What path will you take when developing a strategic plan? Three Points Friday.

When it comes to strategic planning, I’m fortunate to have garnered wisdom from leaders before me and have seen various methods to develop a successful strategy. There are many paths, to be sure, to get you to your goals.  Here are three main takeaways from my experience:

One – consider the use of a key stakeholder focus group to uncover new revenue streams. Fundraising and program revenue – as well as other avenues – can be done in tandem. Gold is left unmined when fundraising is done in a vacuum.

Two – explore and analyze the revenue streams of similar organizations. (Yesterday someone jokingly told me what CASE stands for: Copy and Steal Everything).  Another way to think of it: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Three – Identify options to build support through those who are already close to you:
 

A. What about your vendors? Have you asked the largest for support?
B. Have you fully leveraged your social media followers to consider monthly giving?
C. Have you asked key volunteers and board members to invite their networks to learn more about your organization?