You have a great campaign idea that you’re excited about, but it’s not moving forward. Why? And how can the stumbling blocks be moved aside? Here’s some practical advice from Andy Kelham

If any of these phrases – “we tried this before”, “our colleague isn’t on board”, “there isn’t enough time” and “we need an agency” – are stopping your campaign from progressing, then read on, because all of these excuses can be overcome.

1. We tried something similar in the past and it didn't work

Failure hurts, but it is not permanent. However, we often treat our past missteps as once-and-for-all judgements on our ideas or approaches, and it limits us.

So you have an idea, a really good one, and it is reminiscent of something you previously tried that did not deliver. Before you discount your new campaign entirely, ask yourself this simple question: has anything changed since the last time we did something like this?

The answer is invariably yes. On the delivery side technology, platforms, social networks, communication channels and marketing trends all evolve at a rapid clip. On the personal side public awareness of the issue, stories, general debate, news coverage and your charity's identity are never static and always changing.

If something has changed, you have permission to try again. Remember, failure can only be a teacher if you keep moving forward to apply the lesson.

2. A key colleague is not on board with the idea

Ideas are fragile things, and critical knocks in the early stages of campaign development can be hugely detrimental to their overall growth.

Protect your ideas, but do not shelve them at the first sign of resistance. If there has been critical feedback from someone in your organisation then why not follow a three step formula of weighing it, assessing it and then talking about it.

Reflecting on the feedback and understanding the concerns are necessary. So is open conversation about the strengths of the campaign you are devising. Great ideas often challenge norms, reach outside the usual parameters and break new ground. All of these behaviours can unsettle and cause friction.

Returning to the individual who voiced doubt and explaining why you are still passionately committed to the principal of the campaign is a crucial step many shy away from. Go there and see what happens.

3. There is not enough time to properly launch the campaign

With modern apps, tools and digital hacks the word 'properly' has been redefined in recent years. Not only that, but with the emergence of Sprints and MVPs, the thought of working at pace has gone from frowned upon to highly sought after.

In truth, some campaigns can be articulated, designed, launched, monitored and evaluated in a matter of hours. While certain campaigns will always require weeks and months, a whole category of hours and days work is emerging, helping charities to capture moments and move at pace.

While you may think your campaign needs a three-month runway as you have currently designed it, consider whether there might be a leaner, quicker version of that idea that could be articulated and launched in a week or less. You might find that the time is right, and the time is now.

4. We need a marketing/specialist agency to help us deliver this

Well, the truth is you might do. But before you go picking up the phone ask yourself this; who knows your audience best? Also, ask yourself this bonus question: if you are committing serious budget towards a campaign are you more likely to take the risk or will you play it safe?

Some campaigns require taking a chance and any large budget spend requires the minimisation of unknowns. There is a tension which sometimes creates fantastic work, but equally stifles it.

What if you created a micro-campaign that took the risk, and then scaled your successes with an agency? Minimised risk for increased creative freedom: a result that both creatives and fundraisers love.

Andy Kelham is a digital creative and copywriter who loves working with charities and causes that stand for something. Follow him at @andykelham