How do you select and make effective use of
professional fund raising counsel?
1. The effectiveness of professional counsel is
directly related to matching the consultant's skills
to your institution's needs.
2. The ability, experience, and personality of the
individual who will serve as your counsel must be
compatible with your institution and the people with
whom the counselor works.
3. Fund raising counsel, no matter how experienced,
cannot be effective unless the key individuals at
an institution want and are willing to listen to
outside, objective advice.
4. The staff must be willing, in an already busy
schedule, to prepare for the periodic visits of
counsel!
5. Counsel can be only as effective as the information
on which judgements are based.
6. Time and money will be saved if a carefully planned
agenda and schedule are worked out with the consultant
in advance of a visit.
7. Periodic visits on a thoroughly prearranged schedule
are a must.
8. Fees, travel and other expense estimates should be
fully stated in writing and budgeted well in advance.
9. The Chief Development Officer must take time to follow up
recommendations and decisions made during the course of a
counseling visit.
10. How and when you complete a consulting relationship
deserves as much attention as the retention of a consultant.
In summary, a lack of clear understanding about what is
expected and what is realistic can often result in frustration
and disenchantment for the client and the consultant. Therefore,
a successful consulting relationship is the result of careful
thought, planning, and effective communication by both the
consultant and the key-people at the institution served. The
quality of advice will be improved by disciplined procedures,
and the relationship will be more pleasant and more productive
for all concerned if the considerations outlined above are followed.
