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Powering Nonprofits to Fuel Positive Change

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Keep Your Mission in Mind to Maximize Results

Keep Your Mission in Mind to Maximize Results

By Melissa Lagowski CEO / Queen Bee / Founder Big Buzz Idea Group Nonprofit organizations exist to serve a very specific purpose. You know that your mission should always be the driving force for every project, program and event that you host. But how focused on that mission are you? What about your Board of Directors and your staff? Are you utilizing yours properly for decision-making? There are times when a nonprofit might accidentally lose its way. It may be a well-intended meeting that veers off-course. The enthusiasm builds and before you realize it, the committee has created an entire...

6 Tips for Healthy Collaboration with Your Board Chair

6 Tips for Healthy Collaboration with Your Board Chair

By Melissa Lagowski CEO / Queen Bee / Founder Big Buzz Idea Group In thinking back to my first day as an Executive Director (E.D.), I realize now that the tone was set right there on day one. I met the Board President at my new office. He unlocked the door, handed me the key and said, “Have a nice day” as he left. There was no training, nobody to answer my questions. I don’t even know if I saw any of the board members between meetings (except, on occasion, for the Board member who owned the building where my...

Board Nominating: A Better Way

Board Nominating: A Better Way

By Brad Ball Vice President Big Buzz Idea Group “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” – Douglas Adams Simply too many organizations think about bringing new people onto the board of directors as a last-minute activity. They wait until just before the Annual Meeting, have a few quick, quiet conversations about who has time and is willing to join the board for the next term. Those people say ‘yes,’ the names are hastily approved, and thus, the next year’s board of directors is born. And this story repeats itself, often with just...

Fostering Board Engagement in Virtual Times

Fostering Board Engagement in Virtual Times

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group Congrats on carefully selecting and approving new board members for your nonprofit organization! You have every reason to be excited about this ideal blend of leaders who are all passionate about your cause and ready to do great things. Cohesive leadership teams don’t just happen; they are the result of serious intention, and much of this work is the result of proper onboarding. Generally, your annual retreat brings new board members “up to speed” on the organization while providing a way for all members of the team to get to know...

5 Ways to Generate Sponsor Leads

5 Ways to Generate Sponsor Leads

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group Nonprofits are constantly looking for new ways to grow their revenues and create additional reliable revenue streams. Sponsorship is often overlooked or deemed to be difficult and time-consuming, but it is a great way to secure additional funding. To date, we have helped clients secure more than $6 million in sponsorship, so we know it works when done properly – and we can help you find ways to generate more dollars. We have previously shared tips on how to organically find sponsors, and we want to share five additional ways to generate...

6 Tips for Recruiting Ideal Board Members

6 Tips for Recruiting Ideal Board Members

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group We regularly hear from nonprofits that their Board of Directors or certain members are not carrying their fair share of the weight. The biggest concern is leadership not delivering on their Board commitments and sometimes they aren’t even showing up to the organization’s events. But imagine the flipside: What if each Board member actively engaged with your organization? What if every Board member met their give-or-get requirements and took their fiduciary responsibilities more seriously? What if every Board member actively served and supported your nonprofit with shared vision and commitment toward...

9 Lessons Learned from Our First Virtual Conference

9 Lessons Learned from Our First Virtual Conference

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group As we continue to navigate this most historic year, I have personally tried to remain focused on the positive and the valuable lessons learned in 2020. Since March 16th, we have helped nonprofit organizations create virtual meetings, webinars, networking events and happy hours. In August, we added in a virtual festival, and in September, we leveled up to our first virtual conference. In one day, we hosted nine breakout sessions, one general session with a hybrid awards presentation, a diversity panel, a happy hour and an exhibit hall. After kicking the...

Securing Help from Your Board: Are You Ready?

Securing Help from Your Board: Are You Ready?

By: Melissa Lagowski
CEO/Founder/Queen Bee of Big Buzz Idea Group

We all dream of a Board that wants to help move the mission outside of the Board Meeting. All too often, many Executive Directors share woeful stories of board members who barely show up for the meetings let alone support the organization in other ways. But lately, we have been hearing stories about boards and volunteers who are looking for ways to contribute in more meaningful ways. To maximize the willingness of leaders to support your nonprofit, it is important that you properly prepare for these opportunities.

The Board’s Hot (Summer) Topics

The Board’s Hot (Summer) Topics

By: Amy Schiffman Principal and Co-Founder, Giving Tree Associates It’s that time of year when most boards are closing the books on this fiscal year and planning for the next.  Perhaps we’re spending time reviewing new programmatic, fundraising and operational strategies or putting the finishing touches on next year’s budget.  But I’d like to make a case for summer being the right time to consider the health of your organization’s governance program.  And if that sounds either too vague or glaringly obvious, let’s dig down a little deeper, unpack the possibilities, and prioritize.   During this year’s summer board retreat, why...

Seven Tips to a More Productive Year for Your Organization

Seven Tips to a More Productive Year for Your Organization

Have you ever had a difficult time getting your committees to focus on the task at hand because they get easily distracted? Does it sometimes feel like every member of your Board is rowing in a different direction? It happens unexpectedly and just when everything seems to be going well. Your organization stands to have an amazing year because the strategic planning has been completed, the team has become clear on the mission and maybe even rebranded the new vision of the organization. The energy is high and everyone is excited about the things to come. Then fast forward six...

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Insights Blog Archive

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

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  • 4055 W. Peterson Ave., #105 Chicago, IL 60646
  • 773.804.8589
  • 773.804.8986
  • info@bigbuzzideagroup.com

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