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We can all agree that cheap shoes will pinch our feet. But we’ve probably all succumbed to the lure of them. For me, the never-ending tunnel of bridesmaids gigs in my early 20s comes to mind. Those silly dyed-to-match slippers got me down the aisle, but I breathed a huge sigh of relief when kicking them off on the dance floor later. Cheap was okay as long as I could still walk and no blood was shed.
When gauging the cost/value ratio of — well — anything, it’s imperative to know what you’re trying to do, how you want to get there, and the acceptable level of pain along the way. Unfortunately, many organizations with important missions find themselves in similar situations as my poor, abused 20-something feet: with limited funds, focused on short-term execution rather than long-term vision and dancing desperately to the clamoring demands of their constituents.
Stop the conga line.
Your mission, organization and those you serve are too important to stay stuck in a one-off, value-meal mode that strives to be all things to all people.
Let me just say right off — there is no judgment here. It’s all-too easy to land in that place without even realizing it, then become so submerged in the day-to-day that you can’t even raise your head to see the strategy and long-term vision that really do loom out there somewhere. Sound familiar?
We see it all the time in even the very best organizations. We understand the pocketbook constraints, fundraising focus and pro bono mindset that can be so controlling and addictive. We know the answers aren’t easy and are different for every organization. In part, that’s why we exist.
First steps to breaking the cycle of throw-away communication:
- Invest in objectivity. Find experts who can help you look at your organization with a fresh, strategic eye and help you major in the majors. You will see a return on this investment.
- Invest in continuity. It’s easy to become an agency’s pro bono baby for a year, but it’s rare to have any sense of continuity long-term. Resist the fractured franken-speak of too many voices interpreting your mission. Clarity of voice will help your true constituents know exactly who you are and what you’re about — a true benefit to fundraising efforts.
As organizations and people, we need to stay true to who we are — mission, strengths, limitations — to make it through the long haul. The goal is not to look like everyone else or be all things to all people. Even if we wanted to, our blistered heels and now-mature feet just won’t do it anymore.