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Powering Nonprofits to Fuel Positive Change

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Client Spotlight: Cyberjutsu

Client Spotlight: Cyberjutsu

Name/Title: Mari Galloway, CEO & Founding Board Member What is your organization and mission? Cyberjutsu is a 501c3 cybersecurity community for women to grow and build their #cyberjutsutribe. We empower women to network and lead in the cybersecurity space through hands-on workshops, cyber games, professional development, conference participation, leadership and volunteer opportunities, and more. How many years do you have in the nonprofit industry? 10 Your nonprofit community. Your team. Your mission. Your Board of Directors. Your events. Your volunteers. Your sponsors. How do you manage it all day to day? I don’t, lol. Just kidding. But I wonder about...

How to Hire a Consultant

How to Hire a Consultant

By Brad Ball Vice President Big Buzz Idea Group As an association management company and nonprofit consultant, we’ve written extensively about the benefits of outsourcing for your organization. Outsourcing can help you navigate a tight job market or hiring market, ensuring that tasks are performed by competent professionals and the office is running efficiently throughout the hiring process. It can cost less than hiring new staff, is more reliable than counting on volunteers, and can even allow you to bring in an expert with a specific skillset you need for a limited time. With more and more complex tasks and responsibilities...

Silver Linings Discovered Amidst a Pandemic

Silver Linings Discovered Amidst a Pandemic

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group We have always known that, out of necessity, nonprofit organizations are incredibly nimble and resilient. Over the last 12 months, organizations have made quick pivots and showed great commitment and creativity to the missions they serve. Now that it has been a full year of life with COVID-19, we asked our clients if they had any unexpected positive results from the pandemic. Here is what they had to say:   Rogers Park Business Alliance “We added video interviews to our Small Business Saturday event in 2020. The pivot to video for...

3 Questions to Ask If You Hope to Grow Your Membership

3 Questions to Ask If You Hope to Grow Your Membership

By: Brad Ball Vice President Big Buzz Idea Group If boosting membership is a key goal for your organization, we’ve got three questions to kick off your strategic planning. To add some context, we spoke with Lynsey Sorrell, the Vice President of Membership for the Ely Chapter of Lambda Alpha International, the Honorary Society for the Advancement of Land Economics. As one of our valued association management clients, she was able to share some of the impactful ways we’ve worked together to improve her organization’s membership. Read on for our thought-starters to move your own membership forward. 1. How can...

Time to Assess Your Year-End Campaigns

Time to Assess Your Year-End Campaigns

By: Sarah Pollock Nonprofit Account Manager Big Buzz Idea Group In the last quarter of what has been a very unpredictable year, everyone is fighting with full force towards their year-end campaigns. With a drastic change in the economy, this year has included more asks and more widespread campaigning from nonprofits, and funding sources, themselves, have to be as strategic as the askers. Though workloads have increased, sifting through donor lists and segmenting campaign asks – tasks which always seem to end up on the back burner as tedious and time-consuming – need to become your immediate goal. The development strategy needs to face three questions: How many donor lists do you currently have? How many times has each donor been asked for a...

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...

Real Progress Requires Intention: What Do You Want to Achieve in 2020 for Your Nonprofit?

Real Progress Requires Intention: What Do You Want to Achieve in 2020 for Your Nonprofit?

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, December can fly by quickly and it is the New Year before we realize it. For many executive directors and nonprofit leaders, December may be no busier than the rest of the year. But this month, do something special for yourself. Carve out some time when you can be alone without the interruptions of your team, your Board or your email. Turn off your phone and truly focus on your thoughts for an extended period of time. This is an ideal time to...

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...

To Be Successful, Nonprofits and Associations Must Be Forward-Thinking

To Be Successful, Nonprofits and Associations Must Be Forward-Thinking

By: Melissa Lagowski Founder, CEO and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group “Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” ~Albert Einstein Do you feel like your organization is in a rut? Does it seem like no matter what you do, your budget hasn’t seen growth and programs don’t expand as you had anticipated? Are you still struggling with staffing shortages or failing to fill those seats on the Board with engaged leaders? It is not uncommon for nonprofit organizations to rollover their same plan from year to year, but the reality is that if you...

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...

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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 Fundraising Goal-Setting Gratitude Leadership Marketing mission Networking Nonprofit Nonprofit Board Members Nonprofit Leadership Nonprofit Management Nonprofit Organization NPO Organization Organization's Culture Organizational Growth Outsourcing pandemic Productivity Social Media Sponsors Sponsorship Staff Strategic Planning Virtual Volunteers

Insights Blog Archive

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

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

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