How human connection and personal experience can power an organization
The internet had become the easiest and the most common way for entrepreneurs to conduct business. While some people allow for the breadth of the internet to power their organization, face-to-face contact fuels success.
When you run a successful organization, you need to be the face of the organization.
“Success comes from being passionate about what you do. If you’re always excited and pumping people up, you’ll find success,” says Khit Masoud, the founder of Blessons, a not-for-profit organization which provides scholarships, mentorship, and education to women in Chicago, Illinois.
“Blessons was created by viewing the painful life lessons as blessings.” The organization supports a variety of women in the Chicagoland region who have struggled with medical, physical, and emotional toll throughout their lives.
Masoud knows the struggle of education for disadvantaged women. As a first generation immigrant who has survived multiple rounds of cancer, she has spent 19 college semesters trying to finish a degree. Without a scholarship due to a 2.0 federal GPA requirement to submit an aid form, Masoud was left without options.
Blessons provides scholarships to those who otherwise would not receive any aid.
Blessons received its first breakthrough earlier this year when the organization was approved as an official charity partner of the 2019 Chicago Marathon, which Masoud says will bring more than 1.8 million eyes to her organization.
In addition to running Blessons, Masoud works as a bartender full time.
Masoud keeps an open ear at all times; she never knows when her next encounter could be with a potential supporter. “I met with a friend who’s a doctor just last week,” said Masoud, “we set up another conversation, and now he agreed to host wellness clinics for our organization at his facility.”
“I test everyone I meet and plant a seed. If people catch on, that’s my green light to give people my pitch.”
From bankers to Uber drivers to customers at the bar, Masoud has gained volunteers and donations from many everyday conversations. Despite the long hours, Masoud stays motivated. “What wakes me up every morning is that I’m paying it forward. When I get to show people how to make a difference, it’s a never-ending feeling.”
Masoud says her secret to riling up support is showing the importance of the two-way relationship between volunteers and recipients.
“People don’t know the benefit they receive when they help others. When you’re helping others, you’re also helping yourself,” said Masoud, “I tell people, ‘teach a workshop and bring your business cards with you. You never know if a future boss will be there.’”
Outside of Blessons, Masoud’s bucket-list goal is to give a Ted talk showcasing the unexpected benefits of doing something for others.
Masoud’s advice for others wanting to start their own organization: always be humble and willing to accept help.
“At the end of the day it’s not about me; it’s about the charity. You have to leave your ego at the door.”
