|
Nonprofit leaders discuss opportunities for consultants
|
|
By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, RPCN Communication Committee
Based on what we heard from presenters at the May 15 RPCN TrendTalk event, “Challenges and Opportunities in Rochester’s Human Services Sector,” local not-for-profit organizations are a valuable source of potential business for consultants, particularly those with solid business skills and experience.
Speakers Michelle Prohov, founder of the Working for Nonprofits networking group and human resource manager at the Center for Disability Rights; Marlene Bessette, president and CEO of the Catholic Family Center; and Carol Love, nonprofit leadership consultant, provided overviews of their organizations, insights into challenges for the not-for-profit sector, and ways that consultants could help such organizations.
RPCN member Beth Sears, president of Workplace Communication, Inc./Good Enough to Great Coaching, moderated the program.
 Photo by Mike Molaire, houseKALL fotography. To see more photos from the event, visit RPCN on Facebook.
Introducing technology and for-profit business principles to human services organizations is among the challenges that create opportunities for consultants interested in this sector, according to Love. “Money is tight and that will not be ‘over’ – it is a reality,” she said. “Corporations today are not as generous as they used to be and there is less money in government grants due to changes in streams of financing. New York State is playing ‘fruit-basket upset’” with certain kinds of funding that used to be easily available.
In response, consultants can help not-for-profits assess how they are meeting government guidelines for board service, ensuring their missions and directions are being met, seeing whether they have the resources needed to offer planned programs and services, and doing “the right things the right ways.” Strategic planning and board development are two vital areas where consultants could play a role in helping nonprofits function better, Love suggested.
Succession planning for boards of directors is another area where consultants can help nonprofits, said Prohov. She also noted that many organizations “are afraid of millennials and how they will lead,” which creates opportunities for consultants to provide training and development guidance.
Bessette is seeing “educated donors and funders asking a lot more questions and asking for a lot more proof” that nonprofits are fulfilling their missions, which means that consultants could play a role in documenting efforts and activities. “I highly value the business skills that (I saw in the corporate world),” she said – she came to the nonprofit world from a substantial career with Xerox. “I’ve been tapping my retired colleagues” to provide such skills in her current nonprofit role.
Bessette looks for “certain characteristics in terms of personality and approach” in potential employees or consultants. “I look for people who are inquisitive,” she said.
Consultants interested in working with nonprofits should be aware that “culture fit is important and so is understanding what the vision is,” Prohov said. Organization websites are good sources of information about missions, activities, services, programs and even scheduling options for those interested in consulting or volunteering with nonprofits. Bessette noted that volunteering is often a good way to enter the nonprofit world and pave a path to being hired for consulting services. “Make sure that people know what you do,” she said.
In response to an audience question, Love said that larger organizations are likely to use independent financial consultants when dealing with retirement plans and endowments, and that “awareness among smaller organizations that this is worth doing is growing.”
All three speakers expressed appreciation for learning about the existence and resources of the RPCN, particularly the member directory – a good reminder that every RPCN member should have a detailed profile there!
Ruth E. Thaler-Carter (www.writerruth.com) provides writing, editing, proofreading, desktop-publishing and related services to publications, businesses, not-for-profits and other clients.
Please note: The RPCN member profile will return with the July issue.
|
|
Another RPCN year is about to begin
|
|
By Michael Van der Gaag, President
 It has been a heck of a year! As we approach this time of our vice-presidential elections, I can see why a few of my predecessors have told me that, “Just as you get the hang of it, your time would be coming to a close.”
This has been a year of several accomplishments and many lessons learned.
My biggest lesson? In an all-volunteer organization, the direction comes from within – it cannot be imposed from the top, but must evolve by consensus. Then, to achieve a goal, complete an activity or deliver a program, it takes those stepping up, who give of their time and energy to get things done.
