The #1 Problem I See Lately

Here’s a story from my past that directly relates to your business today.

Years ago, I was selected to be the first Executive Director of Spartanburg Community Events, a non-profit created by the City to produce and manage their festival and events. There were two major events, and they were previously managed by different divisions within City Hall.

A big part of my role was to bring in corporate funding through selling sponsorships. I had no previous experience, but I knew I was smart and gutsy and could learn!

So, I did just that … talking with folks who had experience in fundraising and creating packages of different areas of the festival that could be “sold” to a sponsor. That involved designing a professional portfolio of articles, news clippings, and photographs I could present to potential corporate partners

It took some time to pull all this together. One of my Board members, who had previously produced one of the events and clearly had a strong stake in it, accused me of not doing my job and brought this to the attention of the whole Board.

Thankfully, the leadership didn’t listen to her concerns and trusted that I was being strategic in the process.

When it all shook out, I increased sponsorship sales that first year by over 300%. And the Board gave me a $20K bonus!

So, why am I telling you this?

I see way too many people who get the notion to pursue a particular goal, and rather than taking time to lay the groundwork and build a solid foundation, they jump in with some vague idea of how they’ll manage the process.

And, typically, they flounder.

Ready, Fire, Aim!

Now, everybody’s different. Some people do the exact opposite. They spend so much time in analysis and preparation that they don’t get into action. I could write a whole newsletter on that syndrome. In fact, I have.

That said, I’m seeing a lot more people shooting from the hip and presenting a less than stellar product because of it!

There’s clearly a balance to be found between these two extremes. But here’s what I want you to walk from this newsletter with.

Getting things right takes time. You have to do the homework and the “trench work” to refine your plan of action before you’re ready for primetime.

Imagine a comedian, like say, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, who hasn’t honed her routine, figuring she can just wing it. It usually doesn’t turn out so well. That might work for the Robin Williams of this world, but not for most of us.

Take the time. Put in the work. Hit the target.

I promise you, it’s worth the effort. It will pay off!

Best Wishes,