Meet Jill M. Morris, Author of The Nonprofit Toolkit

Jill M. Morris has worked in the public relations field for nearly 20 years, with a particular emphasis on assisting those in the nonprofit world. As she puts it, she works "with a mission to help those who are on a mission." She founded Jill Morris Public Relations, LLC (JMPR) in 2007. Jill was also Special Assistant to the late Honorable Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the Kennedy Foundation.

Jill's latest project is The Nonprofit Toolkit. This is a step by step guide to starting a nonprofit and contains a set of 14 documents to help you start your nonprofit business, including everything from a business plan template to a five-year budget projections template.

1. What inspired to you put together The Nonprofit Toolkit?

I have dual expertise in public relations and nonprofit management with years of experience and education in both. My company, Jill Morris Public Relations, primarily serves nonprofits. Servicing nonprofits' external needs, I'm finding that many are in shambles internally. I stand firm on the saying that whatever happens internally will be revealed externally. With that understanding, in order to keep up with the demand for public relations services, I thought it would be beneficial to create tools that staff could execute as I am managing their publics. Also, because I often speak at conferences, I get several calls a week from individuals seeking mentoring on starting nonprofits. I want to help everybody. In a nutshell, the inspiration to put together the toolkit was to ensure nonprofits, specifically my clients, are building sustainable organizations.

2. Could you give us some examples of some of the documents included in the kit and how they can help nonprofits?

Sure. So, one of the main documents that is included in the toolkit is the Bylaws template. You can find Bylaws samples all over the internet; however, the template I created includes two clauses that protect the founder, which is a high concern. Many founders fear boards taking full control over "their" organization and having the power and authority to terminate them at will. I have included a non-removal clause that simply states that the founder can only be removed from his/her administrative position at his/her will. The other clause protects the founder's intellectual property. Many individuals are building nonprofits of off their personal experiences, such as if a former battered woman starts a women's shelter. Well, with the influx of social media, many are packaging and selling their personal stories of victory. Therefore, the clause I included in the Bylaws template ensures the founder owns all rights to his/her intellectual property, even if it is affiliated with the nonprofit, as well as any proceeds.

Another document I included, which I believe is crucial and often overlooked by founders, is a full Business Plan template. I give sample "nonprofit" content throughout the Business Plan template, so that the founder can fully understand how to write out their vision. I even include a Budget Projections template with sample line items that most nonprofits need.

However, the most sought-after document in the toolkit is actually the Board Members Package, which includes the following templates for new board members: Invitation to Serve on Board Letter, Board Member Application, Founder's Guiding Principles, Commitment Statement, Confidentiality Agreement, and Board Officers/Members Duties.

The toolkit also includes a Step-by-Step Guide where I start with how to write the vision and end with how to build a "nonprofit" website and do outreach. I provide everything a newbie needs to build a sustainable nonprofit.

I've also included an annual Strategic Planning template, as well as IRS Form 1023 (application for 501(c)(3) tax exempt-status).

3. In your work as a public relations professional, what are some of the ways that you've helped nonprofits get their messages out into the world?

Well, the most consistent and "credible" way I've helped nonprofits get their messages out into the world is through traditional media. Whether hosting awareness events or highlighting client successes from their use of programs and services, I make it my business to inform the local media. I love creating public service announcements (PSAs) for radio. I still think they are effective. Also, with radio, nonprofits have the right to "free" airtime if they are promoting activities that benefit the community---which nonprofits do.

Now, with social media on the rise, unlike before, clients can be their own news source. I am an avid proponent of informative websites. I advise my clients to make their websites "Grand Central Station" and to include blogs, data, statistics, announcements, photos, etc. I help clients own their subject. Also, I encourage them to be active social media accounts with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. I advise to use website content and distribute via their social media circles.

4. I think people often think that PR is costly, but what are some free or relatively inexpensive ways to create buzz?

Again, take advantage of local news sources. Radio, newspapers, local news stations, and events calendars still work wonders. The FCC has mandated "free" air-time and space for community news. Use it. Local news love "rags to riches" types of stories. If your nonprofit is changing lives, then ask a few of your successful clients if he/she would do an interview (get them to sign a media release, first!). Also, be sure to introduce yourself to editors/producers who cover the stories that are related to your nonprofit. Let them know that your organization is a source of information in whatever area you're serving. It's free.

Social media works wonders, too. However, I would suggest using video footage with social media. Although not free, I advise every nonprofit to do a promotional type video, annually, that highlights the organization's mission, overview of programs/services, snippets from executive staff and board members, and a few client features. A video works wonders. And, grantors LOVE seeing their dollars are being used as proposed.

5. If you could give just three pieces of advice to people who want to start a nonprofit but are hesitating because it seems too daunting, what would you suggest?

The best advice I can give to people who want to start a nonprofit is:

1. Write the vision and make it plain. If you feel a calling to serve purpose via the nonprofit sector, then you have to operate above feelings. You have work to do and your life will be miserable until you do it.

2. Draft a business plan. A nonprofit is driven by a mission, which is based on the founder's overall vision. A business plan is simply detailing the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the mission on paper.

3. Forget about "losing control," and recruit solid, knowledgeable, and professional Board members who are willing to work and help you serve purpose. Most nonprofits fail because they lack oversight and governance. When you are working on purpose, it's not a one-wo/man show. Get the help. Trust me, it is needed to change communities.

Thanks, Jill!

Meet Michael Sidra of Lean Rhino

With over 10 years of experience in professional and business report writing, and a Masters in Business Administration from one of the top universities in Canada, Michael Sidra decided to start www.leanrhino.com.

Lean Rhino is a service that delivers business plans, proposals, marketing plans, operations manuals, and grant writing services economically yet with high quality results. With an inquisitive nature and a need to constantly poke into the unknown, Michael has the drive and passion to help entrepreneurs craft business solutions and get them to the best possible start on their ventures.

For the latest on Michael's business and for tips for business owners, check out the Lean Rhino blog.

1. I love the name of your business, so I have to start by asking: how did you come up with it?

Thanks, yeah I really love the name and get so many positive comments on it. I actually came up with it totally by accident. As I was deciding on a name for the website, I knew that I wanted to use the word "lean" because it portrays the main vision for this business--which is helping entrepreneurs come up with a great business plan for less money. The rhino part actually came about because of my 4 year old son's fascination with rhinos--and when I put the two words together, they just seemed to flow well and thus leanrhino.com was born!

2. Why did you decide to consolidate or reduce the usual lengthy business plan down to eight pages?

After helping a friend do a business plan for his start up business, the loan officer at the bank commented on how much he liked the business plan because it was straight to the point. He went on to say that most of the business plans he gets are full of "fluff" and filler and all look the same. Most loan officers only look at key sections of the business plan, and all the extra jargon doesn't help and in some cases actually hurts the chances of someone getting a loan.

After speaking with a number of people about their experiences with business plan consultants, it was evident that many people were paying for information they just didn't need, wasn't relevant, and didn't add any value to the business. With the 8-page business plans I aim to give people a high quality business plan for a fraction of the cost of what they would otherwise pay so they can keep their money for the important stuff--like running their business.

3. Can a fledgling business really say all they need to banks, potential investors, etc in just eight pages?

Yes--the 8-page business plans cover everything a traditional business plan does, only more focused, concise, cheaper and done faster. All the banks and investors we spoke with loved the idea of a concise business plan that gets to the point without all the filler materials.

There are a few cases where the business plan requires more information, such as businesses that have a large real estate component or if they are looking for funding greater than $250,000. In these cases, I will work very closely with the business owners and make sure that we produce the best business plan possible.

Another benefit to keeping business plans concise is that they have to be very specific to your business and as such they are always Custom Made! We don't use templates or add information simply to fill pages.

Even though our business plans are 8 pages, they are the result of a lot of market research and consultation with the business founder. We never create a business plan in isolation; the entrepreneur is always involved and leading the development.

Finally, all business plans we produce are professionally designed so they are appealing and present a professional appearance to bankers and investors. My priority as the owner of Lean Rhino is always to make sure that every client is happy with the business plan they get.

4. What should an entrepreneur do before starting to work on a business plan--or hiring someone to work on their plan?

Before an entrepreneur decides to work on a business plan, it is a good idea for them to really understand what they are getting themselves into. Running a business is hard work and often creates a certain lifestyle for the entrepreneur that they may not have anticipated. For example, a retail business will provide a much different lifestyle than a service based business--one is stationary and the owner has to be at the location for many hours per day, and the other is mobile where there might be more flexibility in working hours. All business startups are hard work and one is not necessarily easier than the other, but it is important to realize what lifestyle your business demands and be ready for it.

5. Do you think that you're able to bring something unique to the table by looking at someone's business from an "outside" perspective? In other words, do you find that you're able to see and express things that someone might miss in trying to describe his or her own company?

I believe that my experience writing business plans and my Masters in Business Administration from one of the top universities in Canada allows me to bring a level of expertise that helps business owners think through the important aspects of their business.

I think of a business plan as a runway before the takes off. Just like it would be far worse to find a problem with a plane after takeoff, it's better to discover a problem with your plan before you launch the business. This is what our business plans do--they give confidence to business owners before they start.

Often business owners are so invested in their idea that they may not be able to see all the roadblocks that lie ahead of them. As the author Seth Godin would say, it's important to know if you have the resources and the will to fight through the dip of any business venture before starting. Our business plans help to bring focus, clarity and expertise by coming in with fresh eyes.

Finally, I want to thank you very much for the opportunity to be featured in your blog!

Thanks, Michael!

Writing a Business Plan with BusinessPlanIt

When I have to write something that's not very familiar to me, I often look at templates online, so why not do the same when writing a business plan? Well, the former finance executives behind BusinessPlanIt say that templates are "all the same" and won't help you in securing financing for your new business, which of course is the reason you need to write a business plan in the first place.

As an alternative, they've developed a detailed training program on writing a business plan, presented as a series of videos. People who buy this program also receive an individualized analysis of their business plan.

Click the following link for more information on how to write a business plan. The site is updated regularly with blog posts and articles filled with tips for new entrepreneurs.