be original or if you aren’t going to strive to be the best in your area of focus then go work with the ones who are. There is a TON of redundancy in the non-profit, social good space already. Yes, I am speaking to the ministries too.

Demonstrate & prove your concept - Seek early wins, even if they are small ones. start with your free time. Jump in with your money and energies first. Know what you are talking about from an experiential perspective. Draw from your in the trenches experience to cast a grander vision.

Develop a thorough but basic plan – You don’t need 10 pages to make your point, but you do need a few. Websites are nice, but be sure that you can easily share your plan & strategy with others. Avoid writing a novel but be sure to outline the “who, what, where, why, how, when, and how much” for all who are interested. Be specific and brief.

Recruit leaders - Every non-profit seeks volunteers, but what you really need early on is leaders. Leverage your personal relationships, contacts and networks. Seek leaders by having leadership opportunities for them to tackle with you. Don’t ask leaders for basic things… they want to jump in on real issues you with you.

Communicate a crystal clear mission – Don’t give vague concepts and flowery anecdotes; tell us what is going to change because you are in existence. Be bold. Be brave. Be simple if necessary. Help all of us to “get it”. And it quickly. Without flinch