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USING STRATEGIC PLANNING TO GET HEALTHIER

Posted by Richard Clegg

I used to have a New Year's resolutions ritual. Same goals, same treadmill drudgery, same disappointing results. Someone once said “insanity is doing the same thing, over and over, and expecting different results.”* What if I turned my consulting expertise and experience toward my personal goals? Could strategic planning finally be the solution to getting healthier? With my notepad and a new insight, I explored my health goals like I was facilitating a nonprofit’s strategic planning process.

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Topics: Strategy, Planning, strategic planning

Strategic Planning: One Size Does Not Fit All

Posted by Richard Clegg

Living in the Midwest, it can get cold in the winter months. Real cold. One of the essential clothing items are gloves. Not just any glove, but a great glove. A glove should fit snugly but comfortably, without being too tight or too loose. I often go for gloves that are well insulated, yet stylish, and comfortable to wear. Ultimately, the best glove will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

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Topics: Leadership, Change, Nonprofit Leadership, Strategy, strategic planning

Change in Plans: Embracing Adaptability in Leadership

Posted by Bruce Berglund

Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.” – John C. Maxwell

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Topics: Leadership, Change, Nonprofit Leadership, Strategy, strategic planning

How Big Is Your Frying Pan?

Posted by Kellie Wardman

There once was a little girl whose grandfather took her fishing. She loved being out on the lake. He patiently taught her how to bait, cast and reel them in. But the little girl noticed that her grandfather threw all the large fish back into the lake, and he only kept the smaller ones.

When she asked him why, he laughed and said, “I can’t seem to find my large frying pan. The one I have is only 7 inches, and so I can only fit the small fish in there.”

Do you ever feel like your non-profit has only 7-inch frying pans? Do you throw out some of the big ideas before you even get to try them on?

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Topics: Strategy, Relationship Building, strategic planning

DBD PODCAST: FALL FORWARD PART 2

Posted by DBD Team

The pandemic has made strategic planning a challenging prospect for organizations across the country.   Many teams have had to revisit their mission, vision, or even their values.  Pre-Covid plans no longer fit the times and leaders have had to take a fresh look at community needs.  Given the current landscape, how do we "fall forward" with purpose and planning?    

In part two of the Fall Forward DBD Podcast series, Jon Simons interviews executive coach and fellow DBD Group partner Kellie Wardman about strategic thinking and planning for the modern era.

In this seventeen minute episode, Kellie shares insights about how leaders and teams can get unstuck and take new, energized approaches to thinking and planning for the future.

 

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Topics: Strategy, Podcast, Planning, Big L Leadership, Nonprofit, Preparation, community, Covid

5 WAYS TO END THE YEAR STRONG AND STRATEGIC

Posted by Kellie Wardman

2022 is right around the corner! As we enter the fourth quarter and begin to wrap up a challenging year, it’s an opportune time to look forward. Following are five things to consider as you think about strategic thinking and planning in this new era.

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Topics: Goal Setting, Mission, Strategy, Planning, Nonprofit Staff, Fundraising Campaign, Nonprofit, Collaboration, Preparation, community, Covid

DIGITAL CURRENCY DONATIONS

Posted by DBD Team

By Brian Keel and Robyn Furness-Fallin

You probably see cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin popping up on social media trends and news headlines every day.  Some are more established and widely marketable than others, but people are increasingly buying and holding cryptocurrencies for fun, for investment purposes or as a hedge against inflation.  But what is it anyway?  A recent Journal of Accountancy article defined it as “a digital medium of exchange that can be used for purchasing, selling and storing value, but it is not backed by a sovereign government.” 

The good news is nonprofit organizations do not have to understand all the theory and technology behind cryptocurrency to gain the potential benefits of accepting this form of appreciated property as a donation. 

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Topics: Donation, Major Gifts, Strategy, Planning, Giving, Prospect Research, Gift Of Giving, gifts of stock

LEVERAGING VOLUNTEERS FOR GREATER FINANCIAL SUCCESS

Posted by DBD Finance Team

By Jim Mellor and Brian Keel

The board of directors is an essential component of nonprofit leadership. We seek boards that are engaged, embrace their roles and responsibilities, are committed to transparency, and value both short- and long-term planning. 

Rules vary from state to state, but every board has significant legal and ethical duties that it cannot delegate to others including legal, management, program, and financial oversight. Beyond the board there may be committees that further assist the organization. Committees have representation from the Board but are also an opportunity to engage other community volunteers to serve, especially if these members have subject matter expertise.

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Topics: Volunteer Leadership, Volunteer Management, Volunteer Communication, Nonprofit Leadership, Strategy, Nonprofit Staff, community

CAPTAIN OF THE KICKBALL TEAM

Posted by Nathan Sprenger

Whether we realize it or not, each of us has been applying data to decision-making processes since our youth. Remember that time you were selected to be the captain of the kickball team? The pressure of selecting the best team rested solely on YOUR shoulders. If you were like me, a million strategic thoughts went through your head as you tried to recruit the best team to ensure you won the game. The first step was evaluating the group of classmates staring back at me. What do I know about them? Are they a fast runner? A good kicker? A good fielder? My friend? After quickly assessing the answers to those questions, the selection process began.

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Topics: Donor Cultivation, Fundraising, Strategy, Donor Prospect, Donor, Nonprofit, Prospect, development team

SHARE YOUR PROGRESS

Posted by Bert Ruiz

A typical executive search usually takes a few months from start to finish with key steps throughout the process. As the committee does its work, it’s important to communicate the status of the process to key stakeholders and applicants. It may seem simple, but many organizations skip these basic steps. And when you don’t share your progress, both candidates and your board can be left feeling that the process is cold and disorganized.

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Topics: Leadership, Strategy, Relationship Building, Communication, Hiring, Interviewing

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