During my time as president, I have noted that our accomplishments align with the contributions of members, some on the board and others not. For instance, past Program chair Mike Molaire, who continues to run the “TrendTalk, Challenges and Opportunities” series, has invited many interesting presenters, including various business, community and economic development leaders, to give us the lowdown on the Rochester area’s economy, business growth and opportunities. As I took on being Program chair, Lynn Dessert stepped up to help. Lynn, who knows just about everybody, invited some of the most successful consultants and marketing experts in the area to come in and give us their insights and share their media savvy on how to use the web to improve our image and business.
As we have recognized in the past, the Newsletter Committee, now chaired by Janice Hanson, with partners Ruth Thaler-Carter and Barbara Moore, is unequaled, especially for an all-volunteer organization.
The Website Committee (Emily Carpenter, Steve Royal and Paul Lowans) was recently recognized by the RPCN during the May TrendTalk for its steadfast support. They provide many hours of effort without compensation, maintaining and refining the site. As we face a changing web-media landscape, another member leader, David Powe, Marketing Committee chair, anticipates that, for our website to keep up, we will have to implement more structural changes to better serve the membership. Our Website Committee will be at the forefront of those changes.
At the TrendTalk dinner, we also recognized Bob Lurz’s contribution and leadership in planning, producing and conducting the Consultants Boot Camp.
Thanks to the Membership Committee, now led by Paula Randall (with Lori Cohen, Jerry Seward and Ruth Balkin), we came up with a unique incentive program for members to recruit members, and a new system for badging and tracking contacts.
Thanks also to Sandy Glanton, who took on the role of secretary, and is excellent. Peter Burns, who, as Hospitality chair, has been a cheerful face and engaging promoter of the RPCN; Ruth Balkin, who, as Librarian, has kept on top of our intellectual trust in a year of rejuvenation (out with the old books; in with the new); and to Don Giancursio, who keeps on top of our needs for meeting space in Pittsford.
I also want to recognize the contribution of others who have more recently stepped up to move us forward, among them: Dave Bassett, who, as VP, is chairing the fall “Picture Yourself” Conference; Jim Barton, who leads the Conference Program Subcommittee, which has an excellent lineup of presenters; and Laurie Enos, in charge of the marketing strategy. I also express my appreciation to many others on the Conference Committee (Tracy Aiello, Ruth Balkin, Lori Cohen, Janice Hanson, Bob Lewis, Joe MacDonough, Paula Randall, Jerry Seward and Mark Shrader). Mark has also agreed to pick up the treasurer role. Jerry, a web guru in his own right, always willing to provide guidance and skill to the organization when needed, will be moving onto the board and the Web Committee as Paul Lowans leaves to pursue other interests.
In the next month or so, as we welcome a new VP, whether it be David Powe or Paula Randall , I have confidence that he/she will do an excellent job. As I hand off the role of president to Dave Bassett, I will look forward to continuing my support of the RPCN in any area where I am needed.
As each of you, my fellow members, searches your soul to see how you, your network or your talents may best serve the organization, allow me to thank you for all your support.
As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome. Here’s to your success!
|
|
RPCN presents first Dave Young Award, thanks members for contributions
|
|
By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, RPCN Communications Committee
A highlight of the May 15 RPCN TrendTalk event on consulting opportunities in the human services sector was a presentation of RPCN awards for service to the organization.
Incoming RPCN president David Bassett presented an award to long-time member Bob Lurz for his hard work in organizing and promoting the successful 2014 RPCN Boot Camp, which yielded more than a dozen new members and provided participants with essential information about launching and managing a consulting business. Emily Carpenter, Steve Royal and Paul Lowans received awards for their dedicated behind-the-scenes services to RPCN in managing the organization, its website and its day-to-day activities.
 The evening also saw presentation of the first RPCN Dave Young Service Award, given this year to Young’s son Christopher. The award is in memory of Dave Young, who was one of the very first RPCN members and gave many years of time and effort in managing the organization at almost every level imaginable, including producing the RPCN newsletter and bringing the coffee and donuts to Friday meetings.
