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Powering Nonprofits to Fuel Positive Change

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What’s Your Nonprofit’s First Impression?

What’s Your Nonprofit’s First Impression?

By Melissa Lagowski Founder/CEO/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group Every time we interact with another person, we make an impression. Each interaction—especially our very first one with someone—is an opportunity to establish a genuine connection and build a positive relationship. A business may call it a “brand image” or “company image,” but this concept applies to a nonprofit too. Your organization creates its own “brand image” through each touchpoint it has with donors, volunteers, people you serve, and others in the community. Have you paused to think about all those touchpoints and what type of impression your organization is making? […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Melissa Lagowski Named Faculty Member at Institute for Organization Management

Melissa Lagowski Named Faculty Member at Institute for Organization Management

Staff Report Melissa Lagowski, Founder and CEO of Big Buzz Idea Group, has been selected to serve as a faculty member at the Institute for Organization Management (IOM), the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “It is such an honor to be invited to join the faculty at IOM! We at Big Buzz have always believed in sharing information and lessons learned from our experiences with others in the field so that we can make a greater impact in the world, and this will allow us to continue to do that work on a larger scale,” Lagowski […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Six Things Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About Sales Tax

Six Things Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About Sales Tax

By Cat Donovan Executive Assistant Big Buzz Idea Group Navigating the complex landscape of sales tax is a critical task for nonprofit organizations, requiring a thorough understanding of numerous regulations, exceptions and exemptions. It’s up to nonprofit leaders to stay informed about these intricacies to ensure compliance and optimize their financial operations. It is important to keep in mind that sales tax is a state concept, and the regulations will vary by state law. Exempt Organizations Overview Non-profit status is an income tax concept and status, and doesn’t necessarily mean the organization is exempt from sales tax. The Illinois Department […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Streamlining Success: Using a Consent Agenda for Nonprofit Board Meetings

Streamlining Success: Using a Consent Agenda for Nonprofit Board Meetings

By Tricia Fusilero Association Manager Big Buzz Idea Group In the vibrant world of nonprofit organizations, time is precious. Every minute spent in a board meeting is a minute invested in moving a mission forward. To make those moments count even more, many nonprofits are turning to a handy little tool: the consent agenda. This ingenious approach transforms board meetings into streamlined gatherings, where routine matters are bundled up neatly, leaving more room for the good stuff—like brainstorming big ideas and making magic happen. At its core, a consent agenda is a bundle of uncontroversial items and everyday tasks that […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Strategies for Membership Based Associations to Flourish in Face-to-Face Interactions

Strategies for Membership Based Associations to Flourish in Face-to-Face Interactions

By Tricia Fusilero Association Manager Big Buzz Idea Group Associations play a pivotal role in bringing together like-minded individuals, fostering collaboration, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and ideas. While virtual interactions have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, face-to-face engagement remains a powerful tool for building strong connections within a community. In this article, we will explore various strategies that associations can employ to enhance member engagement during in-person interactions. Understand Member Needs To effectively engage members in face-to-face interactions, associations must first understand the unique needs and preferences of their members. Conducting surveys, hosting focus groups, and […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Mastering Client Expectations: 6 Essential Tips for Success

Mastering Client Expectations: 6 Essential Tips for Success

By Amanda Lovell Digital Marketing Manager Big Buzz Idea Group No matter the industry you do business in, if you have clients or customers, setting and managing expectations is a crucial skill. It lays the foundation for successful partnerships, satisfied customers and repeat business! In this article, we will explore six essential tips to help you effectively navigate the art of expectation management. Follow the SMART Goal Framework Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals is the first step towards managing expectations. By providing a clear roadmap for your clients or customers, you ensure that everyone is on […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Advantages of Donor Database Software for Charitable Organizations

Advantages of Donor Database Software for Charitable Organizations

By Julia Schroeder Marketing & Nonprofit Account Coordinator Big Buzz Idea Group A common thread in fundraising today looks at how to weave supporters through a donor experience that knits together strong and impactful relationships. Nonprofit organizations rely on donors who care about the cause and give consistently. Each donor is one strand of the whole piece that upholds an organization’s mission. Fundraising can be one of the most cumbersome components of running a nonprofit. Keeping an accurate record of donations, sending timely acknowledgments, and running reports are only some of what needs managing. One of the biggest challenges within […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Apply the Spoon Theory to Run Your Nonprofit

