3 Ways That Nonprofits and NGOs Can Learn From The For-Profit Sector.

Every sector has its strengths and below I've highlighted a few "lessons learned" from the for-profit sector that could benefit nonprofits and NGOs:

• Customer Focus: For-profits know that, in the end, it's all about the customer. They take time to get a really clear understanding of their customers' needs to ensure that their product meets or exceeds those needs. Nonprofits and NGOS don't usually do this as well, in part because we aren't always clear about who our customers are! Is it our individual donors? Our grant funders? Our program participants? Our own staff? Regardless, becoming more customer-centric is key.
• Real-Time Communication:  For-profits understand the value of reaching their customers "in the moment." Whether adopting social media practices, surveying folks after website visits, or communicating regularly with customers, for-profits are usually light years ahead of nonprofits and NGOs. For instance, many of us still rely on monthly or quarterly snail-mail newsletters instead of weekly e-blasts, blogs, Facebook, or tweeting good news.
• Harnessing Technology: Many for-profits are also really good at harnessing the power of technology to make their lives more efficient. Although most nonprofits don't have a ton of in-house technology expertise, that's precisely why technology is so important. Nonprofit staffers are usually spread thin and, with a better technology toolkit, could operate more efficiently and spend more time delivering services.

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