How to you define entrepreneur?

Have you had the experience where you meet a person repeatedly and they act as if it is your first time meeting?  I have had this pseudo deja vu moment with a particular person and it never seems to fail to get to me.  Not because he continuously treats each meeting like it is the first time we met, but because he proceeds to give me various iterations of the same Q & A.  Every.  Time.

His first move is a half-hearted job offer, which I always decline.  Then he goes on to criticize my declination.  Finally, we end up in  trading snide remarks about whether or not there is any money in working for a nonprofit.  I do my best to convince him that making money is not the point of charitable work, but for him, he cannot see the light for all the dollar signs.  Oddly enough, or maybe not so odd, he is all for nonprofit work, but only the kind that leads to the two biggies any self-respecting businessman can appreciate – money and power.

The point is that as much as we in the sector want to believe that it is all about the mission, unfortunately, for many founders it is not.  The kicker is when mission-driven executives forget that there must be a balance between the work and sustaining the work.  You have to approach nonprofit start-up with the same enthusiasm and fiscal acuity as any other entrepreneur.  But for a limited number of low-cost volunteer-run groups, most agencies need a significant amount of capital to get started and must continuously implement new and creative strategies to stay ahead of the funding game.  It’s nonprofit survival 101!

While there are many different definitions of what it means to be an entrepreneur, the basic principles remain the same.  You must take on the responsibility and the risk to get your business started and to help it thrive and grow.  In the nonprofit world, these same principles apply.  You must not allow yourself to become so engulfed in the spirit of the mission that you forget that the nonprofit corporation is precisely that – a corporation.  You also cannot afford to let others forget it either.

I have often found in this business, that people approach our agency with dollar signs in their eyes.  They are either attempting to “cash in” on one of our grants or shy away because they think we cannot afford to sit at the “business” table.  So I do this song and dance, both protecting our assets while emphasizing that we too have a voice at the corporate table (and not just the kind of voice that is asking for a donation).

There is no question that Nonprofit Entrepreneurs exist and come in many forms.  They are not only the social entrepreneurs, but us regular folk who establish businesses that build fiscal and social capital and have an impact on our communities and society as a whole.  We do good work.  We run great businesses.  We make investments.  We build capital.  We innovate.  We take risks.  We make a difference!

How much effort are you putting into your life?

“Do or do not.  There is no try.” Jedi Master Yoda

I cannot tell you how many times I have had someone tell me they are trying to do this or trying to do that.  But, what does that really mean?  Sometimes, it is easy to see that a person is truly putting effort into getting something done.  But most times, it’s a knee-jerk response that veils complacency.

How many times in your life have you claimed that your were “trying” to do something?  I’m trying to go to school.  I’m trying to get a job.  I’m trying to feel better about myself.  I’m trying to get my relationships in order.  Or my personal favorite, I’m trying to get it together.  Again, what does that mean?

Let’s use weight loss as an example.  I hear so many people say they are trying to lose weight who actually aren’t doing anything at all.  Have you changed your diet?  Have you enrolled in an exercise class?  Are you monitoring your weight?  Or, are you simply stating a goal?  As in, I want to be more physically fit and I think about it a lot, but I haven’t really done anything to make it happen.

The word try is an action verb.  It is not a thought; it’s an activity.  It is not about intent; it’s about effort.  In order to actually “try” something, you must physically and cognitively exert energy.  You must DO something!  Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the sentiment of the behavior.  Map out the steps necessary to get the task done or to improve the behavior, then push yourself to do the work.

So the next time you catch yourself telling somebody what you are trying to do, ask yourself if you have moved beyond the concept and into the action.  Sure, you may fumble and progress might take a very long time, but, trust me, you will feel much better about the journey to your goal if you are walking in the journey rather than perpetually planning it.

Take a lesson from Star wars, in the wise words of Yoda, “Do or do not.  There is no try.”

Gift yourself with happiness!

Have you ever been to a Pity Party?  You know the kind when someone spontaneously includes you in an unending quest to make themselves feel even worse about their already depressing situation.  The kind that is often disguised as a plea for support, but you find yourself going toe-to-toe with an inconsolable friend who has a self-deprecating comeback to every positive spin you offer up.  They are a strange thing aren’t they?  And no matter how hard you try, you end up staying longer than you’d like and your efforts to support a friend are often left in vain.

Let’s be real, at some point in our lives, we have all played host to the Pity Party.  I’m sure I still have a few pending on my calendar.  Some of us are regulars, running up tabs that eat at our souls.  What’s worse is that there are so many people who regret the lives they live.  They are locked in a daily cycle that lacks fulfillment and joy; unhappiness is a staple and negativity prevails.

