Your organization is not a business. It is a governmental entity with a mindset that is decidedly different from a regular company. But that does not mean you should disregard what is going on in the for-profit business world. In fact, you probably will be well served if you pay closer attention to the way that businesses are run.

Action idea: Operate your governmental entity more like a typical business. Incorporate these practices into your daily regimen. Don’t worry that this will make you look like a business entity. The results are usually well worth the cosmetic changes.

This is not to suggest that you should turn your entity into a corporate money-making machine. It is more about adopting a businesslike approach to running the operation. In fact, this may make your organization more attractive to civic-minded individuals, private foundations and potential grantors and donors. Because many individuals who have amassed a fortune can appreciate the way that business works, they may value this approach - or even seek it out.

How can you create a businesslike attitude at your entity? Here are some suggestions.

• Be accountable. Ethical behavior is usually a significant factor when donors are considering where to give their hard-earned dollars. Increasingly, this concept is filtering down from the business sector to other entities. Managers are being held accountable for their decisions, actions and performance by a wide range of external and internal sources.
• Record and measure results. Simply stating your good intentions is no longer sufficient. Nor will the public be satisfied with only knowing the number of individuals your organization served last year. They are more likely to be interested in the long-lasting effect your organization has on the community and its track record over time. Providing measurable results will generally attract more large donors.
• Maintain a web presence. Despite the integration of the Internet into everyday life, some governmental organizations still do not have a website. If you are one of them, make the development of a website a top priority. When it is up and running, use the website to promote your activities and update it on a regular basis.
• Communicate with the public. At the very least, you should regularly communicate through a newsletter - preferably an electronic e-newsletter - that is brief and stimulating. The newsletter can keep the public abreast of significant new developments and trends.

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