Planning for Serendipity

It feels like we have turned a corner. (at least for this week!) As with most organizations we have spent countless hours finding funding to build our services. Most of this growth has been in small increments. Some years our funding stayed the some and other years maybe resulted in an increase in a part time staff position. More recently we have seen some dramatic growth.

Over the last 5 years our core budget has tripled. We have been successful in accessing several grants that have helped us to strengthen existing services and start new ones. Community members are starting to see the Open Door as a place where creative things get done. This week, I had two local professionals meet with me to discuss new opportunities. One of them is even going to look for funding on our behalf! It is an exciting time.

Many experts highlight the importance of strategic planning as a necessity for organizations to plan for the future. I wish that our growth was a result of a great 3-5 year plan that was carried out with conviction. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

Planning for serendipity is an approach in developing organizational readiness or nimbleness. I believe it is essential for an organization to be prepared to act quickly rather than having everything lined up ahead of time. Things around us are changing so quickly it is hard to predict what is going to happen, but we can be ready for things to happen. When opportunities present themselves it is important to jump in.

In retrospect, how did we plan for serendipity?

• We have people working in the organization that are not afraid of change and are able to respond quickly. The staff and volunteers have been key.
• Our board was willing to stick their necks out and purchased our facility 3 years ago. The facility is key in our ability to try new things.
• We have worked really hard at profile raising. We started holding community events like a bed race and golf tournament several years ago. These have been key in introducing a diverse group of people to our organization. Events don't raise a huge amount of money. (at least ours don't!) I estimated that it cost us about $0.70 to raise $1 in our annual golf tournament.  
• We aren't afraid to make mistakes. We held a BBQ 3 years ago at a teen dance with over 400 people and didn't sell ONE hamburger.
• Relationship building has been key. We've tried to get to know local newspaper reporters and joined as many committees as possible.

Some of this may change if we suddenly have a funding cut, but I'm confident that we will be able to respond.

What aspects of planning for serendipity have you experienced?