Do you want your idea to grow?
When a new idea starts to work and grow, we naturally think… How can this be bigger?
A business: Sell more products. Make more profit.
A charity: Share it with others. Help more people.
Is that the smart thing to be asking at this point? Is bigger always best?
Small can be beautiful, right?
If you're a business or a charity, here are two cracking questions to ask if you are thinking about growth:
1. Who is at the centre of this initiative?
2. How do you make this sustainable for those at the centre?
If I had asked these questions a few years ago whilst in the charity sector, I'd have said, "We always put those who we are helping at the centre". Noble. Focus on who this is for. It's not about us.
Now, in hindsight, I don't think that was such a smart idea.
Sure, focus on The People you target. Focus on The People you help.
Always ensure that what you are offering is wanted or needed. Tailor your approach.
So your business sells more. So your charity helps more people.
Never lose sight of that.
However, however, however.
The individuals at the centre of this are the Founders, the Leaders, and a small team of core individuals.
Why?
Because that's who does The Work. That's who gets stuff done. That's who will grow this.
If Founders, Leaders and the core 'start-up' team aren't getting what they need, the whole thing is on fragile foundations.
Are those at the centre being paid enough? Are they burning out? Have they got the support they need?
If key people who 'are' the initiative (especially at the early stages) were to fall, it's a whole pack of cards that could come tumbling down.
It may feel selfish to put yourself and the team at the centre.
It may feel greedy. And uncomfortable.
But it's actually common sense.
Common sense for a business: No you/no team = No product/no profit.
Common sense for a charity: No you/no team = No helping people.
No, you or your team, it's over.
It really is that simple.
In business, Investors tend to ignore this priority, mainly because of greed. False economy. Founders tend to ignore this truth because they are determined to prove themselves and make this a success.
In a charity, Trustees think it's an indulgence that can't be afforded right now. Founders tend to ignore it, putting others before themselves, and because they want to do their bit to change the world.
As a Founder, you ignore it and just plough on regardless. Because it means so much to you. At your cost.
If you want the initiative to grow, please take a moment to think.
And ask two questions:
1. Who is at the centre of this initiative?
2. How do you make this sustainable for those at the centre?
Top Tip:
From my experience of growing things and of things collapsing on top of me, I'd say…
If it's you at the centre, please please look after YOU.
If you are an Investor or Trustee, please look after those at the centre, as they will fight hard to make the idea work, but they probably won't fight hard to look after themselves.
The idea can work for everyone if the focus is on making it sustainable for those in the centre.
Do you need some help figuring out how to grow your idea in a sustainable way for those at the centre?
