Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

May 15, 2007

If the only reason you hire a fundraising consultant is to get advice, you're not getting your money's worth!

Whether a consultant visits your organization once a month, twice a month or once a week, here are some tips to help utilize their time - and yours - more wisely.

1. Have an agenda - whether it is driven by the consultant or the client, both should feel free to add items to the agenda as time allows. Being organized and focused are key to a highly productive day.

2. Do your homework. Between visits, complete all the tasks laid out by the consultant during their regularly scheduled on-site day.

3. In addition to the "normal" agenda items - reviewing reports, analyzing solicitation progress since the consultant's prior visit, a completed "to-do" list - keep a list of fundraising learning opportunities you encounter and ask that they be discussed.

4. Schedule others within your organization who are involved in the fundraising initiative to meet with the consultant to gather guidance as it pertains to their specific area, i.e., special events coordinator, grant writer, annual fund director, database manger. The benefits from this are two-fold - new tools are developed and a sense of ownership is created throughout the organization.

Time with your consultant is limited - gain as much insight and information as you can through their wise counsel and personal experiences.

Another Smart Idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Retreats are a strong means to train, motivate and strengthen board members." - Gwyn Lister, CFRE, Accelerated Income Methods (Corte Madera, Calif.)

If you are interested in Best Practices and smart ideas, see these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Fundraising Magic - 33.5 Strategies for Turning Board Members into Money Makers" by Robert G. Swanson (2007, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). This book shares proven strategies you can implement immediately to give Board members the confidence and tools needed to cultivate donors, solicit gifts and strengthen your organization's position in the community. To order this book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union.

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas.

For a free copy of "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM", please email Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.