Over the past 17 years, we've had the opportunity to consult with hundreds of foundations, nonprofits and professional-services firms.
At the beginning of most engagements we'll gather a group of executives, managers and staff members in a room, put a stack of sticky tabs in front of each person and ask them some fundamental questions, questions that, at face value, seem so easy to answer. We then ask each person to write their answers on their sticky tabs.
One would assume that we'd see identical answers to these questions, but that is not always the case. Here are three good questions to start with:
» What are your top two to three organizational goals?
»·Who are your top audiences to help you reach those goals?
»·What is your metric of success for those goals?
Regardless of staff size, revenue, assets or industry, it is striking to see the diversity of answers we get.
Before we engage with our clients, many already have a website, email marketing, blogs and a variety of social media. Yet, there is not always alignment and clarity on the goals, metrics for success and who will be instrumental to that success.
Participants end the session with looks of relief, hope and excitement to start their project with a clear understanding of where they are going, who will get them there and knowing results will be measured and analyzed to ensure ongoing success.
So, go ahead … grab a stack of sticky tabs and let the magic happen. •