02/08/2020
I've belonged to FaithTech.com for a few years but only recently joined the FaithTech Slack community. It's a great way to connect with other Christians involved in tech and has become an awesome international community.
A member from Kenya reached out to me recently re the severe needs there due to ongoing poverty, COVID and flooding. I can't even imagine how bad it is over there but the pictures say a lot.
I have a lot going on at the moment, but was thinking I might be able to help Michael solicit support.
In severe crisis, it can be hard to think bigger-picture and longer-term. I hope I didn't sound uncaring. But it's important to stay strategic even in the midst of crisis and I offered a few ideas off the top. Excerpt from that email stream...
"If you want to get people on board to accomplish your vision, there are a few steps you may need to take first if you're not already doing these things.
"1. Vision
Clarify in your own mind every way in which you want the situation to be different. The simplest way to do this is to divide a piece of paper in half.
On the left side, write down everything that needs to change or improve.
Beside each item, on the right, record exactly what you want to see happen instead and how you want things to unfold.
The list on the right side becomes your Vision and Goals.
"2. Projects
People do not respond well to vague ideas or pleas for help. The business world is allergic to neediness. It wants to take action and needs to know exactly what you're asking it to do, and what results can be expected. Like it or not, this is just the way things work.
With the Vision list you have created, clarify your goals for each component and identify the specific project(s) that need to be completed in order to get there.
This helps potential contributors to form a clear picture of exactly where you want to go, and how you're asking them to participate.
It is always better to frame your message as an INVITATION to participate, rather than a PLEA for help.
"3. Marketing
People will either be willing to help you accomplish your vision, or they won't. They might be interested but not able to help at the moment.
You need to decide how you will follow up with each type of response. So you need a communications plan including a website, back end data collection, follow-up emails, and so on.
"You also need to communicate in a way that establishes trust with people who have never met you.
Even though the needs are very great, you will not build trust by asking for money.
"The most helpful thing I could do for you at the moment might be to coach you on how to clarify your vision, organize the projects that will accomplish this vision, how to ask people for help, and how to delegate and manage the whole thing.
"I am willing to help you in this way, but may not always be able to respond quickly.
"But if this idea appeals to you, we can email back and forth, and no worries if not.
"Blessings, Lois
