If you and your nonprofit are considering creating a strategic plan, you may be wondering whether or not to bring on a strategic planning consultant. The role of a nonprofit strategic planning consultant is to help analyze your organization's position, discover new strategies and improvements for success, and assist with implementing best operational practices.
Selecting an individual or a team who can serve your organization in this way is incredibly advantageous, but there are several factors you should consider before you do so. Let's get started.
Understand Their Knowledge and Expertise Level
Strategic planning consultants are helpful to your organization because of their wealth of knowledge and experience. They've worked with other nonprofit organizations in the past and can help lead your team through the strategic planning process.
However, before choosing just any consultant, make sure you ask the right questions about their expertise. For example, they may be able to help you with your strategy but not be able to effectively assist with process definition and implementation. Further, you’ll want to make sure that they have experience working with organizations like yours; strategic planning at a large nonprofit is significantly different than at a small organization. Bottom line, you'll want to make sure you're choosing someone that has a strong understanding of the unique needs of your nonprofit.
Do They Have Testimonials?
The world runs on reviews, testimonials, and client success stories. Strategic planning consultants are not exempt from this rule. Check to see if your consultant has reviews, testimonials, and information on LinkedIn, Google, or other platforms. Look at them as an investment of your time, money, and resources. It's vital to find the right fit.
If reviews or testimonials are not readily available online, don’t hesitate to request your candidate consultants to provide you with some to review. This is a common request and shouldn't be avoided when vetting the relevancy and overall skillsets of the consultants you are reviewing.
Do They Have a Methodology or Process They Adhere To?
Each nonprofit strategic planning consultant will operate differently. As the saying goes, “if you gather 10 consultants in a room, you’ll get 11 opinions on what to do.” Taking this into consideration, during your selection process, ask prospective candidates what their methodology or approach is for getting your organization from Point A to Point B. Hopefully, they'll be able to provide you with some type of project outline or roadmap that can demonstrate a clear illustration of their process.
After this is provided, be sure to ask questions! If you're worried that part of their process won't mesh with structures your organization currently has in place, don't be afraid to voice that. Your nonprofit consultant should be committed to working with your organization and finding new, innovative ways to accomplish the goals you have.
How Well Do They Communicate?
Because your planning consultant will be guiding your organization through the process that will lead it to success, they should have strong communication and facilitation skills. Having good verbal communication skills allows them to collaborate with others and build a good rapport. Facilitation skills are also essential in this context because it helps to identify personality types and comfort levels within the group that they're working with. This enables them to adjust the discussion flow to ensure that all perspectives are heard.
Good communicators and facilitators know how to empower the clients they work with to drive certain elements themselves and when they should step into the picture. This balanced approach to leadership comes with time and experience and is one of the signs of a great nonprofit strategic planning consultant. Don’t feel like you need to compromise in this area. While finding the right nonprofit consultant who truly understands your unique needs and understands your vision takes time, you’ll be in a much better position if you don’t settle for a partnership lacking in clear communication.
Can They Work Within Your Budget?
Not all strategic planning consultants are the right fit for your budget. Don't be afraid to shop around.
Your strategic planning consultant should be given a pretty good picture of the budget you're looking to work within and the scope of the work being done. This will help them to better understand your organization's financial position and the level of commitment they will need to give.
Defining and discussing your budget openly with your consultant is a great way to help them draft a realistic vision of what you can expect out of the partnership, along with relevant timelines, milestones, and organizational objectives they'll be looking to help you achieve.
Are They a Long-Term Partner?
Nonprofit strategic planning consultants often have experience working with a variety of organizational types. This makes them great objective third parties who can bring fresh perspectives and approaches into your organization. Because consultants have established methods for how to create strategic plans, the process often moves much faster than if your nonprofit starts from scratch.
While this may sound great, you'll want to be clear on their level of engagement when deciding if they're the right fit for your organization. Are they looking to give you and your team some direction and then walk away? Or will they be there to support your organization down the road and help to implement new processes?
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For most organizations, especially smaller nonprofits or those just getting on their feet, sourcing a long-term partner is the ideal scenario. In this case, it's important that you factor your strategic planning consultant's commitment levels into your selection criteria. This will ensure you find the right fit for your strategic planning and execution needs.
What is Your Commitment Level?
Before bringing on a planning consultant, reflect on your own level of commitment. While a consultant is there to guide you, it's important you're ready to be actively engaged. Consultants are there to keep everyone on track, but your organization should be committed to making the partnership work.
Is our executive director committed to the strategic planning process?
Will our board of directors and other key stakeholders be supportive of this effort?
Are we willing to make the time for the meetings required to not only create the plan, but also implement it over the next year and beyond?
Are we willing to regularly track and measure progress on our plan?
These questions are just a few considerations, but it is worth knowing that creating a valued partnership involves effort on both sides. Planning consultants of any type are not a "set it and forget it" solution to strengthening your nonprofit. If you want to impact change within your organization then everyone involved must be ready to play an active role.
Final Thoughts
Whether you've just started your search for a nonprofit strategic planning consultant or have already shortlisted potential candidates, due diligence is key to realizing value. By understanding these seven factors discussed, you'll be sure to find a long-term partner who is the right fit for your organization now and in the future.