What do we mean by optimized? The dictionary defines optimize as:
...make the best use of, create the highest value for situations, opportunities, and resources.
Optimize for the organization means organizational effectiveness/efficiency and operational efficiency.
A framework helps and will include your own North Star. For example, our company's North Star is: Be principle based, data driven, strategically holistic, and customer centric.
A framework will also include strategies and tactics. At Extended Impact Management Group LLC, our mantra is "strategy-first" and "80/20 everything!"
I read a lot and like to lean into what others say and to stay abreast of trends and innovations. In the spirit of optimizing your organization, please allow me to share some thoughts and infographics that focus on two key principles.
Hope this makes sense to you and you gain some insights.
BE A DATA DRIVEN, IMPACT FOCUSED ORGANIZATION.
Demonstrating impact isn't just beneficial - it's essential. Here's why:
Many social good leaders struggle to quantify and communicate their impact effectively. The solution - A data driven approach.
Remember, it is not about counting outputs...it is about value outcomes. Measure what matters. Leverage impact data and transform your fundraising efforts.
From T.J. McGovern - (2) Post | LinkedIn
BE FUNDABLE + BE FINDABLE + BE SMART
The secret is...your brand is the engine and fundraising is the fuel.
Your brand sets the stage. Fundraising fills the seats. Stop chasing donations. Do this…
BE FUNDABLE
Center on a specific problem.
Serve a defined group of people.
Focus the mission and intervention.
Measure a few outputs and outcomes.
Make your vision powerful and tangible.
Get the right team members in the right seats.
Select a few 3-year, annual, quarterly priorities.
Back your goals with routines & internal comms.
Being Fundable means showing donors why you exist, what you do, where you’re going, who will do it, how to get there, and when it will be done. This is your theory of change and strategic plan (your brand). Fundraising results follow!
BE FINDABLE
Analyze competition in your landscape.
Determine what makes you unique.
Decide which audiences to target.
Communicate value propositions.
Show off a daring brand personality.
Develop bold messaging and storytelling.
Execute a marketing communications plan.
Partner with corporate CSR to amplify the cause.
Ensure your online presence and website are optimized.
Being Findable means occupying a distinct space in the minds of your ideal funders, plus routinely communicating your promises.
This is your positioning strategy and marketing communications (your brand). Fundraising results follow!
BE SMART
You don’t raise more money by hiring more development staff, filling out more grant applications, applying for more awards, seeking more foundation meetings, and creating more donor prospect lists.
High-value funders (corporations), high-net-worth individuals, and trust funds are increasingly being proactive in who they fund and accept applications from.
80/20 everything! Analyze your strengths. Reallocate limited resources to the areas of highest return. Execute, measure, and optimize.
In part from Kevin L. Brown
If you'd like to have a conversation about optimizing your organization, click here.