Smart ideas from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

October 7, 2008

Stimulating Your Board for
Success from Day One

An energized and well prepared Board can be one of your organization's greatest assets.

The following are tips for stimulating your Board for success from day one.

1. Prepare them
   Share with Board members the organization's mission, vision and goals; and their role in furthering these. Identify each Board member's personal strengths and explore how those strengths can be used to advance the organization. Be honest about what is expected of them: meeting attendance; committee and special event participation; minimum required financial support; etc. 
   
   
2. Educate them
   Prepare Board members to talk publicly and comfortably about the good work of your organization. Conduct a required orientation that covers the organization from A to Z. Don't skip the basics - understanding fundamental concepts and services is critical in embracing the entire organization. Identify challenges and questions Board members may encounter in the community and offer advice on how they may answer or overcome those situations.
   
   
3. Involve them
   Keep Board members engaged throughout their tenure via meetings, phone calls, emails and personal notes. Ask for their help, and certainly don't let them drop off your radar screen.
   
   
4. Inform them
   Success breeds success. Keeping Board members informed about the good things that are happening at your organization through their efforts will help motivate them, encourage them and inspire them to do more.

Taking the time to prepare, educate and continually work with your Board will get you started on the right foot, and will result in great rewards for your organization, your clients and your Board members.

- Rachel Larsen, Senior Consultant (Kansas City) rlarsen@hartsookcompanies.com

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

"Our 34-member Board of Directors consisted of the nation's most respected cable telecommunications executives. At meetings, they were ready for fierce conversations that focused on reality. So, there was always a risk of engaging them, but losing control. Here are three planning techniques that helped me manage the agenda without restraining the dialogue: 1) Carefully order topics with those that must be resolved up front; 2) Tell them the goal for each topic; and 3) Minimize presentations so there's plenty of time for discussion." - Robert C. Russo, formerly of The Cable Center (Denver, Colo.)

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

• Bob Hartsook's first book, "Closing That Gift!" is now in its fourth printing. Reviewers have said "impressive...an important hands-on guide...serious fundraisers won't just read this book, they'll use it every day." Available for $15 (plus $3 S&H) through ASR Philanthropic Publishing by calling toll-free 1-866-630-8500.

• "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" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection", please email Gretchen DiGiovanni, gretchen@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Career Booster!

Looking for ways to invest in your organization's future? Join us for a seminar packed with valuable fundraising strategies! Whether you're on the West coast, East coast or somewhere in between, plan to participate in the Hartsook Companies, Inc. Fall Seminar Series:

November 15 - Detroit, Mich.
December 5 - Santa Barbara, Calif.
December 12 - Raleigh, N.C.

This full-day seminar provides an opportunity for you to learn from some of our top consultants; network with fellow fundraisers, nonprofit professionals and volunteers; and gather valuable ideas you can implement immediately. Visit the Hartsook Companies website at www.hartsookcompanies.com for more information.

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. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Gretchen DiGiovanni, gretchen@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

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