Apply the Spoon Theory to Run Your Nonprofit

By Julia Schroeder Big Buzz Idea Group Marketing & Nonprofit Account Coordinator  Have you ever heard someone say that they are “running low on spoons?” They may have been referring to the Spoon Theory, which is a visualization tool for managing energy and time effectively. As a leader in the nonprofit space, you can consider the Spoon Theory to support your efforts that enhance the organization.    What is the Spoon Theory?  The Spoon Theory was created by Christine Miserandino to explain her experience living with a chronic illness. Spoons can be a helpful tool for individuals to gauge their available […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Nonprofit Hiring: Best Practices for Building Your Team in 2024

Nonprofit Hiring: Best Practices for Building Your Team in 2024

By Shannon Metts Collins Nonprofit Account Manager Big Buzz Idea Group With the new year just around the corner, many nonprofits and associations are finding themselves in a position of hiring for 2024! The opportunity to build your team can feel exciting, daunting, and confusing. Before lining up interviews, there are several key questions that organizations should discuss to make the process as efficient as possible. Answers to the following questions will put you on the right track to finding your next employee. How do you define your organization’s culture and values? You probably have an idea of which skills and […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Making the Most Out of Event Centerpieces

Making the Most Out of Event Centerpieces

By Sam Doerfler Event Manager Big Buzz Idea Group When you can’t sleep at night because you’re scrutinizing all your upcoming event needs, is a centerpiece at the top of your list? It’s generally not a top priority, but it’s a small detail that can create a big impact. A thoughtful centerpiece can help add a finishing touch to the table, support your theme, bring together decorations, and add a stylish and professional-looking element to the occasion.    There are some general rules to follow when arranging a centerpiece, but finding balance is key, so try to have varying height levels […]

By Melissa Lagowski
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Check Out These Recent Posts

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  • Navigating Uncertainty: How Nonprofits Can Protect Funding and Advocate for Change
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  • DEI, DEIB, Equity & Inclusion for All: Ways to Advance the Work in 2025
  • Gen Z is the Next Wave of Donors—How Can Nonprofits Engage Them?
  • Communicating With Your Nonprofit’s Supporters During Times of Unease
  • Big Buzz Idea Group Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses

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501c3 Appreciation Association Association Management Big Buzz Idea Group Board Members Board of Directors Communication Communications Core Values Culture Development Digital Marketing Donations Donors Event Planner Event Planning Events Executive Director Funding Fundraising Goal-Setting Gratitude Leadership management Marketing mission Networking Nonprofit Nonprofit Board Members Nonprofit Leadership Nonprofit Management Nonprofit Organization NPO Organization Organization's Culture Outsourcing pandemic Productivity Social Media Sponsors Sponsorship Staff Strategic Planning Virtual

