27/03/2024
STARTING A NON- PROFIT
Here is a simple scenario that we are sharing with you today:
A woman gives birth to a child after so many years of failed conceptions.Soon after delivery the woman looks at the baby with a wide smile because she has always wanted to have this. Caring for a baby comes with so many demands after all:late night cries,catching colds and falling sick and if proper attention isn't given to all the baby's details one may lose the baby. So imagine the woman being caught up with other things and neglecting the baby's needs or having someone else to cater for the baby,that wouldn't be the best thing to do.
In any business set-up or in the process of starting a non-profit,that day when all your paperwork has been completed and you are fully registered,you will feel like you have given birth to a baby whom you have long wanted to conceive.You will feel the joy of knowing that i am now a CEO/Founder/Director but here is the case: so many challenges will arise from financial needs to cater for visibility issues and activities,human resources and need for resources. This stage usually makes you question yourself so many times:can i do this? should i find someone to handle this ? should i change its name? should i hold on a bit and work on it later ?
It is at this stage where you should be happy that at least you started and you should embrace any challenge that comes with starting a new journey,that is why we likened this situation to the journey of parenthood.You have to hold on to your baby so dearly that it will withstand any storm or challenge that comes. Remember you are being driven by a mission,vision and values which are driving the need for that specific Non-Profit. Whenever you start doubting your capacities as a Founder/Executive Director ,think of the beneficiaries whom you passionately want to save.
"Don't be an Executive Director so soon "
I have heard this so many times from my mentors ,it simply means don't neglect many duties so early and hire someone to do them for you when you can actually do them and have the time to do. You can't quickly give your baby to someone for them to take care of her/him. This is because they might not understand the vision or goal.In as much as you might want to work with others ,lead a team ,be a team player and see how great your vision becomes.
Before celebrating titles after starting a business,non-profit or any company ,lets put in the ground work,the effort that will make your vision withstand any force.
