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Powering Nonprofits to Fuel Positive Change

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Our Blog

What’s Your Nonprofit’s First Impression?

What’s Your Nonprofit’s First Impression?

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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? […]

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Melissa Lagowski Named Faculty Member at Institute for Organization Management

Melissa Lagowski Named Faculty Member at Institute for Organization Management

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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 […]

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Six Things Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About Sales Tax

Six Things Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About Sales Tax

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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 […]

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Streamlining Success: Using a Consent Agenda for Nonprofit Board Meetings

Streamlining Success: Using a Consent Agenda for Nonprofit Board Meetings

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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 […]

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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

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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 […]

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Mastering Client Expectations: 6 Essential Tips for Success

Mastering Client Expectations: 6 Essential Tips for Success

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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 […]

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Advantages of Donor Database Software for Charitable Organizations

Advantages of Donor Database Software for Charitable Organizations

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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 […]

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Apply the Spoon Theory to Run Your Nonprofit

Apply the Spoon Theory to Run Your Nonprofit

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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 […]

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Nonprofit Hiring: Best Practices for Building Your Team in 2024

Nonprofit Hiring: Best Practices for Building Your Team in 2024

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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 […]

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Making the Most Out of Event Centerpieces

Making the Most Out of Event Centerpieces

Posted by Melissa Lagowski

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 […]

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Insights Blog Archive

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

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  • 773.804.8589
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  • info@bigbuzzideagroup.com

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