Are You Paying $1000 Per Hour for Note Taking?
The nonprofit sector faces complex challenges like few others. Fundraising has become increasingly difficult, demand is rising, and the need for innovative solutions is at an all-time high. In this environment, securing funding for consultants to address these challenges can be a challenge in itself. Nonprofits require consultants who can deliver maximum impact for every dollar spent. But are you getting the most out of your consulting engagements?
Recently, I was in a board retreat facilitated by a global consulting firm. That firm had three notetakers assigned to the retreat. The cost had to exceed $1000 per hour during the meeting itself, plus who knows how much it cost to provide the post-retreat documentation.
Many traditional consulting firms are clinging to outdated methods, including staffing too many consultants who take notes and observe meetings on their client’s projects. While well-intentioned, this approach can lead to bloated teams, inflated costs, and, ultimately, less value for your nonprofit. Spending more money on note-takers leaves fewer hours for more value-added activities.
I believe there are only two areas where a consulting firm can build a sustainable competitive advantage. First, firms need to be able to deploy teams of consultants who have not worked together before in a manner where they are a high-performing team as soon as the project kicks off. Second, firms must ensure their consultants are as productive as possible – this is where AI fits in.
Nonprofits deserve consultants at the forefront of innovation, leveraging AI to deliver maximum value. Here's what to look for:
AI-Powered Tools: Ask potential consultants about their use of AI in business analysis, data analysis, software engineering, testing, research, and project management.
Lean Teams: Prioritize firms that emphasize senior-level expertise and don’t overstaff a project.
Focus on Outcomes: Ensure your consultant is focused on delivering measurable results that align with your organization's mission.
Firms are not adopting generative AI tools quickly enough. Yes, there are some risks, but these risks are manageable. I recently completed a project in which I assisted a client in selecting two pieces of software. I utilized Fireflies.ai and NotebookLM to fulfill the requirements definition and RFP development tasks in one-third of the time it previously required, and I didn’t need to assign a consultant to the project just to take notes.
By embracing AI-powered consulting, nonprofits can unlock new efficiency, insight, and impact levels. Demand consultants leveraging AI's power to drive your nonprofit's success. AI is not the answer to all problems, and the tools we use today are toys compared to what we will be using in 24 months. However, the tools available today immediately benefit your project’s success.