Drinking From The Fire Hose

When I worked in the fire service, there was a phrase everyone understood: drinking from a fire hose. It described those moments when information, demands, and expectations all hit at once, and there’s no way to absorb it all.

That’s what life feels like in many small associations and nonprofits.

You’re juggling limited budgets, minimal staff, and constant needs. Boards care deeply, but roles and responsibilities aren’t always clear, and engagement is often inconsistent. 

Strategic thinking gets crowded out by whatever is most urgent. Financial management is tight, revenue is often concentrated in one or two sources, and there’s little time or capacity to plan for growth or diversification.

But there’s also opportunity.

Small associations and nonprofits can do things larger organizations can’t. They can be nimble, agile, and entrepreneurial. They can make decisions faster, test ideas quicker, and adapt without layers of bureaucracy.

With the right focus, structure, and support, that fire hose can become a source of momentum. 

Moving Forward With Confidence

Over nearly three decades, I’ve experienced the ins and outs of small organizations, both in staff positions and as a volunteer and board member for multiple nonprofits. So I appreciate the realities you’re dealing with. Limited time. Limited money. No room for overly complex solutions.

My role is to help you slow things down just enough to make smart choices, then move forward with confidence.

That often means:

• Giving leadership and staff a clear, shared direction to work toward

• Putting simple, workable financial practices in place

• Identifying realistic ways to grow and diversify revenue

• Making better use of technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness

• Aligning expectations with capacity so people can do their best work

I help you create that clarity, so your organization can use its size as a strength and make progress that actually sticks.

Let's Talk

Your time is valuable, and so is your budget. I’m available for an initial conversation—no charge—to listen, share perspective, and see if I can be of assistance. Send me an email, and let's connect!