Photo by Mike Molaire, houseKALL fotography. To see more photos from the event, visit RPCN on Facebook.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We want you!
|
|
The RPCN newsletter welcomes news, success stories, tips, resources, events and other items that would be of broad interest to consultants. Submit a newsletter item by email to the Communication Committee. RPCN members also may write articles for our website; submit articles here. In the newsletter, we'll highlight submitted articles aimed at helping consultants make their businesses better.
If you have newsletter questions or suggestions, or ideas for how RPCN could improve communications, contact the Communication Committee:
Janice Hanson, Chair
Barbara Moore
Ruth E. Thaler-Carter
Steve Royal
Please send items for the July newsletter by June 15, 2014.
|
|
Upcoming events
|
|
Technical Forum
facilitated by Steve Royal
Friday, June 6, 2014
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Pittsford Community Library
An informal, facilitated roundtable discussion of any technical issues that consultants encounter in running their businesses, including computers, the Internet and phones. Wondering what kind of questions people are asking? For a list from recent forums, click here.
Franchising as a Business
presented by Ron Axelrod, John Adams and Bob Lewis
Friday, June 13, 2014
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Brighton Town Hall - Downstairs Meeting Room
Franchising as a business model is widely misunderstood; it’s not just French fries and retail. This program will cover the types of franchises available, and the pluses and minuses of franchising vs. starting a business from scratch or buying an existing one. The discussion will touch on a little bit of legal mumbo-jumbo, common myths and how to find a franchise that’s right for you.
Business Forum
facilitated by Bob Lurz
Friday, June 20, 2014
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Pittsford Community Library
An informal, facilitated roundtable discussion of issues regarding starting or running a consulting business. Wondering what kind of questions people are asking? For a list from recent forums, click here.
RPCN Board Meeting
Friday, June 20, 2014
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location to be announced.
RPCN’s monthly board meeting begins at approximately 10:00 AM, after the Business Forum. Everyone is welcome to attend, but only board members may vote.
Hit the ground running - Starting a new sales effort.
presented by Jeffrey Marcus
Friday, June 27, 2014
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Brighton Town Hall - Downstairs Meeting Room
Jeffrey Marcus is a Technology Sales/Marketing Leader whose successful actions pioneered Pictometry's roll out to the commercial marketplace.
Here are some key points from Jeffery's presentation:
- One foot in front of another. Now you are walking. You must prioritize everything.
- Ask Questions during the sales process.
- How to present, what to present and why.
|
|
Picture Yourself … as a Successful Consultant!
|
|
The RPCN will hold a full-day conference called “Picture Yourself … as a successful consultant” on Wednesday, October 15, at MCC. The conference will focus on ways and tools to grow and expand your small / consulting business. We’ll have many interesting and helpful topics following three tracks focusing on: consulting fundamentals, marketing and selling, and business-building. Whether you are well-seasoned or just starting out, we’ll have something for you.
If you are interested in helping with this conference, we’d love to have you. The committee has been meeting on Thursdays at the Corner Bakery Café at 3300 Monroe Avenue in Pittsford (across the street from Pittsford Plaza) at 3:00 PM. We have our program well hammered out but still have a lot of work to do. Our main areas of focus now are recruiting sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers; publicizing the conference; and putting together the conference program booklet. As we get closer to the event, we’ll be looking for help with registration, putting together conference materials and assistance the day of the event. Helping with the conference is a great way to get to know other RPCN members and demonstrate your skills. If you’d like to help, or just know more about the conference, please join us. Contact Dave Bassett at (585) 739-9726 or dbassett@bassett.pro for more details.
|
|
Making your business better
|
|
Social media: Which social media tool should you use: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Google+? Hannah Morgan lists tips on how to effectively use these resources in her Democrat and Chronicle Nextpert column, Building Your Social Presence (5/11/14).
Making connections: Writing short notes in response to news reports, trade publications and social media postings can pay off in new connections with potential clients, writes Arlene Hisiger in the weekly “Women at Work” column in the Democrat and Chronicle.
|
|
Be sure to check here next month for RPCN's new members.
|
|
