Best Practices
Before Meeting One:
- Double check that you and the Pro Bono Consultant have confirmed the meeting format and have an online meeting link, call-in number, or physical location ready to go.
- Check out the Pro Bono Consultant's LinkedIn profile.
Sample Meeting Agenda:
- Introductions
- Overview of challenge
- Clarifying questions
- Ideas and solutions brainstorm
- Decide if you need another 1-2 sessions to keep working the challenge.
- Discuss what you will focus on during your time (and what you won't).
- List next steps, resources to share, and when to meet next.
Tips and helpful questions to ask during your first session:
- Take notes.
- Do introductions! Even if you have googled each other.
- It's okay to say "I don't know."
- Generally, follow the process of Discovery → Ideate and Iterate → Deliver and Train
- Questions for the Pro Bono Consultants:
- What would you do first to address this challenge?
- What tools do you know of to make this easier?
- What other resources do you know of where we can learn more?
- What examples of success have you seen before?
- How could I address this challenge with a $0 budget?
Next Steps:
- Decide if you need another 1-2 sessions to keep working the challenge.
- Discuss what you will focus on during your time (and what you won't).
- Follow up via email with thank yous and next steps within 48 hours.
Before Meeting One:
- Double check that you have coordinated the meeting format and have an online meeting link, call-in number, or physical location ready to go.
- Check out the organization's webpage, social channels, and any recent news.
Sample Meeting Agenda:
- Introductions
- Overview of challenge
- Clarifying questions
- Ideas and solutions brainstorm
- Decide if you need another 1-2 sessions to keep working the challenge.
- Discuss what you will focus on during your time (and what you won't).
- List next steps, resources to share, and when to meet next.
Tips and helpful questions to ask during your first session:
- Take notes.
- Do introductions! Even if you have googled each other.
- It's okay to say "I don't know."
- Generally, follow the process of Discovery → Ideate and Iterate→ Deliver and Train
- Questions to ask the Partner Organization:
- Tell me about your organization's plan for the year and how this challenge fits into your goals?
- Walk me through the process your using currently.
- What have you done so far to tackle this challenge?
- Where are you struggling the most?
- What are key benchmarks this year for your organization and this challenge?
Next Steps:
- Decide if you need another 1-2 sessions to keep working the challenge.
- Discuss what you will focus on during your time (and what you won't).
- Follow up via email with thank yous and next steps within 48 hours.
