Monday Alignment 💛 | Week 6 · The Proverbs Collective

Monday Alignment 💛 | Week 6

When I was validating the Six-Week Nonprofit course, I thought I was simply gathering information.

What I didn't expect was how much those conversations would strengthen my confidence in what God had already called me to build (see a screenshot of one of my calls below).

I learned that my course was, without a doubt, not for everyone, but specifically for faith-led nonprofit founders.

I learned how people described their struggles.

I learned what confused them, what they had already tried, and where they were getting stuck.

But what surprised me most was that I walked away encouraged, too.

Those conversations didn't create confusion.

They created confirmation.

They helped me see more clearly what God had already been showing me.

They helped me see that I was on the right track.

And even though I didn't have a finished course to sell at the time, many of the people I spoke with still walked away feeling heard, understood, and clearer about what they were trying to accomplish.

Not because I was coaching or selling during the conversation, but because sometimes being deeply listened to is valuable all by itself.

The goal of those conversations was to understand them better.

The trust that came from those conversations was simply a byproduct of that.

I wasn't selling.

I was listening.

And that's really what validation is.

One of the biggest misconceptions about validation is that it's asking people what you should build.

It's not.

By this point, you've already spent weeks praying, reflecting, learning, and making decisions.

Validation isn't about asking people to decide for you.

It's about understanding the people you're building for.

Because no matter how clear the vision is, if you don't understand the people you're serving, you'll end up building in isolation.

And that's what we're trying to avoid this week.

Validation is not a lack of faith.

It's wisdom.

It's counting the cost.

It's seeking understanding.

It's listening.

In many ways, validation is one of the most loving things you can do for the people you're called to serve because it requires you to listen before you build.

You're looking for language.

Patterns.

Pain points.

Frustrations.

Desires.

The things people repeatedly say when they describe the problem you're called to help solve.

Because the more clearly you understand where they are, the better you'll be able to serve them.

And here's what I want to encourage you with:

You don't have to do this alone.

Use this community.

We have women here building businesses, ministries, nonprofits, services, courses, and offers for all kinds of people.

Read introductions.

Start conversations.

Jump on co-working.

Ask questions.

Post in the community.

And if the people you need to speak with aren't here, ask for help making connections.

That's one of the reasons this community exists.

This week, challenge yourself to have at least one conversation, send at least one poll, or gather at least one insight using your validation method of choice.

Not to sell.

Not to pitch.

Not to convince.

Simply to listen.

Because you're not looking for permission to build.

You're looking for insight that will help you build it better.

God may have already given you the vision.

This week is about understanding the people He gave the vision for.

Listen well.

What you hear this week may shape what you build next.

Take your time with Week 6 💛

I'll see you in Week 7: Mapping Your Transformation.