“What problem are you trying to solve?”

I ask that question so often that my daughter Erin had it put on a coffee mug for me.

After almost four decades in business (for-profit and non-profit), I’ve come to realize that understanding what exactly you are trying to accomplish and embracing the values behind that ambition are the foundation upon which all successful solutions are built.

What is “problem-solving,” after all? We’d like to think it’s the answer to a question. I prefer to think of it as an informed choice between multiple options; a choice that evaluates trade-offs, acknowledges available resources, and considers the capacity required to make it work.

My superpower is the ability to translate what I hear you saying you want into an actionable plan. That’s why I start with understanding purpose. We not only work to define what you hope to accomplish, but what success actually looks like to you. From there, we do a data-driven assessment as to how you are measuring up against that purpose. Then, we identify priorities before finally mapping out a plan. If we work together, this plan will give you a road map for moving forward, and also a tool for evaluating future opportunities we have yet to imagine.

This approach works for founders just starting out who need a business plan. It works for nonprofits looking for a strategic plan or tune-up. It also works for people: boards of directors who need to come together, leaders looking to be more impactful, and managers who need a sharpened set of tools to put purpose into action.

It also works for grants - grant writing, grant strategy, and reaching the organizational readiness required to start pursuing grants. The best grant proposal - like the best strategies, business plans, project plans, and personal development plans - has a clear answer to “what problem are you trying to solve” as well as a specific, measurable plan for solving that problem.

How do I work? I’m an independent consultant and grant writer currently “on staff” part time at two nonprofit organizations in Chicago. I write and speak regularly, eager to share what I’ve learned with the nonprofit and community leadership communities. I’m happy to take on project work but I thrive when I am helping you build capacity in your own organization, team or professional life by teaching and facilitating.

What’s on my mind these days? I’ve got a few really cool strategic planning projects underway for clients doing lots of good in the world. I’m currently obsessed by the inappropriate substitution of the word “management” when people mean “leadership” and vice versa. (Spoiler: They are not the same!) I’m growing my understanding of how nonprofits can best integrate artificial intelligence tools. I’m pursuing my certification as a Community Leadership Practitioner through Association of Leadership Programs. I do lots of great work with “brand” but am too respectful of those with marketing degrees to call myself an expert. I’m constantly badgering close family about how purpose intersects with adult learning theory in their respective professions: healthcare, hospitality, performing arts, cannabis, and public education. My core values are fairness, achievement, and accountability.

The Nonprofit Planner - I love the name and the logo because not only do I believe in having a purpose-based plan, I LOVE tangible paper planners - notebooks, calendars, journals, and pens. In fact, after creating the 6+4 Nonprofit Management System, I actually created a set of planner tools and stickers (available on Etsy) for my peeps: nonprofit executives who won’t leave home without their planners. I’m used to being teased about this - but I like to recognize that among my colleagues, I always seem to remember what we said at our last meeting and know when the deadlines are. Coincidence? Hmmm. I don’t think so.

So that’s me. One side of me, anyway. There are lots of other sides - I’m a Chicago resident blessed with an amazing family and good friends. I’m more introverted than most think, despite my comfort behind the lectern on stage. I still read actual physical books. I’m not so good keeping up my social media but I’m trying. When I’m struck with a business management idea or tip that I want my daughter to know as she builds her own nonprofit, I’ll type out a quick letter to her in my dearerin.com blog. The lessons shared on that page are far less formal than the Insights I’ll post here from time to time. If you are curious about my professional experience and education bits, check out my LinkedIn.

Finally, if you work in the nonprofit sector, without even meeting you yet, let me tell you that I’m a fan. Nonprofits change the world and I see you. That’s why I do this work. That’s why I’d love to work with you.