For-Profit vs Not-For-Profit: Opposite in Theory, but not so Different in Practice?
By Melissa Sargeantson
Office Links Blog
October 6, 2010

Prior to my interview with David Flink, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Project Eye to Eye, I held the common belief that for-profit and not-for-profit are two very different business models. However, I now know that the two sectors can be more similar than I originally perceived.

Before we look more closely at this paradigm, let us examine how Project Eye to Eye, a non-profit focused on empowering students with learning disabilities through mentorship, came to be. As is often the case, David’s own experience led him to the creation of his organization. Diagnosed with dyslexia during the 5th grade, he struggled with school and self-esteem issues. With proper instruction and the support of a series of mentors, David learned to read and ultimately went to Brown University. Happy with his own achievement, David yearned for other young people with learning disabilities to know that they too can achieve their goals. And so Project Eye to Eye was born.

Back to business. Project Eye to Eye may be a non-profit but its model isn’t all that dissimilar from for-profit companies. In fact, many of David’s keys to success are best practices in the business world.

1. Diversify your revenue stream. Project Eye to Eye is acclaimed for its model. Unlike non-profits that function solely off grants, David’s company thinks of itself as a business and diversifies its revenue stream; that way if the economy affects one area, another will sustain.
2. Networking. It’s all about making friends. David believes the best PR are people so he empowers students and mentors as the faces of his company.
3. Prize professionalism. First impressions are key. Little details like returning phone calls quickly count.
4. Build a stellar website.
5. Remember, all people learn differently. This last lesson comes from the essence of David’s organization. Entrepreneurs are often multifaceted learners. Adjust your teaching methods for each individual. After all, firing someone and retraining another is far more expensive than explaining something another way.

Project Eye to Eye is based at OfficeLinks’ Bryant Park office space location. Never without a smile, you cannot miss this self-professed “employee to the students.” Check out David’s website at www.projecteyetoeye.org. Even better, support David’s passion by donating funds, reaching out to a young person with a learning disability, or simply building social awareness about his cause.

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