​An admirable community colleague of mine told me that she used her personal money to launch a very successful community event last year.

I told her that you don't have to do that. It should be a community event where all the stakeholders take the risks, costs, and own it successes too.

If you're a changemaker with that mindset, you'll be broke, sick, and frustrated even before you even achieve anything that's of scale and relevant.

It's an admirable trait to be generous and all-out in your approach, but if it's at the expense of your mental health, financial well-being, family, and personal life, think about it more.

We want changemakers who are healthy, wealthy, and mentally sound, to continue being at their best game. 

No, we don't need heroes, we want provocateurs. 

​

You've better be in a small shared area where there's respect and collaboration, and a bit of freedom of action rather than a coveted spot where you get more but you have to deal with a controlling person who tells you what to do and not to do while in their premises.

A small table for exhibition is not small compared to the location and the amount of traffic you can get. But this small table has a high price for which I don't know anyone in my mind would dare touch with a ten-foot pole.

See, it's not really the organization per se but those who are leading the organization that makes or breaks the deal for a lot of people. If you insist on demands that do not respect the people whose work will be affected, you can't earn their trust, much less their respect.

You can't tell people what to do because this is a public marketplace where everyone is associated with everyone,  but you can be genuinely caring and considerate, so that you'll be heard. Your approach should be as good as your intention. 

Minor conflicts should be avoided as much as possible because it's pointless to cause a rift out of nothing. For some people, who weren't empowered in their organization, they exhibit fear which is the underlying reason to exert control and domination over others who are seen as inferior or weaker than them. 

Welcome to Conflict 101!

​How do you attract the best client/customer/sponsor/funder for your work? 

Be the best.

Have a criteria.

The best to you might not be the best to others.

Keep that criteria front-and-center at all times.

Do not compromise or acquiesce on other's timelines, demands, and expectations.

Keep up that damn good work.

Adapt to the changing requirements of the times. 

Don't compare yourself with the neighbor next door.

And stay true to who you are and the values you hold dear.

Because the best people and best organizations are also looking for excellent providers/supporters/partners.

Give them the reason to look you up, listen to what you have to say, and follow your work.

That's what we know today in our social media world as 'connecting.'

Connect meaningfully but loosely.

Offer something of value when the time comes and see what happens.