Insights Blog Archive

  • Cancelling or Postponing Your Events in Light of COVID-19
  • Is Your Marketing Missing the Mark?
  • If You’re Feeling Hopeless of Late, Remember That Your Work Matters and You Do, Too
  • DIY Event Photos
  • SPONSORSHIP 101: Growing Nonprofit Revenues
  • 3 Reasons Why Your Organization Should Use Canva
  • Why Your Nonprofit Needs Brand Guidelines
  • Boost Your Daily Productivity
  • Nonprofit Hiring: Best Practices for Building Your Team in 2024
  • Put Some Zing in Your Zoom (Or Any Other Virtual Meeting)
  • Making a Case for Strategic Planning
  • Team Culture Exists Beyond the Office Walls
  • Securing Help from Your Board: Are You Ready?
  • 6 Tips for Healthy Collaboration with Your Board Chair
  • Crisis Management: Are You Ready?
  • Take Time to Evaluate Your Events
  • Our Top Five Free Online Tools for Nonprofit Management Teams
  • Big Buzz Has COVID-19 Resources For You!
  • Organic Methods to Cultivate Sponsorship Leads
  • These Red Flags Scream That You Need a New Bookkeeper
  • Grateful for Nonprofit Leaders
  • Celebrate You and Avoid Nonprofit Burnout
  • Does Your Mission Have a Compelling Voice?
  • The Hidden Costs Behind Your Fundraiser
  • A Job Gone Wrong
  • How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media to Meet Goals
  • 5 Secrets to Streamlining Your Administrative Tasks
  • Networking for Personal and Professional Growth
  • 5 Reasons to Outsource Instead of Rely on Volunteers
  • Four Step Process to Building Better Buy-In
  • Six Things Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About Sales Tax
  • The Keys to Presenting Your Nonprofit Online
  • Cyber Security: How To Protect Yourself In Today’s “Connected” World
  • Conference Call Hero – 6 Tips to Master the Art of Video and Audio Conferencing
  • SPONSORSHIP 101: To Package or Not to Package
  • How to Rewire Your Brain with Positive Thinking
  • Big Buzz Idea Group Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses
  • Becoming a Virtual Event Planner in an Instant
  • Client Spotlight: Illinois Theatre Association
  • Why You Need to Establish Gratitude as a Pillar at Your Nonprofit
  • Tips to Ensure Event Safety
  • DEI, DEIB, Equity & Inclusion for All: Ways to Advance the Work in 2025
  • Nonprofit Event Venues 101
  • How to Keep Your Visuals On-Brand
  • Should You Ever Cover Board Member Expenses?
  • The Need to Go Beyond Surveys
  • Real Progress Requires Intention: What Do You Want to Achieve in 2020 for Your Nonprofit?
  • 3 Questions to Ask If You Hope to Grow Your Membership
  • Defining Your Value: Reclaiming Relevance to the Community You Serve
  • Post-Pandemic Event Lessons
  • 5 Ways to Generate Sponsor Leads
  • Cross-Train Your Team for Better Outcomes
  • The Importance of Authenticity in Sales and Networking
  • Meet Big Buzz, the Creators of Ribfest Chicago
  • Optimize Your Contact List for Nonprofit Growth
  • How to Secure Mega Sponsorships For Your Fundraising Event!
  • Transparency and Nonprofit Organizations
  • Client Spotlight: Hope For The Day
  • Melissa Lagowski Named Faculty Member at Institute for Organization Management
  • New Year’s Resolutions for Board Members
  • Make Your Nonprofit Stand Out: Creating Impressions for Impact
  • Why Is My Organization Not Growing?
  • What’s Your Nonprofit’s First Impression?
  • Promotion Ideas to Benefit Your Nonprofit – Part II
  • Tips For Meaningful #GivingTuesday Follow-Up
  • 9 Lessons Learned from Our First Virtual Conference
  • Big Buzz Idea Group Launches Additional Services
  • 10 Tips to Cultivate Sponsor Relationships
  • Silver Linings Discovered Amidst a Pandemic
  • Leadership Starts with You
  • From Awareness to Action: Using Social Media to Reach Your Goals
  • Client Spotlight: Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
  • 3 Tips For Maintaining Your NPO’s Digital Assets
  • Why Identifying and Communicating Your Core Values Is Important
  • Best Practices For Nonprofit Management
  • Innovative Approach to Volunteer Recruitment
  • The 3 Mistakes I Made Managing a Nonprofit
  • Strategies for Membership Based Associations to Flourish in Face-to-Face Interactions
  • Chart a Path for Nonprofit Success
  • Four Pillars to Attracting and Retaining Ideal Employees
  • Fresh Funding Ideas Are Blooming
  • 4 Ways Outsourcing Your Development Work Can Provide Value
