When Your Best Data Can't Help

In my younger years, I found myself caught in the well-intentioned trap of donating money rather than investing my time to make a lasting impact. Eager to contribute to meaningful causes, I stumbled upon an online lending platform designed to support entrepreneurs in the global south. The idea of empowering individuals to build sustainable businesses resonated with me. I even went so far as to give gift certificates to friends and family, urging them to join me in supporting this promising initiative.

The Early Days:

Everything started on a positive note. The online platform seemed like a beacon of hope, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with those willing to invest in their dreams. I felt a sense of fulfillment as I watched my contributions make a difference in the lives of individuals striving to create a better future for themselves and their communities.

The Unsettling Turn:

However, as time passed, my experience took an unexpected turn. Once content with my contributions, the platform began incessantly asking for more. More funds, more investments, more commitments. What was once a noble cause started to feel like a bottomless pit, leaving me wondering if the platform's intentions were as pure as they initially seemed.

The Breaking Point:

One day, I decided to reach out to the platform for advice. I was mentoring a young entrepreneur and needed guidance on securing additional funding for their venture. To my dismay, the response I received was infuriating. It was a generic, impersonal message that completely sidestepped my question. It left me with the unsettling feeling that my patronage was undervalued and that the platform couldn't care less about the very people it claimed to support.

Taking Matters Into My Own Hands:

Dismayed by the lack of a meaningful response, I made the difficult decision to retrieve my funds from the platform. Surprisingly, even this action elicited no reaction from them. It became clear that the platform was more interested in accumulating funds than fostering genuine connections or providing support to those who believed in its mission.

The Lesson Learned:

Reflecting on my experience, I realized that, despite the platform's vast database of information and user data, it was worthless without a genuine understanding of how to treat people. The impersonal responses and lack of engagement highlighted a critical flaw in the platform's approach. While the initial concept was promising, the execution fell short, underscoring the importance of having the right intentions and knowing how to nurture relationships and prioritize the human aspect of philanthropy.

This story reminds us that true success in social impact is measured by genuine connections and positive impact, not just financial contributions.