Friday, January 28, 2011  Other People's Money  The first words
most non-profit people say to me after “Hello” and “I really
like your work” is usually “We don’t have any money.”  This is
sometimes said because I’m a consultant and they don’t want my
pitch. Sometimes it is said because it gets them off the hook
for trying something new. Most times it is said because the non-
profit they work for doesn’t fund their marketing and
communications operation consistently.  My reply usually stops
them in their tracks.  “Have you tried using other people’s
money?” I say.  I’m sure, at first, many think I’m counselling
them to rob banks. But then I explain that what I’m really
talking about is partnership.  You don’t have any money.
However, you do have a cause and, likely, a distribution network
of people who believe in you. That’s worth something.  Now,
think. Do you know any other non-profits who have similar needs
as you, who aren’t necessarily direct competitors and who have
either more cash or a different distrib