How I did it: A non-profit is a specific type of business, but it's still a business and has to be run like one. I've set up a couple over the years and I've found people have silly, pie in the sky notions about non-profits. I researched the issues thoroughly, obtained professional advice from lawyers and accountants, read the relevant laws myself, asked a million questions, and when I was ready, I proceeded. Sun Tzu says successful generals win victories before they enter the field of battle. In Japan they say, "business is war." There you have it.

Lessons & tips: Research, research and then research some more. This is tedious work. If it's not your cup of tea, give money to someone else's non-profit and have a cup of tea.

Jul 15, 2009, 08:54PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers