Consulting is all about helping an organization do something better, or move to the next step. I like solving problems and making inspirations happen. I've held a variety of jobs over the years and ideally, my consulting projects involve people and organizations that are ready to make a change and are committed to teamwork, honest communication and change that's good for the long haul.
Identifying an end goal, facilitating staff involvement and helping to create an optimistic and energetic atmosphere of teamwork is what I do best. I can work by the hour, or by the project - as one of your staff or as an indepedent contractor. Let me know what you would like to see in your wake (that's sailing jargon that means "behind you as you go forward") and where you want to go.
Here are a couple of examples:
WOODEN BOAT FOUNDATION
The old WBF Sign on Cupola HouseIn early 2003, this highly valued maritime non-profit was $100,000 in debt with no budget or realistic solution in sight. The organization had encountered a nasty storm of over optimistic and under experienced management and the ship was sinking fast. My record as the manager of their most profitable educational event coupled with a solid background in resourceful management, creative marketing and diverse small business and non-profit experiences, lead the Board to ask me to step to the helm of the whole organization. With Board members, a former director and generous unpaid staff and community participation, I put together a realistic, conservative and balanced budget within two months. We held very conservative spending in check. Because communication is so important, I clearly, honestly and quickly answered the Board, the community and the staff when they asked how they could help. By encouraging and inviting their participation with "do or die" honesty, we built an incredible spirit of comraderie and ultimately, we were successful. In 6 months as Interim Executive Director, we not only got out of debt, but the organization is now thriving. I served a second term as Interim Executive Director in February and March 2005 as they moved through yet another phase of the reorganization. For the latest on this organization and the eventual merger with the Northwest Maritime Center, see www.woodenboat.org.
Quote from Nick Reid, President of the Board, WBF:
"Kaci was good in a crisis. One of the first things she did was create a balanced budget and make a realistic assessment of revenues from educational programs, the festival and retail."
The photo to the right is the 2004-5 NWMC&WBF Integration Team. From left, back row, Pete Helsell, JoAnn Saul, Kaci Cronkhite, Nick Reid and David King. Seated, Dave Robison and Dave Grimmer.
INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL EDUCATORS
A leader and innovator in educational programs and training since 1983, this company annually adds new programs, develops curriculum and in 2002 began to diversify into highly regarded distance learning products for caregivers and therapists who work with stroke survivors.
They had several marketing challenges and questions, including evaluation of national direct mail lists, documenting and tracking of source code information and expanding marketing effectiveness via the internet. As a Marketing Consultant, I coordinated a revamp of the website, researched and designed a 6 month Tracking Study, reduced mailing list and direct mail costs, and worked with designers, office staff, the owner, printers and mailing services to improve source code tracking. I continue to participate in ongoing marketing projects and strategies as this company further expands its products, continues to grow high customer satisfaction and net profit. For the latest information on this company, see www.strokehelp.com.