Small and Mighty-- Leveraging the Unique Strengths and Challenges of Smaller Shops

Have you ever felt as though your organization's advancement department is behind on current trends and lacks sufficient resources due to funding issues and larger priorities? You are not alone. Instead of small shops focusing on their weaknesses, let's pivot and recognize that the unique business model of a small shop actually offers several benefits that a larger institution does not possess. Recognizing that it is alright to function differently than large, better-sourced institutions, small shops can lean into their strengths and produce equally successful results. 

In this breakout session, you will join a conversation with other small shop practitioners to identify the essential priorities in a small advancement shop that help achieve success. Participants will take away small shop strategies, methodologies, and approaches, collected through research of surveyed successful advancement practitioners. We'll learn about the unique business models of their small shops and hear the wisdom they have to offer for achieving success. If you come from a smaller organization, let's come together and celebrate the strengths and opportunities that only small shops have to offer.

Learning Objectives:

• Maximize small shop potential by embracing its unique business model, fostering professional relationships, building equitable partnerships with frontline fundraisers, and remaining confident throughout hardships.
• To learn key strategies for small shop success and best practices. Methods stem from presenters' insights and externally conducted research, interviewing several field professionals.