Tips:

Do your homework.
Before you begin working with a consultant, be sure to hone in on the problem that your organization is facing. This will make your relationship more productive and solutions easier to develop.

Have a goal.
This is probably the simplest, yet most overlooked, part of the consulting process. Don't be afraid to set some realistic outcomes before you begin working together. This will make sure everyone knows exactly where you're headed.

Filter the information.
Don't just give your consultant everything that you have about your organization. Give them content that's relevant to the problem they're working on. Providing too much may bog down the process.

But don't filter too much.
Since your consultant isn't part of your organization, they may not know about interpersonal dynamics, history or politics that may potentially complicate the process. Make sure they know about potential landmines.

What area of nonprofit management are you interested in?
Category:
Go
See all categories »

1. Online needs assessment:
You can begin your relationship with CNS by answering some questions on our online needs assessment. This will help us determine your challenges and how best we can help you.

Use the search form on the right to determine the most appropriate needs assessment form for you to complete.

2. Telephone conversation:
The CNS will contact you personally to further discuss your answers and learn more about your specific needs and challenges.

3. Proposal:
After we talk, we’ll submit a written proposal that details our understanding of your needs and how we’ll work with you. You can then review and approve this document.

4. Consultant match:
When you approve our proposal, we’ll assign a consultant to your project with the skills and experience that match your unique needs.

5. Performance review:
Throughout our relationship, you’ll always have the opportunity to give feedback on our proposal, our services and our product. At the end of the project, you’ll have a more formal opportunity to complete our online questionnaire to let us know if we performed to your expectations.
See performance review.