Profit + Purpose: How Social Innovation Is Transforming Business for Good

Conclusion

I find long conclusions annoying, so I'll make this one short.

In all the conversations I've had with successful founders of social enterprises and in all of the work I've done with them, the most pronounced factor in their success has been that they found the right opportunity for their passion and talents, whether by serendipity or by actively looking for it. I expect that many opportunities excite you, and there is an abundance of innovation to be doing, so exploring those possibilities is exactly the right thing to do, but it's also important to feel free to let good ideas go in order to find the best opportunity for you—your purpose point. Then be sure to define the problem you want to solve with enough specification that you can craft a workable and distinctive model. Next consider the cultural shifts under way that you can capitalize on and be sure to build on your strengths. Also, find others to collaborate with or seek input from who have experience and talents that are not strengths of yours.

Though the myth of the lone founder who comes up with a brilliant idea and makes it work through the sheer force of personality and will has a powerful appeal, it's important to approach the building of your organization with humility. You will experience setbacks, there is no successful founder who will tell you he or she hasn't. Even the best ideas often need a good deal of revising, and it's vital to be open to input and acknowledge when you're stuck or have made ...