Squidblog

Non-profits and I go way back. My first above minimum-wage job was as the executive director of a county-wide United Way. One thing that’s always on the mind of charities is money. How much we have, how much we need, and who to ask for a donation next.

Charities spend a lot of money asking people for more money. It’s traditional. It’s necessary. It’s in our blood. But what if you turned the tables a bit?

Just for a day or a week or a month, instead of spending money on tools to ask for more money, what if you put all your money into promoting all the good stuff you do? Instead of working only in order to generate more income, what if you put 110% of your energy into making sure everyone knew about the amazing things you’ve done? No strings, no requests. Just pure, unadulterated bragging.

Which do you think would attract more attention? One lens on why donors should send money, or 100 lenses that show off your last ten years of events and staff?

In fact, it wouldn’t really cost that much, since Squidoo is free. And you can earn money. Which means you’re really just getting paid to shamelessly promote yourself. It’s good clean fun that every charity can profit from.