Engaged philanthropy is a never ending journey of learning how best to make a positive impact in the organizations we serve. I have learned some important lessons along the way. [more]
Newsletter: Rules of Engagement
May 1, 2011 9:39:00 AM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Mistakes, Newsletter, Social Business, Engaged Philanthropy, Giving, Lessons
Newsletter: Almost Entrepreneurs
Oct 15, 2010 8:12:00 AM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Newsletter, Planning, Social Business, Decisions
Most non-profits should NOT start social businesses but if they do, they must take themselves through four key questions before embarking on their adventure. [more]
Newsletter: The Real Business of Good
Sep 15, 2010 7:52:00 AM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Newsletter, Social Business, Discipline
The most effective non-profit organizations are learning to combine mission with business disciplines. [more]
Newsletter: Real Good, Not Feel Good
May 1, 2010 7:12:00 AM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Newsletter, Social Business
Being a good cause will not attract sufficient customers to your social business; you must first have a good product with a competitive distinction. [more]
Newsletter: The Bad News about Good Ideas
Feb 1, 2010 5:29:00 AM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Newsletter, Risk Management, Social Business, Innovation, Marketing
Good ideas in business are just the beginning. To be successful, one must add flexible planning and tremendous attention to detail. [more]
Newsletter: Planning for Failure
Dec 1, 2009 5:21:00 AM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Newsletter, Planning, Social Business, Sustainability, Failing
Writing good business plans is a key to success, but good plans must accommodate searching and failing over time to be effective. Said differently, no plan is perfect – nor should it be. [more]
Newsletter: Tough Questions
Oct 1, 2009 5:46:00 AM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Newsletter, Program Measurement, Social Business
Social issues such as homelessness are complex and chronic and since they have not been solved using traditional means, innovative and measured new approaches, such as “Housing First” are worth trying. [more]
Newsletter: Mission or Operations?
Sep 15, 2009 5:40:00 AM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Mission, Newsletter, Operations, Planning, Revenue, Social Business, Focus
Particularly during times of declining revenue, non-profit executives are challenged to identify and build new revenue sources. And, unlike business, they must do so while maintaining their commitment to their service mission. [more]
Newsletter: The Poor Pay More
Sep 1, 2009 5:37:00 AM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Newsletter, Social Business, Social Justice
It seems unfair that in America, those with the least ability to pay in fact pay more than those with sufficient means. This is because our risk and reward system makes it easy for those serving the poor to charge more and unregulated. This extra charge has become excessive. It always creates a business opportunity for fair minded entrepreneurs. [more]
Newsletter: Virtuous Cycle
May 15, 2009 12:37:00 PM / by Tim McCarthy posted in Newsletter, Social Business, Continuous Improvement, Inspiration, Life
According to Stewart Kohl, CEO of Riverside, a virtuous circle is what he seeks in his business and his life. He believes it is accomplished by being open to mistakes and willing to correct them; all with the goal of leading a more successful business and fulfilling life. [more]