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Indiebound.org7 For-Profit Principles That Build Nonprofit Success
One
Have a Clear and Appropriate Purpose
Purpose establishes an organization’s rationale for existence. It is what an organization strives to achieve, and once that purpose is established, it doesn’t waver.
Two
Measure What Counts
Metrics have a way of focusing our attention. In a world of limited resources, it’s critical to measure what counts because organizations get what they measure.
Three
Be Market Driven
There are many elements of marketing—advertising, brand management, and public relations, to name a few—but the most important one is the least often understood by traditional nonprofits: serving your customers.
Four
Create Mutual Accountability
Successful organizations practice mutual accountability with every stakeholder, whether clients, participants, customers, donors, staff, or government.
Five
Support Personal Empowerment
An empowered individual can manage his or her emotions, thinking, and behavior to achieve positive, long-term life goals.
Six
Create Economic Value from Social Benefit
Many are accustomed to thinking about social good in terms of moral imperative rather than economic benefit, but every improvement in social good does in fact have monetary value.
Seven
Be Learning Driven
Great organizations aren’t distinguished by getting it right the first time. A learning-driven approach is an ongoing part of the strategy of great organizations.