My Story: Tera Lavick Consulting is born

After 16 years at one organization, following a restructuring, I found myself without a job and without a clear next step. I was so focused on my day-to-day job that I neglected my own career path. It wasn't that I didn't realize it was necessary to have a plan; I knew this would be a problem someday. But the truth was that I didn't have a career goal because I didn't know what I wanted to do next. I had reached the director level - and my next move would have logically been to a VP, which did not align with my strengths and didn't sound fun. Plus, I was feeling spread too thin as it was and I wanted to have more balance in my life. Moving up was not the goal. And while I think I could be successful at another association in a similar role, would I be fulfilled? I wasn't sure. Something didn't feel right.

What I wanted was to work part-time from home or in shorter sprints that would allow me the flexibility for family life. I checked out sites that offered gig work, but my variety of association skills didn't fit. I applied for a few jobs, and nothing stood out to me as "the one.". The thing that I seemed to enjoy the most was serving on the board of the local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO at our neighborhood school was experiencing a time of re-building- and it felt good to step in and apply my governance knowledge to new bylaws, create project plans and offer creative solutions to engage with parents and teachers. And the best part was that I was getting to know my neighbors while also contributing to my community. Of course, volunteering doesn't pay the bills. So how could I apply my "Jane of all trades" skills to a paid opportunity?

I knew that a lot of organizations were dealing with transition. And I knew that changes were happening fast and furious in policy and government. What if these organizations had someone who could help them get through the changes? Someone with experience and a willingness to work temporarily, in short bursts, by the hour - or on a project basis. Administrative help is critical, but there are plenty of quality people in that space. What about someone who knows how to work with volunteers and understands the lingo, and can write C-suite level reports and communicate effectively? Consulting firms and association management companies are out there and do good work, but would they be willing to help with small projects and do the nitty gritty that is needed? Huh. Not sure. I could fill that gap. And having a stream of varied and interesting challenges sounded fun - something I could enjoy doing and earn income.

So I thought I'd give it a shot; I applied for an LLC and Tera Lavick Consulting was born. As I began to work on my own small business strategy (ironically using a template I created), I realized that the acronym for Tera Lavick Consulting is TLC. And I knew then that this was the right path: Project Help with TLC.

I've decided to take my two decades of experience to offer a suite of services tailored for associations or non-profit organizations. From Governance to Membership Recruitment, Engagement, Conferences, Market Strategy, and even virtual or in-person facilitation services for meetings, we have the bases covered. My mission is rooted in a desire to be member-focused fueled by a genuine respect for volunteer leaders who are committed to shaping the future of their association and profession.

Whether it's developing a new market strategy, revamping membership recruitment tactics, or streamlining governance, we are committed to providing valuable support every step of the way. So, if you're an association that needs some extra TLC, consider enlisting the expertise of Tera Lavick Consulting. With our guidance and support, you can trust that the work your members care so much about is in good hands -- mine.

Contact teralavickconsulting@gmail.com  or visit www.teralavickconsulting.com to learn what they can do to help you.