When $24,999 Isn’t Enough
September 17, 2009
Make absolutely certain that you don’t become so entrenched in your processes that you fail to achieve the primary goals of your organization. You may lose out on a bountiful opportunity.
Make absolutely certain that you don’t become so entrenched in your processes that you fail to achieve the primary goals of your organization. You may lose out on a bountiful opportunity.
Prior to founding QualityTalk, Inc., I ran the Quality and Technical Training organization of a large telecommunications company. So needless to say, I am a strong advocate of having well defined processes. But sometimes the process can take on a life of its own and end up defeating the purpose for which it was designed.
As many of you know, my company will be launching an important new Web site very soon that will help individuals and companies get the service they deserve. In an effort to give back to the community, we decided to donate a share of the proceeds from all new memberships to a well-known charity, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.
You’d think this would be pretty straightforward. We would make a monthly donation to the organization equal to a percentage of our revenues from new memberships. They would get a steady stream of funds, and we would be able to help children facing difficult life-threatening medical situations.
Unfortunately, it was anything but simple. We left several messages before our calls were returned. Finally, when we got in touch with the responsible person, she informed us that to be a corporate partner we would have to make an initial contribution of $25,000. That’s right, $25,000!
We explained to her that we were not a large Fortune 500 company or a rapidly growing high-tech startup. We were a relatively small consulting firm. Even though we would love to be in a position to donate $25,000, it was simply not feasible for our company.
She said she understood our situation, but that was their process. Without an initial donation of $25,000, they would be unable to accept our new membership donations. She apologized and thanked us for our interest.
So as we rethink our community-service strategy, I ask you to look at your own internal processes. Consider why you have them. Be clear about what they should help you accomplish. And make absolutely certain that you don’t become so entrenched in your processes that you fail to achieve the primary goals of your organization. You may lose out on a bountiful opportunity.
Comments
Got something to say?
