It's About ‘The More Than Giving’ People - Meet Kelly
Meet Kelly!
Kelly
is a Nonprofit Virtual Assistant (NPVA)
What about the NPVA program attracted you?
“When I first learned about the NPVA program, I had been working virtually for a few years. It was a challenge and continued to take a lot of my time; locating clients, contracting them, and working to get invoices paid. The NPVA program was appealing to me because one, it took the grunt work out of being a VA, and two, it allowed me to work in an industry that I’ve always been passionate about, which is the nonprofit sector.”
.
What have you learned about yourself since working with MTG?
“I’ve learned that I do enjoy being a team player. I used to believe that I could accomplish much more as an individual and struggled with letting others assist. However, working with a team of professional women has shown me that I like the idea of having others to brainstorm new ideas. If there is a skill that isn’t my strong suit, I can reach out to other NPVA’s for assistance in that area. ”
What surprised you about MTG or your clients?
“I can’t say that I’ve had many surprises as far as MTG or clients are concerned. I did notice in working as an NPVA, and dealing with various clients, that nonprofit organizations really do need help running their respective organizations. After operating a nonprofit myself for 7 years, I learned how easy it is to get burned out due to the amount of work involved. I watch some of my clients standing in the shoes I stood in not long ago. During that time, I didn’t know there were resources like MTG that could have helped me on a day-to-day basis. Had I known, I would have been on the other end of the spectrum!”
How would you describe the needs of most of your clients? How did you help them address those needs? Can you provide a few examples?
“Most of my clients need assistance in getting organized and staying on track. Organizations tend to have an enormous number of great ideas, but implementing those ideas is a challenge, especially if they aren’t equipped to move in that direction. I try to help my clients by staying organized.
One of the organizations I am working is a group of wonderful people with huge hearts for helping others. They work diligently to raise funds, increase volunteer participation, and market their organization, all while continuing to help the community they serve. Sometimes they don’t have a clear path as to how to achieve their goals except for helping. Members will come up with elaborate plans that are not necessarily beneficial to the organization, so I try to explain that moving in that direction could cause more of a headache, especially since they struggle with manpower to accomplish the day-to-day tasks.
I explain that adding more responsibility to their plate without first ironing out the kinks of daily operations may not be feasible. I try to suggest ideas and plans to get volunteers more engaged in the organization. I offer solutions on getting organized and communicating with the staff and/or volunteers. I’ve been there, so I understand how jumping the gun won’t help your organization. One step at a time may be the best solution.”
If you were to provide one piece of advice to your nonprofit clients, what would that be?
“My advice would be to seek help in the areas you need. But in order to do that, you must understand where you need the help, and you can’t do that unless you are organized and know all aspects of your organization. Once you outline your needs, find someone that has the experience and know how to address those needs. It may cost a few dollars, but in the end it will be worth it. Don’t try to do it all on your own. Adding more to your plate will burn you out faster, I guarantee. And don’t try to put those important tasks onto the shoulders of volunteers. They may believe in your mission and vision, but many don’t have the time or expertise to get the things done your organization needs.”
What do you like to do when you're not working?
“When I am not working, I spend as much time as I can with my children and grandchildren. I like to host events at my home and have everyone over. Last month, I gave my granddaughter a Princess Royal Ball for her 4th birthday. And it was truly a royal ball, everyone had to dress up as royalty! I am also still very passionate about the music industry, so I spend time helping upcoming artists develop their image. In addition to that, I write and am currently working on a trilogy, so I find myself up in the wee hours of the night doing what I absolutely love, which is writing.”
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
“Most people don’t know this, but I love paintball! I used to play it a lot when I had free time. I had all the gear and enjoyed going out on 180 acres in the woods and shooting all the younger participants. I called myself a snipper! ”