Who Owns Your Ideas?

Intellectual property is defined as a method, process or idea developed by an individual or group. It may be protected by the originators or an organization.

Though an employee designs training material, curricula or manuscripts while on the payroll, this intellectual has commercial value which may create an income stream for years to come.  Who owns the rights to intellectual property?

If a nonprofit board has failed to define or communicate ownership to employees this can become a source of contention.  Periodic review and amendment of bylaws, and polices and procedures are an effective method of bringing clarity, protecting interests and may even create the opportunity for negotiation.

Nine Considerations For A Healthy Nonprofit Board

A Nonprofit Board is charged with authorizing key paid positions, fiscal responsibility, strategic planning and organizational visibility. It is baffling that new drivers must study for a permit and take a driving test, but there is no requirement to prepare Americans for marriage or parenting, or Board members to oversee a nonprofit organization that may impact the lives of hundreds, even thousands of people. In Oregon there are three types of nonprofit. There are nonprofits that benefit the public, those that serve their own membership only, and religious nonprofits. Each has different challenges and obligations.This post will focus primarily on nonprofits that benefit the public.

There are good Boards, and troubled Boards. Based on observation and experience, here are our recommendations for nine considerations for building a healthy Nonprofit Board.

Relational and Technical                Commitment and Flexibility             Accountability
Industry & Sector Balance                 Passion & Prior NP Experience          Ability To Manage Conflict
Technical Skills                                  Obtain Financial Buy In                       Capabilities & Training
Connections & Resourcefulness         Commitment As A Working Board      Evaluation & Improvement

This are key aspects of one element in a course we are developing on Nonprofits.

Resources: Vital Information When You Need It Most

Our resource page was recently updated. It is divided into four sections. We believe anyone should be able to access a free quality education whether it is to learn business skills, safeguard their business, for job advancement or for enrichment purposes.

We are passionate about helping employees and their families, especially in times of crisis.
Most of us have worked with someone who was struck with a tragic accident or illness. If you have ever felt helpless or wondered what you could do to help a co-worker or their family, learn more about YouCaring in our resources section. This is a site where a colleague, family member or friend can set up a fundraising page. What sets YouCaring apart from its counterparts is they have never charged a fee. One hundred percent of the money raised helps persons in need. The only fee that is charged is from PayPal. Donations are deposited as soon as they come in.

Please review our resource page.

Ask For Help Unabashedly And Keep On Asking

Is there really any value in watching a colleague falter when all that is needed is a few moments of guidance or advice? Industry experts have an inside track and may be a great resource to help new people in the field avoid costly mistakes, but they aren't mind readers. One of the most daunting tasks is to unabashedly ask for help. If you don't get help the first time, or need more assistance, just keep on asking until you can piece things together. It is preferable to suffering in silence or drifting in a sea of confusion. Balance persistence and openness with appreciation and a willingness to consider good advice. Here is a word of caution: Do maintain the chain of command where applicable. Some industry experts are motivated to share information and offer help because someone helped them years ago. Good places to find industry experts include professional groups or associations. The cost of membership ranges widely depending on the profession. Fees may seem excessive, however membership should also offer benefits. Think of the fee as an entry point to ask questions and locate information. 

Soil and Water Conservation Small Project Support

The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) is a resource for businesses and nonprofits including churches east of the Willamette River. EMSWCD provides technical assistance and small grants for projects that fit their guidelines. Examples of past projects have included watershed improvements, tree planting, community gardens, soil conservation, composting. Projects partners have included schools, neighborhoods, businesses, nonprofits, and churches. EMSWCD also provides free workshops. Read more about it on their website. http://emswcd.org/ 

Managing Surge Through Resource Agreements

Surge can include anything from a spike in production or attendance, to crisis management. When production exceeds capacity businesses need plans in place to ramp up rapidly. Non-profits such as food banks experienced a surge when needs exceeded available resources. In January 2012 we attended an event with five thousand participants and watched as many were turned away. Yet there was a like-minded business a mile down the road which could have co-hosted the event allowing for another three thousand attendees. In fact, there was a third entity that could have handled at least three thousand more. A business continuity plan can help a business or nonprofit manage a surge related to the economy, but it can also be used to manage unforeseen conditions. For instance many nonprofits have a large base of trained volunteers. Volunteers can be called up during times of crisis. Businesses can establish trigger points to rein in finances or provide cross training to manage labor needs until additional resources arrive. Resource management agreements allow businesses, churches and nonprofits to provide mutual aid which is only limited by imagination and codes. This may range from agreements for extra parking or improved logistics to top notch event planners. Few entities have the resources to plan for every contingency, but by appointing a liaison to participate in a work group and giving them the authority to commit resources within predetermined guidelines allows for greater flexibility and reciprocity leads to better cooperation.

