We also assist with specific planning, such as developing a business plan, doing financial modeling, marketing and fund-raising strategies. Growth Design has frequently been asked to help boards do a self-assessment, and serve as guides in their restructuring, training and orientation. We create a resource manual to facilitate the process, and help the board think strategically about its preferred future. Every mission-driven organization needs to know what its constituents expect from it, as well as how the organization is perceived and understood in its marketplace.
Research leads to knowing the market and is tied to planning.
We believe that qualitative research provides an organization with a good picture of how it is viewed, and what needs it is expected to meet. The focus of this activity is to help an organization clarify its audiences and messages, its image or brand and the methods it can use to project its identity. During training, Growth Design also helps staff strengthen individual abilities and competencies so that those assigned specific responsibilities will be successful in their new roles in fund-raising, executive coaching, formal and informal mentoring, teaching of research and strategic planning. Leaders know the importance of sustaining strong relationships with those who want to know about, participate in and support its mission. There are a variety of ways of staying in touch with these important friends through such techniques as regular letters, newsletters, visits to donors, events celebrating accomplishment or direct mail.