Part of the problem is that many of us equate the absence of our desires with the absence of success.  We define our happiness, not by what we have, but by what we still desire.  We are unable to understand how we can find joy in our current situation when so many others seem to “have it all” while we have nothing.  We focus on regretting our decisions, our journeys, our lives.

The truth of the matter is that life itself is a gift; and it’s a sacred one.  Our measurement of success is not defined by our material wealth.  It is not defined by our ability to get a man (woman) or by our ability to have and raise children.  Each day brings an opportunity for us to appreciate the gift of living, to find beauty in our humanity and our ability to participate in this life.

I am learning to be humble and to focus on the good things God has already done, not only for me, but also for the people I care for.  I cannot expect more if  I cannot appreciate what already is; knowing that what is to come will not be based upon what I want, but on what God sees fit.  It is sometimes a hard truth, but the truth nonetheless.  Appreciating what I have opens the door for me to receive the gifts that life has in store.  The key is to find peace in knowing who I am and Whose I am.  I have my moments, trust me.  But I am so grateful that those aren’t the moments I stay in.

So stop regretting the life you are living and put yourself in the position to receive the good things to come!  You cannot hope yourself into the future you desire, you can’t will it either.  You have to work at it.  Every day, every hour, every minute you spend in regret keeps you from fulfilling your destiny to live a happier and healthier life.  Your mind is your most powerful asset.  What you think, feel, and believe about who you are will override all other things and will permeate everything that you do.

Will you be hired or fired?

A friend of mine once asked me my opinion about a recent political situation in the news.  Since I typically read news articles online and I watch mostly recorded Television, I was not yet prepared to give an opinion.  He immediately asked, “Don’t you watch CNN or CSPAN?”   Well, yes I do, but not everyday.  He was stunned!

Apparently my friend was under the impression that the academically inclined only watch the more “credible” shows.   You know, the boring, mundane, and political stuff.  Apparently we are supposed to keep them continuously streaming from our TVs.  He still doesn’t believe that I, dare I say it, consume a significant amount of reality television.  Yes, there you have it, Dr. Sharma does not miss an episode of Basketball Wives.  Now, I also enjoy other types of reality shows, namely, cooking, modeling, dancing, and other contests.  Which brings me to Celebrity Apprentice.

Celebrity Apprentice happens to combine three things I really love: charity, business, and reality TV!  The suspense, the drama, and [insert drumroll]… the money!  All in the name of a worthy cause that helps people with various plights get better access to services.  I am especially excited when they have the fundraising challenges.  It seems as if each new season brings in record-breaking donations and this particular season did not disappoint with both teams raising enormous amounts of dough.

So her are a few parallels that I think warrant mentioning:

1) The celebrities who are most passionate about the charities they represent are typically the most passionate about winning their tasks.

2) The segments where they award the donation to the agency are so much more touching when clients are there to receive the checks, as opposed to just a Board Member or ED.

3) In the end, when the winning team is announced, the celebrity’s genuine connection to their charity seems to overpower the nastiness that occurred throughout the episode.

So the next time you take on the challenge of your next fundraiser, consider yourself a “Charity Apprentice” and focus your energies towards winning the resources necessary for your agency to thrive.  But don’t forget that you aren’t actually on television and there’s no editor on board.  There has to be an element of fight in fundraising – the theoretical kind.

Begging for Social "Change"

There are 3 things about me you must know to really understand who I am.

Actually, there are a lot of things you should know, but I am going to highlight the three that stand out like a sore thumb in the business world.  First, I am an extremely shy person whose natural inclination is to avoid overtly social events.  A lot of you would be surprised to read this, but it’s true.  I am often very matter-of-fact in my opinions and have been known to be brutally honest (sometimes to a fault).  And lastly, one of my more difficult challenges is that I don’t drink alcohol – at all.  These are very difficult behaviors to manage in the world of business that thrives on social interactions, small talk, and a generous amount of liquor.  It is particularly challenging in the non-profit world when you are charged as an Executive Director to talk your way into the generosity of a potential donor at fundraisers and other events armed with heartfelt stories and stunning statistical facts, all while nursing a drink that has been blended, shaken, or stirred.

So, you might be asking yourself if these things really matter, should they matter, and to whom do they matter?  Well, in the world of schmoozing, they matter, and they matter a lot!