  • Streamlining Success: Using a Consent Agenda for Nonprofit Board Meetings
  • Fostering Board Engagement in Virtual Times
  • Communicating With Your Nonprofit’s Supporters During Times of Unease
  • Organizational Operations Versus Organizational Strategy
  • Tips for Nonprofit Success
  • 2020: A Lesson in Gratitude
  • Advantages of Donor Database Software for Charitable Organizations
  • Board Nominating: A Better Way
  • How Big Is Your Fire?
  • 4 Productivity Tips to Elevate Your Nonprofit
  • Implementing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Your Nonprofit
  • 11 Tips to Make Your Newsletter More Readable
  • Financial Planning for Uncertain Times
  • 7 Tips for Managing Hybrid Events
  • Promotion Ideas to Benefit Your Nonprofit – Part I
  • Keep Your Mission in Mind to Maximize Results
  • Goal-Setting For Successful Events
  • Mastering Client Expectations: 6 Essential Tips for Success
  • How to Manage Your Organization During an Election Year Without Violating Your Nonprofit Status
  • Board or Bored Leadership – Enter the Magnificent Seven
  • Client Spotlight: Old Town School of Folk Music
  • 6 Tips for Recruiting Ideal Board Members
  • Are You Leading With Impact?
  • 5 Tips for Prioritizing Your Mental Health in the Workplace
  • Client Spotlight: Cyberjutsu
  • Never Overlook the Value of Gratitude
  • Clearer Communication Is the Secret to Better Outcomes
  • 50 Content Promotion Tactics: How to Drive Traffic to Your Next Article
  • Please Send a Hi-res Copy of Your Logo
  • Want To Retain Your Employees? Wellness in the Workplace Matters!
  • Are You Leaving Money On The Table?
  • The Benefits of Outsourcing
  • Self-Care: A Necessity for Successful Leadership
  • The Board’s Hot (Summer) Topics
  • Nonprofit Form 990: Friend or Foe?
  • Outsourcing: The Only Solution To Staffing Shortages
  • 6 Tips for Cultivating Gratitude in the Workplace
  • Client Spotlight: Center for Changing Lives
  • How to Hire a Consultant
  • Apply the Spoon Theory to Run Your Nonprofit
  • Communication Tips to Advance Your Organization
  • Should Sponsorships Include Membership Dues?
  • To Be Successful, Nonprofits and Associations Must Be Forward-Thinking
  • Lessons Learned in Nonprofit Management
  • Leveraging E-Newsletters For Nonprofit Growth
  • Leveraging AI For Time Management
  • Engage Your Board – Start with Recruiting and End with A High-Performance Culture
  • Seven Tips to a More Productive Year for Your Organization
  • Re-Imagine the Possibilities to Better Serve Your Mission
  • What’s Your Nonprofit’s Story
  • Life After COVID-19: Next Steps for Your Nonprofit
  • Four Tactics to Resolve Nonprofit Staffing Shortages
  • Making the Most Out of Event Centerpieces
  • Time to Assess Your Year-End Campaigns
  • 10 Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Nonprofit from Cyber Threats
  • Losing Control? Reclaim Your Time!
  • Word of the Year: Manifestation
  • SPONSORSHIP 101: Growing Nonprofit Revenues
  • Why Nonprofits Need to Evaluate Their Budgets Every Year
  • Navigating Uncertainty: How Nonprofits Can Protect Funding and Advocate for Change
  • Employee Retention Tax Credit Yields Powerful Opportunity
  • How To Secure More Donor Dollars
  • Talk to Me! Prioritizing Internal Communications During Times of Transition
  • Navigating Nonprofit Finances: How to Effectively Manage Your Bookkeeper
  • Something Good: Building Your Team’s Connection
  • The Compelling Case to Renew
  • An Interim Leader Isn’t a “Temp:” Interim Leadership in NPOs as a Management Profession
  • Holding On When You Feel Like Throwing In the Towel
  • Fundraising: Creating a Straighter Path to Revenue Growth
  • How to Develop Your Nonprofit’s Audience Persona
  • Tips for Virtual Event Success
  • The Birth of a New Vision
  • Interim Directors Provide Strength in Times of Transition
  • Spend Less. Do More. Your Guide to Effective Outsourcing
  • Budgeting for Your Nonprofit in Uncertain Times
  • The Taxman Cometh (Yes, Even For Your Exempt Organization)
  • Virtual Fundraising: 18 Ideas for Nonprofit Revenue
  • 8 Tips For Leading Productive Meetings
  • Gen Z is the Next Wave of Donors—How Can Nonprofits Engage Them?

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  • info@bigbuzzideagroup.com

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