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? […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 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 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 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 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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