Big Buzz Idea Group

There is something really special about seeing a team grow together.

Growth happens when people take ownership of their work, trust one another, share ideas openly, and feel confident bringing their strengths to the table. Every recommendation, every lesson learned, and every moment of collaboration makes the team stronger.

At Big Buzz, one of the most rewarding moments is seeing our clients grow. Sometimes that means helping build the structure, systems, and confidence that eventually allow an organization to bring in a full-time employee and continue thriving on their own. That is success to us too.

The same is true internally. We want our team to feel empowered to soar, stay curious, learn quickly, communicate openly, and keep moving forward together.

The next chapter of growth is not built because one person works harder. It happens because everyone contributes, supports one another, and keeps raising the standard together 🐝💛

to a great morning at Impact Network! 🐝

Our CEO and Queen Bee, Melissa Lagowski, was honored to join an incredible panel of nonprofit leaders and industry experts, including Candance Chow, Katie Arnold, Anna Assenmacher, and Charrisse I., for a thoughtful discussion on HR strategy, organizational sustainability, staffing models, and the evolving role of fractional support in helping organizations build capacity.

Events like these are a powerful reminder of what happens when leaders come together to learn from one another and explore new ways to strengthen the nonprofit sector.

A special thank you to Aries Consulting, Our Place of New Trier Township, First Bank Chicago, NextGroup, LLC, and HandsOn Suburban Chicago for bringing this important conversation to life.

Here's to stronger organizations, meaningful connections, and continued learning 💛

In a time when agencies and consultants are being asked to do more, move faster, and stay adaptable, learning smarter ways to work has never been more important 🐝✨

Our CEO and Queen Bee, Melissa Lagowski, will be joining an incredible panel for ACN’s upcoming members-only virtual event: “Tips and Tricks: Building a More Efficient and Effective Consultancy.”

This conversation will explore practical strategies, productivity tools, collaboration, and ways to build a stronger, more sustainable consultancy while continuing to deliver meaningful client support.

📅 June 11, 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT
💻 Virtual Event
🔒 Members FREE

If you are an The Association of Consultants to Nonprofits member looking to grow, adapt, and thrive in an evolving industry, this is one not to miss 💛

Growth and learning go hand in hand 💛

Strong teams are not built by avoiding mistakes. They are built by being willing to learn from them. Every challenge, misstep, and lesson learned creates an opportunity to grow stronger, smarter, and more connected.

One of the most rewarding things about a growing team is seeing people naturally fill gaps, support one another, and share knowledge. As confidence grows, so does collaboration. Questions are welcomed, ideas are shared, and everyone becomes stronger because of it.

Mistakes have value. In fact, many of life's greatest lessons come from the moments that did not go exactly as planned. What matters is how quickly lessons are learned and how willing people are to keep improving.

Working better together is always the goal 🐝

The growth happening across the team, the knowledge being accumulated, and the commitment to continuous improvement are all signs that something special is being built.

Happy Workiversary, Devin! 🎉🐝

This month, we are celebrating Devin's return to Big Buzz in June, 2022, and more importantly, an incredible 16 years as part of the Big Buzz story.

As one of the longest-tenured members of the team, Devin has been part of Big Buzz through nearly every stage of growth. Her dedication, institutional knowledge, and commitment to both clients and colleagues have helped shape the company into what it is today.

As Director of Operations, she brings organization, creativity, and a calm, steady presence that keeps projects moving forward and teams connected. Whether supporting clients, managing special projects, or helping navigate challenges, Devin consistently leads with care and professionalism.

Thank you, Devin, for 16 amazing years of partnership, growth, and impact. Big Buzz would not be the same without you 💛

Happy Workiversary!

Happy Belated Birthday, Craig! 🎉🐝

Last Wednesday, we celebrated Craig and all that he brings to the Big Buzz team.

As our Special Projects Manager, Craig has a knack for keeping track of the many moving pieces that help projects come together successfully. Whether it is solving problems, supporting the team, or helping things stay on track behind the scenes, his contributions make a meaningful difference every day.

We are grateful for all that he does and hope this year brings plenty of happiness, success, and reasons to celebrate. 💛

Join us in wishing Craig a happy belated birthday!

Looking to strengthen your fundraising and storytelling skills this month? 💡 Check out these upcoming workshops from the Nonprofit Learning Lab!

These sessions are designed to help nonprofit professionals build practical skills, gain fresh perspectives, and navigate today's challenges with confidence.

✨ Up Your Fundraising & Storytelling Game: Strategies for Effectively Collecting and Using Data (June 9)

✨ Major Donors in a Small Shop: Adapting Your Major Gifts Strategy in Uncertain Times (June 30)

As a Nonprofit Learning Lab Program Partner, we're excited to share an exclusive registration discount. Use code **partner25** for $25 registration to either workshop.

Plus, use code **friend10** for $10 off all Nonprofit Learning Lab workshops and share it with your network!

Tomorrow is the day, don’t miss it 🐝✨

Real insight comes from being in the room with people actively doing the work every day.

Our CEO and Queen Bee, Melissa Lagowski, will be a panelist at the Impact Network program: “HR Strategy: Smarter Structures, Stronger Organizations.”

This conversation will bring together nonprofit leaders and industry experts to discuss organizational sustainability, staffing strategies, and building stronger structures for long-term impact.

📅 June 2, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 First Bank Chicago | Northbrook, Illinois
🎟️ $25

Presented by First Bank Chicago, NextGroup, LLC, Aries Consulting, Hands On Surburban Chicago,

Learn more + register here: https://ow.ly/kWbV50Z2ixU

Joy is our word of the year, and this quote is a great reminder that it is often found in the small, everyday moments 💛

A meaningful conversation. A project coming together. A challenge solved. A shared laugh with teammates. The quiet satisfaction of seeing progress happen one step at a time.

There is gratitude in recognizing those moments and appreciating the things that move forward naturally, even when growth happens slowly.

Take time to fill your bucket, celebrate the small wins, and find joy in what you do ✨🐝