Employed or Not: Many VETS Are Entitled To VA Health Care

We've been astounded to learn that many Veterans are not aware that they are eligible for VA health care. This becomes more important in the wake of the Affordable Care Act. Enrolling in VA health care satisfies this requirement. Insurance companies are not likely to advise Veterans since they stand to gain financially. Human Resource Departments are not required to advise new employees or send an annual reminders to existing employees prior to re-enrollment in a health care plan. Employees should not be discouraged from enrolling in other plans, but they should be informed and have the choice of VA health care with or without an additional private insurance plan.
 
How does VA health care work? Check at the Enrollment to learn more.

Based on our findings: VA does have specific eligibility criteria. For instance, Veterans who served in a combat zone should be eligible even if they did not see combat.

To obtain VA health care, the medical condition is NOT required to be service connected.
To establish military connection VETS or their Power of Attorney must initiate a claim with VA Comp and Pen. Once it is received, VA Comp and Pen requests evidence to support the claim. The process can be daunting. Many legitimate claims are persistently denied. Be prepared to maintain all appeals. If you need assistance you may obtain help through the VFW, DAV or hire an attorney. Download DBQ forms from the official VA website. Ask your treating physicians to fill one out DBQ for each corresponding medical condition. Sign a release to have the DBQ sent directly to VA Comp and Pen. If it is mailed to you instead, send a copy to VA Comp and Pen. Put your claim number on every page.

The VA uses a rating system to determine benefits and co-pays if applicable. New information may be submitted and a Veteran's rating may be upgraded if the request qualifies.Once enrollment approves a Veteran's application for heath care, a Veteran can self refer for audiology, optometry or mental health services. Like most health cares systems, there is usually a wait to get established with a primary care physician. Use that time to organize all your information to streamline care at your first visit.

A Bonus for Serving Our Country
Providing this link is our way of saying thank you for reading our blog and serving our country. Many businesses provide free or discounted products and services. This link provides a list of participating businesses for your convenience. Happy Veteran's Day.
http://militarybenefits.info/miscellaneous-discounts-veterans-day-deals-veterans/

The Art of Information and Referral

In the early nineties, this writer was taught what it meant to provide useful information and referral. Have you ever gone to an emergency room or doctors office and received a generic discharge summary? Businesses like individuals have unique strengths and weaknesses.

In the field of mediation the definition of information and referral was one that was individually tailored to meet needs. So let's examine two examples from the field of mediation. The first involves division of assets. The second involves a highly contentious conflict that is inflammatory and destructive. Lesson number one is that generic plans are insufficient and in some cases might be harmful.

The first is a simple case of deciding who wants what. The math is pretty straight forward. If there is $558, 410. in assets, each gets half. If there is $130,000. in debt each assumes half. This can be worked out in a variety of configurations.

The second is as not simple. Since it is contentions there might have to be individual sessions to determine if mediation will work. Mediation may not be suitable if there is a serious power imbalance. A mediator cannot standby and allow one party to take severe advantage of another that cannot defend or represent him or herself adequately. In such instances, ground rules are needed. One party may need to be released before the other to avoid an unpleasant scene in the hall. A mediator may recommend anger management or therapy in conjunction with mediation.

Now let's return to the original topic of information and referral. In a subsequent setting this writer considered it a great privilege to apply this art skillfully. If a business owner is bleeding out financially, connecting him or her with a temp. services to hire new employees would make no sense. It would however if he had a market order and needed to get out 3000 products in two weeks in order to maintain a prized contract.
We seek to become a premium resource for online, individually tailored, business information and referral.

Successfully Launching a New Business

Have your dreams to launch a new business or project fallen flat? Have you lost the original idea you started with? What obstacles have you encountered? Time management? Access to capital? Industry connections?
Here are a few simple strategies: Create a simple "Things To Do" list. Be willing to start small. Smaller successes lead to larger successes. Spend five to ten minutes prioritizing what is most important. Add a check box in front of each item. When each item is completed, change the check box to a check mark. If you get stuck or bogged down on a certain task, move to the next one. Checking items off can be a real motivator. Doing this day after day like a running checklist allows you to see progress. You can also refer back to something if you have a question.

Capital can be raised in many ways. Most ways we prefer to use capital does not involve banks. Get creative. Lastly, if you can partner with a private investor for small recurring loans you're making progress. The best solution is not to use debt financing. One goal of financial sustainability is solvency. Another is to become the banker. Instead of begging hat in hand, become a resource to others and earn a tidy profit in the process.

Industry connections are key. Here are some ways to get connected. 1. Attend business forums and workshops. 2. Find a free business adviser. 3. Be willing to consider the advisers advice. 4. Set up a simple pre-project timeline. A pre-project timeline includes but is not limited to conducting research, defining membership, and coming up with a company image. 5. Surround yourself with people who are experts in their field. An example is running ideas past a CPA to make sure you understand the tax implications.
6. Share what you have learned with others. Evaluate and improve each step. Integrate new learning.

Gain Visibility With EventBrite

EventBrite www.eventbrite.com allows users the to opportunity to customize information for an upcoming event. If an event is free there is no cost to advertise. It may be used to promote fundraising events or sell tickets online for a small percentage of proceeds. A fundraiser may be as simple as a 5k race, or it may be an event with multiple layers and a more complex price structure. This allows participants to choose an option they can comfortably afford. A request for donations may also be set up. One frequent use of the donation function is for people who would like to support a cause, but are unable to attend the event. The site is often used to register participants for classes, seminars or workshops. After registering for an event, the site provides very simple instructions to print off a ticket with the event name, recipient's name, date of the event, and the associated cost. For event organizers it allows them to know how much seating is required, how much food to order and how many volunteers are needed to host the event. Event organizers can limit the number of available tickets so the event remains manageable.

Be Smart: Get Free Help from a Business Adviser

The Small Business Development Center offers free advisers. We found ours through CLIMB
http://www.pcc.edu/climb/small-business/. Whether you've been in business a long time and need capital for expansion, have a start up or are still at the planning stage for a new business idea, be smart and find a qualified business adviser. An adviser can help your business lay a solid foundation, avoid costly mistakes or re-think your business direction.

What if Henry Ford Threw in The Towel?

Currently we are working to flesh out an in service workshop to offer to teachers. After reviewing the history of character based education, the question is not whether CBE failed, but whether the methodology came up short. Any program requires a baseline and outcome measures. Program evaluation is also an essential element, but that alone is insufficient. No program works without fine tuning it. Consider the manufacture of automobiles. What if Henry Ford threw in the towel the first time his efforts failed? There is a progression when properly applied leads to a successful outcome.

Next week a member of our team will meet with a new business adviser. Together we will assess and strengthen our several aspects of our business and marketing plans.

The Governor's Roadshow Offers Support for Small Businesses in Oregon

Recently two members of our team attended the Governor's Roadshow. There were representatives from ODOT, Department of Corrections, Government Contractor's Assistance Program (GCAP), Kiva and more.

Small businesses provide the vast majority of jobs in Oregon. This workshop helps small business owners transition to an inside track by providing them the information and support they need to be successful. For small businesses that are already successful, it helps them discover new avenues for growth.

We are methodical in our processes. First we met with GCAP. We have taken the first step in implementing the counselor's recommendations.

Strengthening Clusters Virtually

The last post referred to how clusters strengthen neighborhoods. This article builds on that concept, however from a technology perspective.

The State of Oregon has partnered with a crowd funding resource to help small businesses obtain funding. This is not free money. Start ups are eligible. Companies must obtain an endorsement. The entity endorsing the company vouches for it. The loan is offered at zero percent interest, but must be repaid in a specific time frame. Funding comes from many sources. An investor can contribute a very small amount if desired. This is a good resource for companies or nonprofits that need capital, but it requires the company to have a solid business plan to ensure the loan will be repaid.

There is also an entity in Oregon that is fee based. This allows companies and nonprofits to come together and help each other. The average loan is $6700.00. Like any other service there is a structure and a process.

Now lets apply these two discoveries to the concept of clusters. What if churches, groups of like-minded nonprofits or businesses shared resources. Imagine a virtual market place which could strengthen your cluster can use to obtain goods and services, small amounts of financing for capital needs or shared consulting services.  Eighty percent of wage earners in Oregon are employed by small businesses. A strong local infrastructure based on clusters is one method.

