How to compete like a champ
Posted by katya on Wed, June 18, 2008I recently chatted with a roomful of nonprofit folks before giving a speech, and I heard the same things over and over:
1. Money is tight.
2. They feel a keen sense of competition for resources from other organizations. (No wonder, given more than 100 new nonprofits crop up every day)
3. They are anxious about the future.
So how do you stand out? How do you compete in that environment?
By focusing on your audience, NOT your competition. This is about reaching out to your audience better than anyone else. You must do a better job connecting with those people than your competition does.
We get into so much trouble imitating others organizations. Don’t waste energy worrying about another nonprofit’s website, event or corporate sponsor. Focus like a laser beam on pleasing your audience.
When you meet with corporate partners, stand out by impressing them with your ability to listen to them and by showing how you’re uniquely qualified to help them reach their business and philanthropic goals. It’s not about your needs, it’s about theirs.
When you reach out to supporters, stand out with your ability to connect to their interests and values - and with your gracious gratitude for their help.
That’s how you win - by focusing on the people you want to reach, not the organizations around you.
(3) 
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