Lessons on Entrepreneuring, part 3

Lesson 3: You are always casting vision

This was one of the lessons that I learned the hard way.  With a start up, you are always casting the vision.  To your donors, your supporters, your 2 volunteers, your spouse, and even to yourself.  Being in start up mode requires you to always cast a compelling vision.  Odds are you are not achieving your complete vision yet, but if you cast a luke warm, woe is me vision to someone, one of two things will happen. 1-if they are not a donor (or investor)  yet, they probably wont be now.  or 2-if they already give to you, they will now have doubts about giving again.

You are always casting the vision.  Lesson 2 was, it’s going to be hard work.  This we know and you cannot let the hard work side allow you to cast a poor vision.  When people ask how you are doing, don’t lead with, “we still don’t have any major donors yet” or “the economy is really hitting us hard.”  Lead with a success.  Lead with something that has gone right. Now, I’m not tell you to mislead or lie here.  When they ask specific questions, you must answer them, but that doesn’t mean  you have to lead with them!

Every time you talk with someone,  you email, you hold a meeting or even post a blog entry, you are casting vision.  Don’t cast a poor vision.  Cast the compelling vision that caused you to get off our duff and start!

By the way, World Causes and the Free Chains Campaign to end child sex slavery are going great!  Our goal is to share with many churches, youth groups and college ministries our vision of seeing Christians lead the fight against poverty, injustice and epidemic diseases.  In March, I will be speaking 9 different times, with the main message that social justice is not new, its biblical and we have an opportunity to respond.  If you would like me to come share with your group, please email me today, greg@worldcauses.org.