Q: What are ESC areas of expertise?
A: Our main areas of expertise include: Board Self Assessment, Board Development, Board Retreats, Executive Coaching and Strategic Planning. Other Custom Consulting Services are not limited to, but do include: Marketing and PR, Fundraising, Mergers and Consolidations, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Financial Management, and Board Recruitment. |
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Q: What geographic area does ESC serve?
A: ESC serves the “Triangle” area of North Carolina. This includes: Chatham, Durham, Orange and Wake Counties. If we cannot serve you, we can put you in touch with an ESC near you. |
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Q: What unique benefits can ESC Consultants provide?
A: ESC assures superb quality outcomes through the use of highly motivated, objective consultants. They bring wisdom and maturity gained from their successful business and professional experience. In addition, they are trained in best and current practices, in consulting, coaching, and specialized skill areas. ESC customizes the approach to each client's unique situation. The cost is modest--well below market rates because the consultants donate their time. |
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Q: Can ESC provide references?
A: Yes. While it is ESC policy not to disclose confidential client information, many clients have given their permission to be used as references. See the References section on this site. |
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Q: How much does ESC charge for a consulting project?
A: The fee charged for a specific assignment is based upon the agency's operating budget, scope of the work to be done, and an estimate of the resources ESC will deploy to complete the project. See the Fee Statement section on this site. The key element in determining our fee is a thorough assessment where project specifics are discussed (i.e. goals, objectives, parameters, and timeframe). Since the consultants' time is donated, and ESC receives funding elsewhere, you can be sure that the fee will be below market rates. |
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Q: Who at ESC will manage the project?
A: A Client Relationship Manager is vested with the primary responsibility of matching the best Consultant(s) to each client assignment. To ensure personal attention, the Client Relationship Manager and Consultant meet with a potential client to discuss the challenges they face. The Client Relationship Manager defines the assignment in a contract, monitors the progress of the project, and follows up with the client at the end to make sure the client’s needs were met. The Consultant(s) maintain ongoing contact with the client and prepare the final report. The Client Relationship Manager and Consultant(s) work together to insure quality work and client satisfaction. |
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Q: How are members of the consulting team selected?
A: Consultants are selected on the basis of the skills and experience needed to meet the particular requirements of the client. In selecting the (2 person) consulting team, Client Relationship Managers can draw on the expertise of more than 30 consultants in specialties ranging from board development to human resources to facilities management to name just a few. |
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Q: If most ESC consultants are retired, how can we be sure their practices will be current?
A: All ESC consultants receive training upon joining ESC. ESC consultants also attend “Continuing Education” development seminars, which focus on new and innovative issues, which are most pertinent to nonprofits. |
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Q: What can a client do if the project is not going as planned?
A:We hope and expect that the consulting project will run smoothly. However, in cases where you have a concern about the progress on your project or about your ESC consultant, you are welcome to contact the Client Relationship Manager or our Executive Director directly to discuss your concerns. |
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Q: Does ESC help with the implementation of its consultants’ recommendations?
A: Ultimately, implementation of ESC recommendations is the responsibility of the client, with whatever assistance from ESC is agreed to by both parties in the original letter of agreement. |
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Q: How long will it take to complete a consulting project?
A: Each project has its own unique requirements and time frame. These will be discussed at an assessment meeting, and the agreed-upon time frame will be incorporated into the letter of agreement. |
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Q: Can I count on confidentiality with ESC?
A: All of the work involved in a consulting project is confidential in nature. ESC will only use a client as a reference with the client's permission. |
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Q: Can ESC help with fundraising?
A: ESC does not raise funds on behalf of a nonprofit agency. However, ESC consultants can review an organization’s fundraising plans as part of a comprehensive assessment of its overall financial condition. |
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Q: What follow up is there after the project is over?
A: After the final report is sent and the project is paid in full, the client will be asked to fill out an evaluation form. Once returned to ESC, the evaluation is reviewed by the Client Relationship Manager and the Consultant(s) who worked on the engagement. Three months after completion of the project, an ESC consultant will contact the client to discuss what changes have occurred as a result of the consultancy, and to see if further service might be helpful. |
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Q: How often do clients return for repeat business?
A: ESC welcomes repeat business. In fact, about half of our assignments each year involve agencies with whom we have previously worked. |
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Q: Would any ESC volunteers be available to serve on agency boards?
A: Many of the ESC volunteers serve on boards and committees of other nonprofit organizations; however, this is an individual choice of our volunteers. As a matter of policy, we will not assign a volunteer to consult on any project where he or she serves on the board of that organization. This is done to assure that ESC consultants remain independent and objective. |
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Q:
What is the difference between the Executive Service Corps and SCORE?
ESC, or the Executive Service Corps, and SCORE, or the Service Corps of Retired Executives, have similar sounding names and both groups are based on the principle that volunteer business people have a wealth of experience and expertise that should not be wasted. ESC serves only non-profits, while SCORE helps small businesses. SCORE receives funding from the United States Small Business Administration. Executive Service Corps is supported by revenue generated by client fees, individuals' contributions, and small foundation and corporate grants. |
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