• Home
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Case Studies
  • Blog
  • Join the Team
  • Contact

Powering Nonprofits to Fuel Positive Change

773.804.8589
info@bigbuzzideagroup.com
Big Buzz Idea GroupBig Buzz Idea Group
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Case Studies
  • Blog
  • Join the Team
  • Contact
The 3 Mistakes I Made Managing a Nonprofit

The 3 Mistakes I Made Managing a Nonprofit

By Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee It was October 1, 1999, when I began my first full-time position in the nonprofit world. I showed up excitedly and ready to dig in and get started. The president of the organization met me at the office, said the organization was looking forward to working with me, handed me the key to the office and walked out the door. Now what? As a staff of one, I was responsible for what would become 24 annual events, 12 newsletters and 8 committees. I remember looking around the office and trying to figure out where to...

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...

Leadership Starts with You

Leadership Starts with You

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved.” ~Helen Keller When you think of a “leader,” who comes to mind? We typically list examples of great leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi and other famous people, but we overlook the value that each of us possess as leaders. Does your organization have strong leadership? How enthusiastic and impassioned are the leaders that sit on your board of directors?...

How to Manage Your Organization During an Election Year Without Violating Your Nonprofit Status

How to Manage Your Organization During an Election Year Without Violating Your Nonprofit Status

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group During an election year, people within your nonprofit may want to support political causes and candidates. What does this mean for your 501(c)(3) organization? To maintain tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code, your organization cannot directly or indirectly participate in a political campaign to support or oppose a candidate for elected office. This means your nonprofit cannot show political bias. You may not, in any way, indicate that the organization favors or opposes a candidate. Your organization cannot make political statements or endorsements in favor of one candidate or make...

Big Buzz Idea Group Launches Additional Services

Big Buzz Idea Group Launches Additional Services

Big Buzz Idea Group has enjoyed consulting nonprofits for the past 15 years, and over that time, whenever we met a new potential client, we heard a very common theme: “I had no idea a company like yours even existed!” The need for assistance has never been more obvious, which is why we are presenting a new suite of budget-friendly services to a larger audience of nonprofits.

Your mission is our mission, and now in addition to “powering nonprofit organizations to fuel positive change in the world,” we want to also “power nonprofit professionals” to accelerate your organization to fuel positive change in the world.

Re-Imagine the Possibilities to Better Serve Your Mission

Re-Imagine the Possibilities to Better Serve Your Mission

You might feel like you will never break free from Zoom calls and virtual meetings right now, but we will reach the other side of this “shelter in place” soon. However, the world as we knew it will never be the same. Have you started thinking about what this means for you and your nonprofit?

Many organizations have been extremely busy as a result of COVID-19, trying to keep up with an increased demand from core constituencies and working to pivot their in-person services to virtual programming. Nonprofit leaders have been struggling to stay abreast of financial assistance programs, additional giving campaigns and managing remote workforces. We get that you are busier than ever right now, but times like this are for preparation and innovation. If you actively invest the time now to plan out what you want to achieve on the other side of COVID-19, you are far more likely to succeed. You must make the time to begin planning for a future that has already been altered.

Why You Need to Establish Gratitude as a Pillar at Your Nonprofit

Why You Need to Establish Gratitude as a Pillar at Your Nonprofit

By: Melissa Lagowski Founder, CEO and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group With Thanksgiving upon us, it seems like everyone is talking about gratitude. (To be fair, it’s always top of mind around here-gratitude is one of our core values at Big Buzz!) Is there anything better than feeling appreciated? For nonprofits, acknowledging the contributions of those people directly tied to your organization is important. A simple, inspirational gesture of appreciation cultivates a sense of community, generosity and support for your mission. WHO to Thank Think about all of the people who are a part of your organization. They keep...

Should You Ever Cover Board Member Expenses?

Should You Ever Cover Board Member Expenses?

By: Joan Garry Principal and Founder, Joan Garry Consulting  When my wife ran The Food Network, she often got 911 calls during Thanksgiving week. “Eileen, do you brine your turkey?”   “What’s your favorite stuffing recipe?”   It was actually hilarious. Eileen is a very good cook mind you but she would respond to all callers the same way. “I am not a chef; I make TV shows.” As for me, I get more than my fair share of 911 calls. Some folks expect me to be an accountant, a human resources professional and oh my, lots of folks ask me...

If You’re Feeling Hopeless of Late, Remember That Your Work Matters and You Do, Too

If You’re Feeling Hopeless of Late, Remember That Your Work Matters and You Do, Too

By: Vu Le Founder, NonprofitAF.com Writer, Speaker and Executive Director of Rainier Valley Corps   Hi everyone, the last few weeks have been rough. I was glad to end it with the #NonprofitHaiku contest to bring some levity and humor. A colleague on Twitter, though, pointed out the seriousness of all the challenges we face beneath the lightheartedness: “It’s a cute joke that there are raccoons in our supply closet. It’s hilarious. […] The conditions we work in, the demoralizing chaos and the barriers to success are literally killing people.” In my travels around the country, and in the various...

Board or Bored Leadership – Enter the Magnificent Seven

Board or Bored Leadership – Enter the Magnificent Seven

By: Denise Dahl, MPA Founder & Principal, Epiphany Planning & Development Nonprofit Leadership & Strategy   One of the most common questions I receive is “How do I get my board to do more?” The answer is easy, but the implementation can be a bit more challenging as board members each come with their own motivation regarding serving. Maybe they are serving as the cause is dear to them. Maybe they are serving because they feel a type of ownership (founder’s syndrome). Maybe they are serving to build their resume. Reasons to serve on a board are as varied as...

  • 1
  • 2

Check Out These Recent Posts

  • Losing Control? Reclaim Your Time!
  • Client Spotlight: Old Town School of Folk Music
  • From Awareness to Action: Using Social Media to Reach Your Goals
  • SPONSORSHIP 101: Growing Nonprofit Revenues
  • 8 Tips For Leading Productive Meetings
  • The Importance of Authenticity in Sales and Networking
  • How Big Is Your Fire?

Sign up for Insights newsletter


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Tag Cloud

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 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 Volunteers

Insights Blog Archive

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

Contact Us

Want more info? Have a question? Send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Send Message
Spark the growth and power of your organization. Schedule your FREE consultation today. Let's Connect

CONTACT INFO

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

Connect with us

Twitter

  • Today we're showing our appreciation for our Executive Assistant, Cat Donovan. We are grateful for all her hard wor…  http://t.co/jfi1zNB4yX 
  • 1 year ago
  • If you're a #nonprofit leader, what are some #goals that your organization is working towards? Sound off below! ⤵️
  • 1 year ago

Follow @BigBuzzIG

Proud Member:

© 2021 — Big Buzz Idea Group

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Case Studies
  • Blog
  • Join the Team
  • Contact