In a client/consultant relationship, figuring out each person's role is critical to success. As consultants, we are often torn between whether we should be the leaders or the followers in the grantseeking dance. Making this more difficult, this role is likely different in every client relationship and may also change over time even with the same client.

The key to mastering the dance is developing trust and building customized relationships with clients. This workshop will use dance as a metaphor to discuss common challenges in working with clients and strategies to address these challenges. It will be presented in a manner that shows that breaking down roles, relationships, and trust-building into small steps makes the process less intimidating and more manageable.

Topics within the session will include:

-Choosing a partner

-Knowing your audience

-Building trust

-Preparing and rehearsing

-Learning to take cues

-Being prepared to pivot

-Addressing common challenges

   -Teaching your partner to dance

   -Making sure you're dancing to the same tune

   -What to do when it feels like you're dancing alone

Presenter:

Throughout a 30-year career in service to the community, Lisa Stofan has worked with more than 75 organizations in roles including consultant, executive director, program manager, and board member. She is a proven leader, providing strategic counsel and effective management. As a certified GPC, Lisa enjoys learning from and sharing knowledge with professional colleagues locally and across the country.

Lisa almost 30 years' experience working in and for the nonprofit sector, providing leadership in fundraising, program development, and foundation management. She started NEOH Solutions in 2018, which provides consulting services to nonprofit organizations and foundations. Her previous experience includes being part of the leadership team at an Ohio-based grants consulting firm, director of development at a local rape crisis center, and staff at a healthcare conversion foundation.

 
Skill Level:
Mid-Career

Learning Path: 
Consulting

GPC Competencies:
Strategies for effective program and project design and development 

Organizational development as it pertains to grant seekin