Social Entrepeneurship-Uncovering Your Strengths as a Solution Provider

In our R.A.T.E.S. Development workshops, we teach that the best social entrepreneurs are those who decide that the problem they are addressing should be eliminated. For example a service provider that has determined that unemployment is the primary problem will be guided to find a solution to eliminate unemployment. This mindset will influence leaders to avoid wasted efforts on theories and practices that are not goal oriented or measurable. In our workshops, we find that many people have an idea that something should be changed and that they want to do something about it, but are almost clueless about what it would take to have real success. Because of this many services providers have launched projects that have only lasted long enough to spend the money and resources given to get started. Too many organizations that have had experience with receiving grants or business loans in under-served communities are not receiving the guidance and instruction needed to successfully manage their projects. In the case of government funds, some organizations may receive just enough money to get in trouble. Our experience has found that those who decide to offer services based upon a personal stake in the results tend to be more committed to finding real solutions. WE seek to help these potential leaders realize that their painful experiences and hardships can be to their advantage in addressing the problems that others are facing. We encourage them to celebrate and build upon the personal value that they have acquired through enduring their own trials and hardships. These programs are designed to offer tangible solutions to the critical issues that are challenging the quality of life in various populations. These episodes may be forwarded to government officials (or other interested entities) to let them review solutions oriented discussions.