"Best practices" -- not always the best practice

A lot of fundraisers focus on "best practices." What is everybody doing that's not stupid?

I'm not sure that's the right way to do.

Because being obsessed with best practices can be the road to mediocrity.

"Best practices" is supposed to be about not making stupid mistakes. And that's fine. Applying experience to the situation at hand is important.

Too often, though, "best practices" ends up meaning risk aversion and creativity avoidance.

It's great to know what you're doing. But if you zero in completely on doing everything the standard way, you won't achieve greatness. You may avoid embarrassing errors, but you won't go beyond the middle.

Doing something innovative or amazing often means you don't know what you're doing. It's not a best practice. And it might fail. But it might succeed in a breakout way.

So be aware of the best practices. Be smart and experienced (or hire someone who is). But know when to go beyond the standard way of doing things. That's how you make a difference.

Technorati Tags: marketing, risk

Comments

[Bill Huddleston]

Another problem with the whole concept of "best practices" is that a particular approach that might be a best practice for an organization with a staff of 100, can be a absolute disaster when used in an organization of ten.

Regards,

Bill Huddleston
www.cfcfundraising.com

[Lanell]

Oh yeah...the scary place of not knowing. I seem to find myself there daily. Especially when planning events. The unexpected always happens, pushing the planned boundaries and opening the door to creative response. Just the post I needed today to remind me to walk through the door. Thanks!

[Kimberley MacKenzie]

Speaks straight to my heart Jeff! Thank you. Fantastic post. Although it is sort of scary being on the edge more than in the middle. Frankly it is exhausting! Can see why not everyone wants to do it.