The Curse of the Introvert…

Let’s start with the easiest issue to tackle, shyness.  It doesn’t pay to be shy in business.  Most business transactions are conducted as a result of various social exchanges and personality is key to financial success.  This concept holds especially true in the non-profit world where the product you are “selling” is not a tangible good, but the intangible “good.”  That is, you are selling a set of ideals and banking on a belief system that charity, especially your charity, is good for the world.

Honesty is the best policy, right?

Well, of course it is.  But not every potential donor is genuinely interested in your opinion on politics, religion, and the world.  Important people want to be liked, they want to be heard, and they want you to keep your negative, or otherwise critical, opinions to yourself.  They also want to be seen as people and professionals in their field, so any small talk that occurs must be meaningful to them and focused on their interests.  Let them drive the direction of the conversation and don’t forget to be respectful of their time.

When in Rome, do as Romans do.  Or at least pretend.

I was once told by a Social Psychology college professor that when networking, if everyone else is having a drink, you should order one too.  But what happens if you don’t drink at all?  His suggestion: whether or not you intend to actually drink it, still buy the drink; maybe just swirl it around a little bit and play the part.  They key is to not bring attention to yourself for not drinking and to avoid passing judgment on those who do.  There is actually quite a bit of literature out there about the do’s and don’ts of drinking in business settings.   In some cases, refusing a drink at a business meeting is akin to refusing to be part of the team, especially if the team is meeting at a bar.  And if you do drink, you should follow the lead of the other guests and limit yourself accordingly.

But what about your Cause?

To address these issues, I have challenged myself to visualize networking as the opportunity to Schmooze for a Cause.  I’ve realized that my attempts to let go of my inhibitions have utterly failed over the years and that it is time to take a fresh and new approach.  Yes, I want to get to know you. Yes, I want to tell you about my great program and the good work we do.  Yes, I could really use your money to help even more people.  Yes, I am willing to do what it takes to make it happen.  Now, this doesn’t mean that I have completely embraced the concept of schmoozing.  But, I have no choice but to accept its necessity and to find ways in which I can tell CO-OP‘s story without feeling like I am peddling for change.

I now have a mission-driven approach to networking.

My #1 goal, to tell as many people as possible about CO-OP and how we help people change their lives everyday.  I am taking advantage of opportunities to socialize with other professionals in business environments within my comfort level.  I’m  even taking a chance every now and then to challenge myself even further and attend activities you couldn’t pay me to do a year ago.  I try to avoid polarizing topics and keep the focus on mutual interests and, of course, my cause.   As for the drinking part, I have learned that most bartenders welcome the opportunity to get a little creative.  So, in addition to ordering a Shirley Temple or Ginger Ale, I sometimes ask the bartender to mix me up something pretty and they’ve come up with some tasty creations.  If all else fails, I’ll have a simple glass of water with a lime in it.

So, please allow me to introduce myself: I’m Dr. Sharma and I am schmoozing for a cause!

Have you considered an online degree?

Lately there has been a lot of chatter regarding online degree programs.   You see ads in magazines, on television, and on your computer.  Although taking singular courses online appears to be generally accepted by the masses, completing entire degrees online is often scoffed at.  As the level of the degree program increases, so does the level of scrutiny and skepticism.  This negative perception of online degrees was highlighted on one of my favorite reality TV shows where the legitimacy of a man’s degree was completely challenged merely because he completed it online. 

(Side note: For those of you who watch said reality show, you know who I am referring to.  I know that he also had some other issues, but I am focusing just on the degree part for the purposes of this discussion.  And, yes, I am highly entertained by reality TV).

It may help us if we take a step back and look at the history of both traditional education and non-traditional offerings.  Don’t worry, I’m not going to bore you with a bunch of historical events and dates.  But, I do want to point out that the ways in which learning is facilitated and how we receive information has always evolved over time, particularly in response to advances in technology.  Advances in transportation enabled us to have a much more global teaching faculty at major universities and has even enhanced the transport of textbooks and other tools from various parts of the world.  In addition, non-traditional learning environments have progressed from correspondence courses, radio and televised classes, and satellite campuses, to live streaming and webinars.

Ultimately, the quality of any degree earned is based on the level of scholarly work produced by the student and the academic standards imposed by the institution to which the student is held.  This is true for any degree.  “Diploma mills” did not arrive with the invention of the internet, and there are tons of schools that are not accredited and take advantage of students who are unaware that their “degree” will not be considered valid by other institutions or even potential employers.    In my experience as an advisor to several doctoral students, many of the online schools have a much more rigorous dissertation process than the traditional schools.  I suspect this is in direct response to the level of scrutiny they receive.  So, they must be better and do better to get a portion of the respect that traditional schools receive by default.

