I was at a networking event discussing startup ideas when I mentioned starting a non-profit… silence fell on the group…
After a moment (or two) someone finally said in a dismissal way – “those don’t make any money, why would want to start one of those???”
My goal was to take a measurement of perception about non-profits – which I got loud and clear. The room seemed to agree, Non-Profits don’t make any money and are not worth the time to start one up.
I hid my amusement because as the Profit Specialist I believe there can be profit in every business endeavor. It’s a matter of planning, identifying your consumers and offering a product/service that is needed.
Furthermore, non-profits are dedicated to reinvesting their profits back into their organizations. Simply put, they don’t take out the profit in big salaries or stock dividends. People who work in non-profits are paid for the efforts, just like any other business. Sustainability is a mandatory requirement for a non-profit.
As I look at our economy, I see non-profits that are struggling, just like their commercial brothers. One key difference to me is that, the non-profits obtain something far greater than money – that of social good. From the United Way or Red Cross to the Fine Arts Museum or Humane Society – the payoff of doing business is more than just financial.
This brings me to a very important revelation that I want to make… I’m going to dedicate 2011 as my year of Non-Profits. This is the year I’m going to seek them out and offer my services for the benefit of our community. I’m going to participate more as a volunteer, organize fundraisers and advocate for those who can’t.
Since I can’t seem to pick a favorite, I’m going to seek out many. You can join me at www.volunteermatch.org 0r www.change.org or www.moveon.org – they’re all great places to get involved. If you are part of a non-profit that could use my services, please let me know.
Just to put the record straight – Non-Profit IS NOT a dirty word! Kirsten Peck
