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Step 1
Know your public. Whether your group focuses on human services, the preservation of art and architecture, or animal welfare - to name just a few - your nonprofit has a specific target audience.
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Step 2
Identify at least 100 people who could be in your focus group - their opinions will help you generate goals for your organization. Whether you are creating an image, organizing a new fund-raising campaign, planning PR or writing your articles of incorporation, these people will keep you honest and keep you focused.
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Step 3
Give your focus group power. You need the opinions and advice of these people. Allow them to do their job. Track all results and save criticism for the end if at all.
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Step 4
Be organized and have your focus survey ready - it should be concise and to the point. Have your survey represent many facets of your organization and the mission you are trying to accomplish. Never conduct a meeting with your focus group without a specific agenda.
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Step 5
Publish all of your results in a timely and clear manner. Let the focus group know the outcome of their work before you present it to your entire organization. Publish both the positive remarks and the negative ones so that people can see that any changes about to take place did not come without serious thought and consideration.
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Step 6
Thank your focus group members. Take them to a nice lunch, write them a note or simply hold a thank-you evening. Make sure they understand that what they have done will help ensure the future of the organization and that their hard work did not go in vain.
