Lessons Learned from Matibabu

Per a discussion with Josephat Nyamwaya (on a matatu ride to Ngong) I learned some useful tips which I can use for TWO Hands from his work experience with Matibabu Foundation.

      1. Media Coverage- once the organization has sent its first few students, it is important to promote the organization through media coverage
          a.   It allows the community to see and know who you are.  

          b.      Develops credibility-   People will see who you are through media and trust the organization when they are placed in front of them.                              

          c.       Photos taken during their trip can be turned into a professional photo album to be published as a way to show off the organization wherever you can take the album.                                                                                          

          d.      New, radio, Newspaper, anything media coverage... but once you get your name out there... the coverage must not continue because too much coverage can also be bad.

     2.  Program Opening Session

          a.       Invite specific people to the opening session by hook or by crook-
 Josephat tells the story of how he attempted to invite someone who refused to open his schedule for the session. Once Josephat was able to secure another high profile attendee, that person made sure they attended. Wonderful.

          b.      It offers credibility

   
     3.       Good Networking

     4.       Professional Groundwork

     5.       CEO/ Founder

          a.       It is important to have an outside view of the organization, so it is important that the CEO Founder listen to all comments and criticism.

          b.      In the bylaws, the CEO must identify who will do what if the CEO is out or not in place. So that if anything happened to the CEO, the organization does not simply crumble away.

     6.       Hustle- Talk to any and everybody.

          a.       Josephat tells the story of how he spoke to a woman at a session just as she was to go on stage to speak. In speaking with her, she became so impressed she used the Foundation in her speech from beginning to end. Wonderful.

     7.       Stand on the shoulders of others

          a.       Listen to new ideas but also listen to your fraility

                                                               i.      If there is something you can not do, say communications, ask an expert (off the cuff) to show you how. And get it done!

     8.       Finally, it is important that your organization is three things...

a. Transparent
b. Accountable
c. Has Impact

Wonderful!

This was an excellent conversation.
I truly learned a lot. For more information check out
Matitbabu Foundation.