Posts Tagged ‘Business’

Too often we try to do it all on our own, and that is a waste of resources. So, take a minute to review what you are spending your time doing, and then consider giving over everything that doesn’t need your personal attention to a virtual assistant.

According to AssistU (the premiere organization for training virtual assistants), a virtual assistant (or VA) is a micro business owner who provides administrative and personal support to clients in long-term and deeply collaborative relationships. A VA frees a client up to do more of what the client loves and does best.

So, how are you overworking yourself? Have you taken on all aspects of the business to get it up and running? If so, what’s lacking? What’s not getting done?

This month, I’ll be writing a few blog posts about the benefits of a nonprofit organization working with a virtual assistant.

So, you’ve decided to start a nonprofit! You have a great business idea that you want to share with the world, and have it publicly funded. I’ve talked to many individuals who have decided to start nonprofits, but with the idea that they’ll run it the way they want to. They will set the agenda, and decide the direction of the organization. I’ve advised those individuals to start a for-profit company.

Nonprofits are meant to be publicly funded; therefore, they need to be publicly governed as well. Boards of Directors govern nonprofits. Boards enforce the mission through goals and policies setting for nonprofits. Also, it is important to note that Boards are comprised of citizens with an interest in the organizations wellbeing. They are typically volunteers, and are usually passionate about the mission of the organization. So, consider wisely if you want to maintain the control over your “good cause” business. If you do, then what you really need to start is a for-profit business.

There are similarities between non- and for-profit businesses. You complete similar incorporation paperwork, you definitely put in the same creative energy, but it is the governing part that makes the hugest difference. For-profit business owners set their goals, and move full steam ahead. While, nonprofits have more layers to go through when setting goals and moving forward. The Board is not there to be a deterrent, but instead to be the heart of the organization. The Board ensures that the organization is meeting its goals and upholding its mission. So, an organization is only as strong as its Board. (I know that is such an old cliché, but so true.)

Consider a few things before deciding to create a nonprofit:
1.  Are there other organizations doing what you want to do? Would it be better for you to combine your efforts?
2.  Are you ready to give up your control for the betterment of the work, and the individuals that will benefit from it?
3.  How will you fund the initial costs of starting your nonprofit?

There are many more questions that you should ask yourself. These are just a few. Now that I’ve given you some food for thought, go think!

The One Page Business Plan for Non-Profit Organizations by James Horan

The edition of the One Page Business Plan Series has been specifically designed for Non-Profits. If you are responsible for founding or managing a non-profit organization… this book was written just for you! Now you can easily write a draft plan on a single page in less than two hours. Thousands of non-profits have already successfully written and implemented One Page Plans with this simple and effective planning methodology. This special version of The One Page Business Plan has been called “The One Page Promise” because it helps directors, boards, management and volunteers clearly define and live up to their promises at organizational, departmental, project and program levels… all in fast, easy to communicate and actionable terms!