Fear or fear not… a massive disruption in the fundraising industry? That is the question!

It seems like everyone is saying they are disrupting this or that these days.
Lots of people wear it as a badge of honor whether they are really making change or not. They want to be seen as disruptors but usually, they’re just making noise.
But then there’s me.
Some people call me a disruptor. Others think I’m just making noise. And, then there are those that feel I’m just a huge pain in the ass! 🙂
But whether you feel I’m a disruptor or not doesn’t really matter. What’s important is how disruption in the fundraising industry affects you. Should it be feared or embraced?
I think it should be feared, but not for the reasons you might think. Here’s why:
Back when I sold direct marketing (printing and mailing) to nonprofits in the DC region, I made a huge sign and put it above my cubicle’s desk to ensure that I’d read it each morning.
In bold black letters, it simply read: “Complacency Is A Prelude To Disaster!”
Having it there consistently reminded me to fear a false sense of security. That motivated me to always look over my shoulder and never rest on my laurels.
In that regard, I feared disruption, but for a good reason— to drive me forward and help me improve. To help me turn fear into a positive, not a negative.
That’s because when fear is viewed as a negative, it paralyzes you or drives you to run and hide. To seek shelter.
But when it’s viewed as a positive, fear inspires creative thinking that leads to innovation and myriad opportunities.
Of course, the printing industry almost evaporated in the blink of an eye.
So I’m no longer selling direct marketing. Instead, I now lead a fast-growing, disruptive technology-enabled services company. Stalwarts in the sector fear us.
But should they? Or should they look at our existence as an opportunity?
Many have already channeled their fear positively to find opportunity. They have allied with us.
Will you?  
 

Related Posts:

>>Complacency is a prelude to disaster
>>I am a disruptor
 

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