Elegant and Innovative – But What About Effective?

I’ve always had a preference for the solution that isn’t off the rack – in other words, a solution that isn’t the conventional solution.

That’s not to be confused with conventional wisdom – one of the staples of successful fundraising. Years of collective experience by successful fundraisers in the field have taught us that conventional wisdom – the tried and true principles of fundraising – are our true North Star, our guide.

But within those guiding principles, the best strategies, tactics and solutions are often unexpected. In my opinion they can be elegant, and by definition, they are innovative.

What about effective? If we’re true to guiding principles, then we won’t go far wrong in taking innovative or unexpected tracks. And we won’t be hesitant to pursue those tracks when most valuable. The unconventional solution is simply one more tool in the toolbox, providing us with a wider range of options to get the job done.