I am a big fan of the show Shark Tank. The more I think about it... Shark Tank may be my favorite show. Chances are, if I am flipping through the channels and it is on, it will hook me in (if you'll pardon the pun).
For those of you who haven’t seen it or any of its many international counterparts, the premise is simple. Take real people with an idea for a product or service and throw them into the "tank" to pitch to some of the most successful investors in the world. The people who take the slow walk through the doors into the tank are, in most cases, the epitome of what I consider to be the American Dream. Their stories of grit, creativity, and persistence are inspiring. These entrepreneurs come seeking help to make their ideas a reality. Some need money. Some need help with distribution. Some just need the help of a Shark to be a mentor or provide guidance. One thing is sure: they all started their journey with a simple thought: "There's got to be a better way!" Recently, I kept saying this phrase as I thought about the industry where I have made my career: association and nonprofit management. I kept thinking of two things.
First, there has got to be a better way for us to lead associations and nonprofits into the future.
Second, there has to be a better way to provide these organizations with the resources and strategy they need to succeed.
And with that, I present my pitch for Over The Top Management.
Why Now?
The challenges facing today’s associations and nonprofit organizations are unlike anything we’ve seen before. Concurrent global political, social, and economic issues are affecting us all. The speed at which theses issues continue to arise and evolve, make my head spin. Our friends in the nonprofit community are also seeing additional challenges unique to our industry. These include increases in new competition, changes in revenue models, and instability in our advocacy models, to name a few. There’s also this. And this. And this. And this. I will stop there because I could fill the entire blog with that content alone. Yikes.
There's a growing need for programs and services at a time when resources, including but not limited to time, people, and money, are all at a minimum. The simple truth is that associations and nonprofits can no longer live with the status quo. Our formulaic value propositions, which have worked for decades, are no longer valid, and the reliable donor and member checks will not be as consistent as they were.
And with all of that, I say, “There IS a better way.”
I believe in the power of nonprofits and associations. I believe in our ability to solve problems, unite people, and improve the world. I look at this time of disruption and uncertainty as a genuine opportunity. A time for our organizations to look inward and focus on what truly makes us relevant and how individually we can all deliver upon our missions while collaborating and working together to solve universal problems. We can deliver concise and impactful value propositions that clarify who we are, what we do, and why we are essential. We can utilize technology as a force multiplier to do more with less in ways never seen before.
Here's where we come in.
We’re entering the space with deep experience, fresh perspective, and the tools to help organizations thrive. We want to take this time of uncertainty and turn it into opportunity. We want to help organizations utilize innovative strategy and emerging technologies to lead with vision, agility, and purpose. For organizations with one staff or 100. For professional societies and trade associations. For causes and family foundations. If you have a mission, our company wants to help you. I, personally, want to help you.
Here’s why the time is right.
Our Approach: Results-Driven. Mission-Aligned. Over the Top.
We named our company Over the Top because we believe excellence requires going above and beyond… not just in what we deliver but in how we show up as partners. We will bring energy, insight, and relentless curiosity to every engagement opportunity. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your association, launch a bold new initiative, or build a future-proof infrastructure, we’re here to help you do it, and do it well. Here are some of our initial service offerings:
The deliverables listed here and on our website are vague by design. Our solutions will be as unique as your organization and its needs. We seek to work collectively and collaboratively with our clients and partners to help address your individual needs. We have partnered with some of our industry friends to help us address some needs for our first clients in technology, innovation, events, revenue generation, and membership management. As the need for services and our client list evolve, so will our capabilities.
Let’s Build “The Better Way” Together
Moving forward, I will actively record musings about associations and nonprofits and provide best practices on association and nonprofit management. I highly encourage you to follow me here on LinkedIn and to hit the subscribe button on our website to receive updates to your email.
The world needs strong associations and mission-driven organizations now more than ever. Over the Top Management is here to support and strengthen the leaders behind those missions. Using my Shark Tank analogy, I would like to hear from nonprofits and associations to learn how we can help you. How can Over The Top Management serve the role of the “Sharks” on Shark Tank to improve your resources, provide you with strategy and support, and help take your organization to the next level. We are all in this together. And together, we can show the world that there is a better way.