Richard Denny – Thoughts on sales and marketing

Nancy Lubin, head of the American non-profit DoSomething.org has released a book arguing that many non-profits are as efficient as for-profit businesses. The book, “Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business”, points out that non-profits typically have to run on little money which can force high levels of efficiency. Lubin examines a number of successful non-profits and suggests the cause they are related to works as an excellent staff motivator. She advises that more companies should hire workers who really believe in their products in order to get some of the same effect the non-profits benefit from. Interestingly she suggests that companies need not be involved in “doing good”. Lubin believes that the company need only have a very clear mission, even is the mission is purely commercial, in order to engage its people.

Lubin goes on to point out that non-profits tend to be good marketers, and focus on building long-term relationships with donors though keeping in touch regularly. Another thing for-profit companies can do a little better!

Other things the non-profits do well? Flat management structures. Fun atmosphere. Fancy titles. OK, the private sector is pretty good these days at giving out important-sounding job titles, but what about the other areas?

What does your company do to keep staff motivated and feeling involved with the company’s mission, without breaking the bank?

Kieran Bird

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 9:48 am and is filed under Leadership & Management. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.