3 Lessons on the Path to Nonprofit Consulting: A Thank You Note

I gave 16 months’ notice before leaving my job in June. “I’ll see the agency through one more strategic planning process and then I’m transitioning to my final chapter as a nonprofit consultant,” I said. Sixteen months might seem excessive, but I’m not a fan of surprises or loose ends.

I then did what any introvert who dislikes surprises does when embarking on a new chapter.  I spent my free time creating spreadsheets, trolling LinkedIn, and reading every relevant book at the Highland Park Public Library, especially those in Dewey’s 158 section and any title containing the word “introvert.” I brainstormed branding on the Green Bay Trail, puttered around Wix, and savored seasonal solo silent retreats on the tranquil grounds of Marytown. I spent Sundays memorizing my new EIN, delighting in Harvard Business Review, and booting up my new Dell laptop (thanks, x3, to my husband Brian). I inventoried every moment that made my brain light up (or shut down) throughout all 54 years of my life.

Etcetera.  

While I made good progress, focusing on books, Excel and soul searching will only take you so far. At a certain point, it’s time to talk to real live humans doing what you want to be doing. In this case, nonprofit consultants. Call it a listening tour, start with a humble genius named Alex, and don’t stop until three dozen oat lattes later. 

Actually, never stop. There’s no shortage of questions. What do you love most about being a nonprofit consultant? What did you learn from your early mistakes? Any advice for an introvert on this path? What unmet needs are you seeing right now? What do you think of this? Any must-read books, apps, trainings, professional associations, master Excel spreadsheets? Synergies?

You shared. I listened. Here are three lessons learned on my nonprofit consultant listening tour:

Lesson #1 - Be true to yourself

Many individuals I met with validated my deep dive. Know your values, your purpose, your story.  Be unapologetically clear about who you are, what you love, where you shine, and what you do. If it’s not a fit, say no. In this spirit, I set aside my running list of potential business names. While Strategy Studio, Mosaic Mindset or Integrity Partners may or may not have a nice ring to them, I’m Dana Rhodes Consulting, Inc.  Someone who has been in the trenches for three decades, who listens and understands, who leads with quiet depth. 

Lesson #2 - Build your inner circle 

I may be a solo practitioner, but nobody can do it alone. Surround yourself with trusted advisors. People who recognize your blind spots and superpowers. Invite them to coffee at Astra or for a walk in the woods. Pick their brains. We all need a personal board of directors who can serve as a sounding board, offer invaluable support and guidance, and speak the truth. Your team might include a past supervisor, BFF, longtime colleague or college roommate. Maybe you invest in a professional coach. I, for one, am especially grateful for Pat, Jill, David, Brian, Amy, and Ron.

Lesson #3 - Let your good work speak for itself

Don’t overthink selling yourself. There is so much need out there. Just focus on doing good work, and the right projects will find you. It might take 6 or 12 or 18 months, it might ebb and flow, but you will pass an inflection point. What a relief. I don’t have to perfect a slick elevator speech, hit the organized circuit, mass-produce branded swag, create a lead magnet, or start a TikTok. Kudos to all the powerhouse marketers out there, but that’s not me. What resonates with me is authentic relationships, word of mouth, thought leadership and quality work. Thankfully, after my recent positive experiences, I now embrace one-on-one networking. And thankfully, with today’s tools, even a non-techie like me can build a simple website and blog.

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Valuable advice, esteemed colleagues. I am grateful for your time, encouragement and wisdom. When I started my listening tour, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I encountered was a generous, insightful, and collaborative community eager to share your stories, resources and networks. Not one yawn or competitive kvetch. A heartfelt thank you to the three Rachels, two Davids and others with biblical and non-biblical names across nine states whom I would publicly name if I had your permission to do so.  I hope to return the favor one day, so please let me know if I can be a resource.

Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised by the kindness I encountered. After all, one commonality among everyone I spoke with – cue the violins -- is the drive to strengthen the social service sector and make the world a better place. I’m honored – and ready -- to join you.

All the best,

❤️ Dana

P.S. I can’t wait to read all the books you recommended. Maybe I’ll share reviews in future posts.

P.P.S. Any tips on how to overcome perfectionism paralysis to publish weekly blog posts?

P.P.P.S. While the Franciscan Friars of Marytown are truly hospitable and lovely, please notify me of any plans to open a Jewish retreat center in the Midwest. One where introverted nonprofit consultants can go and stroll, swing, and silently self-reflect. (I’ll lead your planning process and write your grant proposal!)