Clusters Offer Strength

An article appeared in "The Contact", a church newsletter that serves fifty churches in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This article was on the concept of clusters. In this instance it refers to clusters of churches based on affiliation and geography. The goal is to strengthen communities. This is an excellent step forward. Although it was not expressly addressed, it also sets up a structure to share resources, avoid duplication of services, and opportunities to work together to meet community needs. Working as part of a cluster strengthens the church and local neighborhoods.

The same concept can be applied to small businesses and organizations. The City of Portland accomplishes this through seven Neighborhood Coalitions. These Coalitions have historically received grant funds from the City. Organizations within the boundaries of each coalition could compete for a grant to help strengthen neighborhoods. This year the City is not offering grants due to budget constraints, however current projects will continue. Grants provide encouragement, but the real strength is in the structure. These neighborhood coalitions have had opportunities to work together to produce results. Now they are equipped to succeed with or without the aid of grants.

Turning Moments To Momentum

"What are you working on"? Then comes the explanation. Our creative coach is the gifted writer. She is just finishing her time travel novel. My writing is more on the business side of things-more in the realm of grants, consulting or framing in a business continuity plan.
 
"You write grants? I just started a nonprofit. Do you know a good nonprofit accountant?

In five minutes I learned this nonprofit organizer did some things right. First, she applied for space in an environment with natural project and support partners. Second, she has gone to great lengths to put together an excellent nonprofit board. Third, the Board is working on a five year strategic plan. Last, they are networking, listening and acting on helpful information that fits with their mission and vision.

In a few short moments we discussed the importance of a visual plan, strategies to find potential grant funding, and three methods of assigning a dollar value to communicate the value of volunteer time.  Quickly five websites were offered to demonstrate important aspects of communication. They do an excellent job of communicating plans visually, and demonstrate the benefits of transparent finances and accountability. I was able to point her to an organization that conveys the dollar value of volunteer time in very simple terms. My advice was "count everything". Statistics can be a very effective way to help tell your story.

Emergency Preparedness Basics for Churches

Recently we offered written recommendations to a team responsible to make funding decisions for the next year.

For churches to serve the community following a disaster, they must have a disaster plan, decide what role they will play in a disaster, get free training to understand basic concepts and work with other groups. When disasters happen, once life safety, vital records and property are safe, churches may choose to participate as a one of many stakeholders to serve the community. This reduces duplication of services and helps with cost containment. Churches must be able to remain open or relocate in order to serve effectively.

Form a team and develop a plan. Decide who has authority to activate the plan. Have successors in the event that person can’t serve. A successor amounts to plan B and plan C and does not require a meeting to implement.  There are ready made tip sheets that can guide leaders through developing a plan, but it needs to be unique to your church, parishioners, and community setting.

Identify your churches vulnerabilities.. Begin to address vulnerabilities by prioritizing and funding them in order of importance. Some solutions are free or low cost. Start with nursery through 3^rd grade security, and building access control. Train ushers and greeters to recognize problems and have a policy outlining what to do. We may be able to link this group with a free resource if they need help with that process.

Life safety is most critical. Get your people trained in first aid and take a skills inventory and an equipment inventory-items owned by the church or that individuals are willing to loan to the church to aid in a disaster. Find out what skills equipment you have.

Develop a plan to reunify children with their family following a disaster. There is an excellent free online course through FEMA which results in a pdf certificate. It is an excellent course for youth pastors, Christian education coordinators, or anyone with responsibility for the care of youth or leaders of other programs in the building.

Communication is essential. Many disaster plans fail due to poor communication or a lack of understanding how to coordinate your response with other community groups. Everyone needs to be educated on the plan. They need to know which plan to switch to if plan A fails. For instance, if cell phones don’t work, how will church members communicate? Two good tools are text or twitter. These messages get out when others fail. If the infrastructure is down, only HAM radio will work reliably. All fire stations and emergency management offices have HAM support during disasters.

Research: Behind the Scenes

We have been doing some research.

First, we reviewed a new FEMA course and links to the Interfaith Disaster Network which has links to tip sheets. We shared this information with two groups.

Second, in keeping with our interests in sustainability, green practices and food security we researched several grants through the USDA, and read about the farm and pasture educational opportunities through Clackamas Community College.

Third, we conducted some basic research on an Oregon company and made an informal business offer.


 

Ingenuity: The Path to Growth

If the goal of college is to earn a degree, the price is much too high. A degree is not required, but often helps adults acquire an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Corporations recognize, value and reward employees who are able to teach themselves new skills.  Small businesses have fewer resources, however that does not have to limit ingenuity. With the advent of free or low cost corporate training, and the ability to design and publish online courses to provide standardized training, and share resources, new talent can propel a small business into the big league.

