That's what I learned at the N.C. Center for Nonprofits Conference this last week. The conference provided a great time for nonprofits and consultants to come together and learn from other experts like Katya Andresen, Kivi Leroux Miller, and John Kenyon. But most of all, it gave everyone a time to SHARE.
That's right. Share. As in, exchange information and ideas. For free. No strings attached. One thing I noticed from the conference (as did Kivi) is that nonprofits are afraid to share. Too often, they think someone is going to be mean to them, steal their ideas, or run them into the ground if they share.
But guess what folks. There are (almost) no secrets in the nonprofit world. You send out thousands of appeals and newsletters at a time. You publish your events and press releases online. (If you don't do either of these, contact us. You need us.) If people want to copy you or steal your ideas, they already have ample opportunity to do so.
Let's face it. There's no need to be paranoid. Do you really think people have nothing better to do than seek you out and destroy you? Few of us are that important.
The point is, you win when you share. As you share your ideas, strategies, failures, and triumphs, you'll encourage others to open up and share with you. And then you'll learn something. You'll be inspired. You'll advance your mission and see results.
By sharing, you can see what works, what doesn't, and what needs a little coaxing. Find other nonprofits in your area. Set up a regular networking time where you can come together and talk. Share your struggles and your victories. Share you ideas. Share your photos of grandbabies and pets. But above all, SHARE. It works in business and it will work for you.
In the spirit of sharing, Turnbull Marketing Group is establishing The Triangle Nonprofit MeetUp Group for folks in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area. Our first meeting will be Wednesday, November 12 at 9:00 am. The location is still to be announced. Have an idea of where we should meet? Let me know.
If you're a nonprofit worker, volunteer, consultant, or enthusiast come on over. We can't wait to share with you.
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