This debate is no different than many of the other debates that exist in academia.  Is a Ph.D. better than an Ed.D.?  Is the quality of teaching better by full-time faculty as opposed to adjunct faculty?  Is quantitative research more valid than qualitative research?  Is a state school better than a private school (or in California is a UC education better than a CSU education)?  All of this leads to a mine is better than yours mentality and distracts from the real issue of providing quality educational experiences across the board.  So that wherever you get your degree from, in whatever format, and with whatever letters next to your name it means that you worked hard, learned something significant in your field, and are now better prepared to go out into the world and make it better than it is.

So, I have made a decision to challenge the status quo and promote the online degree.  Why?  Because I think it is an excellent opportunity to revolutionize the ways in which we learn and to enable exponentially more people to participate in the academic process.  I think online degrees stand strong next to traditional ones and I applaud the major academic institutions that have embraced the idea and integrated online options into their degree programs.  The truth is that many of these reputable institutions are pioneers in non-traditional and online degree programs.

Although I will most likely teach in traditional setting initially – because those seem to be most common, my ultimate goal is to teach online classes at an institution where I can also enroll in classes and pursue some additional interests I have.   I am looking forward to the convenience of time balanced by high academic standards.  And should I ever pursue another degree, it is almost guaranteed that I will complete it online.  I will do so with the same dedication and pride as the other degrees I have.

It is a great time to be a learner and an even better time to learn online!

Do you see the light?

I was at a Leadership Training yesterday and one of the guest speakers introduced the concepts of Performance Character and Moral Character.  It struck me because in all of my  years in non-profit educational programs, I have been indirectly teaching these concepts but never thinking about them in terms of “character education.”  Sure, we teach our students to do what’s right, to stand up for themselves, to respect authority, to work hard, and to do what’s best, not what’s easiest.  But, we never called it character.

I guess I’ve always shied away from labeling the behaviors we were teaching as “character education” because it was difficult for me to reconcile the overlap between moral behavior and religious teaching.  Not that I don’t understand the distinction.  Just that the term always carried a certain connotation for me.  Now I know differently.  My eyes have been opened and I see the figurative light!

I am especially drawn to the concept of performance character.  It certainly adds a different light to my tendency to chronically procrastinate.  Calling it a character flaw, so to speak, has guilted me into action, ergo writing this blog.  Most people who know me would be stunned to read that I am so critical of my own level of productivity – and now of my performance character.  But it’s true and I remind myself of it daily.  Perhaps it is the over achiever in me.  Perhaps I’m too hard on myself.  Perhaps I’m more productive that most.  Perhaps it’s the plain and simple truth and I should be happy that most people don’t see it.

Whatever the case may be, I’m now a newly recruited advocate of Character Education!  Especially the performance kind because the moral kind is pretty self-evident.  I am hoping this new revelation will propel me to a level of unparalleled productivity and that all of my unfinished tasks will be completed by the end of the month.  For now, I’ll relish in the completion of this blog.  Let’s see how long it will take me to write the next one.  Until then…

Have you done your homework?

There are many factors to consider before starting a non-profit organization:
1) Is there a documented need for the services you wish to offer?
2) Does your mission match your services and leave room for long-term growth?
3) Have you considered the sustainability of your program in the absence of grant funds?

Far too often these vital first steps are neglected, leaving the non-profit organization without funding, in a mission void, and unable to generate vital community support.

Need – It is imperative that a community analysis is conducted prior to establishing a new non-profit organization to determine whether there is a real need for the services you would like to provide. Map out your target area and use all resources available to identify existing programs and services to make sure your are not duplicating what is already there. Don’t forget to examine local data sources to ensure that the data you will need to write future grants supports a need for your proposed services.

Mission – More often than not, non-profit missions are written from the heart. This is great, except, what happens if the organization grows beyond its original mission? As you develop your mission, you should always consider the long-term role your organization will play in the community. Your mission should be specific enough to clearly articulate your purpose, but flexible enough to be applied to future programs and services that may arise out of your original goal. This is especially important when preparing your founding documents, tax-exemption applications, and Articles of Incorporation.

Sustainability – Many funders are looking for non-profits to include sustainability plans in their grant applications. Gone are the days of perpetual grant support. Ideas for sustainability could include developing a large individual donor base, charging fees to clients, and the use of social enterprise.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to start a non-profit organization is not easy.  Doing your homework before making this important decision will help ensure that you avoid many of the bumps along the road.  Consider using a fiscal sponsor to pilot your project or even house your project indefinitely.  I will discuss fiscal sponsors in my next blog.