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Powering Nonprofits to Fuel Positive Change

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Outsourcing: The Only Solution To Staffing Shortages

Outsourcing: The Only Solution To Staffing Shortages

By Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Debates continue about the “great resignation” and the fast-rising salary demands that are running rampant in the current hiring climate (also known as wage compression). As nonprofits and associations strive to serve their missions with diminishing resources, many are struggling to find the experienced workers they need at a salary they can afford. Just as frustrating, the labor shortage increases the demands on your existing staff (who are already taxed as a result of the pandemic), which results in higher levels of burnout. So, what is an organization to do? We’ve seen a recent rise...

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...

4 Ways Outsourcing Your Development Work Can Provide Value

4 Ways Outsourcing Your Development Work Can Provide Value

Three Nonprofit Leaders Share the Benefits of Enlisting Outside Support for Development Assistance By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group For nonprofits with a small development department—or perhaps none at all—outsourcing is a valuable option. In our work at Big Buzz, we provide support with fundraising, events, communications, database management, marketing and more, offering a deeply impactful value to nonprofit organizations. But you don’t have to take our word for it. This month, we talked to three client partners to hear (directly from them) about the value they saw in outsourcing development work. Here are the main benefits...

Big Buzz Has COVID-19 Resources For You!

Big Buzz Has COVID-19 Resources For You!

Many of our partners have been working tirelessly to provide relevant and valuable information to help various nonprofit organizations navigate the ever-changing waters regarding COVID-19. Forefront COVID-19 Resource Page  COVID-19 Response Funds Network for Good COVID-19 Resources National Council of Nonprofits COVID-19 Resource Page Bloomerang COVID-19 Resource Page Council of Nonprofits Resources Financial and Strategic Preparedness for COVID-19 Webinar Center for Disaster Philanthropy COVID-19 Arts Community Resources Northstar Meetings Group – How to Monetize Virtual Events   We will continue to update this page as more and more resources become available. Thank you to everyone for their hard work in...

Four Tactics to Resolve Nonprofit Staffing Shortages

Four Tactics to Resolve Nonprofit Staffing Shortages

By: Melissa Lagowski Founder, CEO and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group In working with clients, we’ve seen the state of the nonprofit sector evolve. More recently, many organizations are facing a tight job market with a shortage of skilled and experienced workers. Layer in limited budgets and ongoing turnover, and it’s not surprising that nonprofits are feeling the squeeze. It’s an issue for nonprofits and businesses alike: staff shortages have become the top emerging risk that organizations face globally, according to Gartner, Inc.’s latest Emerging Risks Survey. Sixty-three percent of total respondents stated that a talent shortage was a key...

5 Reasons to Outsource Instead of Rely on Volunteers

5 Reasons to Outsource Instead of Rely on Volunteers

By: Melissa Lagowski Founder, CEO and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group   Let’s start with this: We absolutely recognize the incredible value of volunteers. Without the work of volunteers, many organizations simply couldn’t do what they do so we applaud these generous people for their ongoing support and help. That being said, in our work with nonprofits, we’ve also seen how beneficial it can be for an organization to outsource certain responsibilities to an agency. If you’ve had challenges with relying on volunteers for help, read on for five reasons outsourcing may be your best bet: 1. Continuity and...

Why Nonprofits Need to Evaluate Their Budgets Every Year

Why Nonprofits Need to Evaluate Their Budgets Every Year

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO, Founder and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group It’s that time of year when many clients are setting budgets for the year ahead. A budget is a crucial part of planning and execution. But all too often in the nonprofit world, budgets are simply carried over without questioning individual line items or evaluating partnerships. In taking a closer look and applying a forward-thinking, strategic mindset, we’ve helped our clients find areas where their organizations can trim excess spending and make those dollars work harder. Cost savings and more efficient, effective spending—that’s what we all want, right?...

The Benefits of Outsourcing

The Benefits of Outsourcing

Save time, money and effort By: Melissa Lagowski CEO, Founder and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group When your plate is full—perhaps too full—it’s hard to do anything well as you’re pulled in different directions and constantly hurtling from one task to the next. Meanwhile, your team is also working hard, but they likely don’t have the time or all the necessary skills to propel your nonprofit’s growth. The result? Burnout, stagnation and missed opportunities. Rather than focus internally, the solution may lie outside of your organization. Partnering with an external business to delegate key tasks or areas of expertise...

Spend Less. Do More. Your Guide to Effective Outsourcing

Spend Less. Do More. Your Guide to Effective Outsourcing

By: Melissa Lagowski President, Founder and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group When I first became an Executive Director, I was so excited! I couldn’t wait to roll up my sleeves and dig into the work to make my organization and the community prosper and thrive. But it didn’t take long to realize that running an organization as a team of one was exhausting, though I couldn’t fully understand why the task seemed so daunting. After many years, as I reflect on my first nonprofit role, it now seems so clear: executive directors are expected to wear many hats. How...

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Insights Blog Archive

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

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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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