Getting started

As I'd mentioned in a couple of long-ago posts (here and here), I'm not blogging for publicity - I blog primarily to keep my right-brain from getting moribund and sharing opinions on a couple of things I care about is easier to achieve than truly creative writing.  But, the down side is that I don't blog that often as I'm swamped with 'real' work - it's been almost a month since the last one!  Some day I'll make blogging part of my 'real work' and presumably blogging bliss, or at least productivity, will ensue.

Meanwhile, I ran across a post on how to get start and fund a social enterprise.  It is short and eminently to the point and I totally agree with all the directives here:

1. Find your passion
2. State your values
3. Start with small ambitions
4. Speak the language of 'we' rather than me
5. Act as a 'for-purpose'

This list is intended for startups for 'social good', which are often non-profits, but in my opinion every one of them is applicable for a 'for-profit' enterprise.  Even the 'for-purpose' is a great reminder that every venture has to have a purpose that you can build around, and a purpose/goal of 'doing good' is just as vague as 'making money'.  

There is one key point that I believe needs to be added, both for social as well as commercial ventures:

     6.  Have a funding plan

While the post is aimed at fund-raising and using the above fundamentals to fuel it, even fund-raising needs a plan.  Whether it is self-funding, boot-strapping, angel/VC funding, individual donations or foundation grants, you can't get started without figuring out how you're going to finance it.  As someone who heads a non-profit that also funds other non-profits, I know that a funding plan is essential to delivering the 'good' - just as it is critical for success in a for-profit venture. You can read the post here.  It is worth reading, and saving, for all would-be entrepreneurs - just don't forget the financial plan!