Hiring a big wig might work in a corporate setting. Small businesses are more inclined to grow talent. Aptitude and vision are necessary, but not sufficient. Employees with the ingenuity and willingness to marry operations and identify and motivate new talent are good candidates for succession.

Be Ready: Is Your Church Safe?

Our conversation today was about church security plans. Our caller has a background in corporate security and offered his expertise FREE to a local church. His concern was that there were 400 attacks on churches in the US last year. Remember our theme. Be Ready!

His plan is to present his offer to the Board. He has trained other church groups and tested their abilities to respond. They were able to use their new skills to handle unexpected situations on a moments notice. Testing is an important part of preparedness.

If an intruder walked in through an unsecured door, would your staff or church members know how to handle the situation safely?

Above All...Be Ready!

Above All...Be Ready!

Churches are called to serve. How can the serve if they are vulnerable? Today we received a heads us that a man with a passion to serve was becoming discouraged. His message? Be ready. I'll show you how. The Board heard his plea, but did not know how to help. Our role? Listen and serve as a liaison so he can serve as a valuable resource.

I Peter 3:15 says to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about your hope in Christ.

How can you rise, serve and give an answer for the hope you have?

• Model responsible social behavior.
• Allow people to serve using ALL of their talents and resources, not just those that fit into tidy pre-approved packages.
• Assess and remedy vulnerabilities.

Key areas of concern:
All churches need a reunification plan to help families find each other following a disaster.
A business continuity plan is necessary to protect vital documents, meet payroll, and continue serving during adverse conditions.
Disaster plans should clarify roles and processes before, during and after a disaster.
This includes who has authority to activate the disaster plan.
Work with community partners and within existing structures to facilitate recovery.

Questions? We can help.

Motivating Introverted Employees

Not everyone is a team player. Team incentives will not appeal to introverts. They are likely to bristle at the suggestion. So how does an employer motivate a valued introverted employee.

First, it is important to understand what motivates an individual. A lot can be learned by observation. Many introverts have difficulty with oral conversations. In fact, they find them painful. Some also find formulating answers in writing difficult. They do better with predictable tasks or working on machines. A simple survey of interests may be helpful. The survey should have categories with selections that can be circled. After each category there should be one line for an introverted employee to write in an alternative.

Introverted employees are not be wired the same way. Offering them season football tickets would not be suitable. While a monetary reward may motivate some employees, others would be happy with their own office or with sharing a spacious office with one compatible person. Introverts often need solitude to do well. If providing a separate office is impossible, at least be attuned to environmental needs such as not having a work space in a high traffic area or where there is loud noise. 

Next, observe obvious interests. Many introverts value a highly aesthetic environment. An appropriate incentive may come in the form of improved aesthetics such as framed art, a water feature, a bamboo partition, or a potted palm tree.

Third, rewards might be a gift card to a favorite book store, or being granted time in an on-site reading or mediation room during work hours.

Lastly, respect an introverted employees need to perform the work in their own unique style as long as the work is completed successfully and on time. Standing over an introverted employee's shoulder diminishes concentration and cooperation. Working with the introverted employees' natural characteristics will ultimately lead to a better outcome.

Four Team Incentives

Teams thrive on incentives. What motivates teams?

Create a baseline to measure the impact of incentives on employee performance. Involve employees in creating the targets for each respective team. Divide those targets into manageable milestones. Divide rewards increasing the value as they move closer to the targets.

Four team incentives include money, a promotion, tangibles and intangibles.

Bonuses rule. Cut teams in on a cost-share bases. Short term targets lead to long term gains. Buy-in leads to ownership. Teams will drive their own success and hold each other accountable to obtain a coveted bonus.

Promotions come in a lot of packages. A prestigious job title coupled new skills help leverage talented teams. Upward mobility usually leads to higher pay and sometimes better benefits. A clear trajectory into management motivates teams to excel.

Tangibles include trips, season sports or concert tickets or a team retreat. Not every team is management material, but any team can improve performance with the right incentives.

Intangibles include recognition, awards, team of the month which should be coupled with special privileges.
This can be a special luncheon or barbeque on company time.

Incentives should be a part of any team approach and available at all levels of the organization.
Conduct an evaluation and make improvements to the incentive program. Change incentives periodically to achieve maximum performance.