Blue Octopus Consulting

At Blue Octopus, we don’t just advise from the sidelines—we’ve been in the trenches. With decades of experience working directly in the nonprofit sector, we know firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities organizations face. We’re not just consultants telling you what might work; we’ve done the work. From strategic planning to community engagement to program management, we’ve led real initiatives and worked alongside nonprofit teams to deliver tangible results. We bring real-world solutions based on real experience, not just theory. Why Blue Octopus? 🐙 We’ve lived it: Our team has decades of experience working in the nonprofit sector, handling everything from operations, marketing, programs, data, events, finance, and more. 🐙 Not just advice, execution: We don’t just hand you a report and walk away—we roll up our sleeves and work with you to implement strategies that stick. 🐙 Grounded in reality: Our recommendations are based on what we’ve seen work (and what hasn’t) in real nonprofit settings. ============= Blue Octopus offers full-service solutions for nonprofits and small businesses. Find out how our expertise bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be >> https://lnkd.in/gpkPTDrx

Check out the latest issue of The Inkling! Top 8 Buzzwords to Sink in 2025 >> https://lnkd.in/gFuZzz2G ✔️ New Year's resolutions for nonprofit jargon ✔️ What are your core values? ✔️ Get your board back on track!

Wondering which buzzwords to ditch in 2025? Sign up for The Inkling – a newsletter for nonprofits – where we’re diving into the top 8 buzzwords that are holding you back—and what to say instead. Get fresh perspectives and inklings of wisdom straight to your inbox 🐙 >> https://lnkd.in/gYwA3Rtw

Blue Octopus closed out 2024 with a core values workshop with Richmond Volleyball Club Let’s be real: strategic sessions can feel daunting - as one RVC team member put it, “I was dreading this session, but it was actually a really productive use of our time. I enjoyed it!” Core values might seem like something you can put off, but they’re essential to defining your mission, guiding decisions, and building a strong organizational culture. Together we: ✨ Reflected on what makes RVC unique and impactful ✨Shared stories that highlight the heart of RVC’s mission ✨Identified themes of inclusion, growth, community, and excellence ✨Created a framework to put those values into action We’re thrilled to hear feedback like this from Whitney Curtis, RVC Executive Director: "We had the pleasure of working with Blue Octopus to develop new core values for our organization, and the experience was exceptional. They worked closely with us, asking insightful questions and offering guidance that helped us clarify what truly matters to us at Richmond Volleyball Club. They made the process fun and engaging, creating buy-in from all staff members. The final set of core values they delivered perfectly reflects our goals and principles." If core values have been sitting on the back burner, it’s time to tackle them. We make the process productive, painless, and even enjoyable. Let’s chat >> https://lnkd.in/gpkPTDrx

Protect your mission and build trust with this FREE downloadable compliance framework and checklist. Heading into the new year, stay ahead of requirements, strengthen accountability, and keep your focus where it matters most—on your mission. Get a Grip on 2025 >> https://lnkd.in/g8YD7-DT

Nominate a Nonprofit by December 31 >> https://lnkd.in/gvH2ZRf7 Would your favorite nonprofit benefit from $10,000 in pro bono support from Blue Octopus Consulting? This holiday season, we’re flipping the script -- Instead of donations, we’re asking for nominations! Tell us how we can help advance your nonprofit’s social impact through collaboration and actionable solutions. We’ll donate $10,000 in consulting services to a nonprofit making a difference in RVA.

Looking for a last minute holiday gift that’s as meaningful as it is unique? Rescues in Richmond Volumes I and II by Ashley Dobbin Calkins are a stunning collection of portraits celebrating hundreds of rescue animals from RVA. Meet shop cats, sibling dogs rescued years apart, a sociable turtle, and a dog with a silver tooth! All profits directly benefit the Richmond Animal Care and Control Foundation, supporting life-saving medical treatments for animals at Richmond’s only open-admission shelter. ORDER >>https://lnkd.in/gdSec3UF #LastMinuteGifts #SupportRACC #RescuesInRichmond

Feeling stuck? You’re not alone! 8️⃣0️⃣% of nonprofits say they need better systems and resources to adapt to future trends and ensure sustainability 7️⃣0️⃣% of small businesses report lacking the in-house expertise needed for strategic planning, marketing, and data management 6️⃣6️⃣% of nonprofits struggle with employee turnover, impacting their ability to maintain continuity and long-term growth Find out how Blue Octopus Consulting can help you navigate the waves or explore new depths. Let’s Chat >> https://lnkd.in/dbQmKHNv

🐙 What We Do Best 🐙 With over 45 years of combined experience, Blue Octopus Consulting is dedicated to helping nonprofits and small businesses overcome challenges and reach new heights. Whether you're solving immediate problems or navigating the future, we offer adaptable, tailored solutions. Founded by Laura Bennett and Shelley Sowers, we bring a powerful combination of skills to the table. Laura brings deep expertise in nonprofit leadership, operations, and project management, with a focus on building the infrastructure that ensures long-term success. Shelley leads the charge in brand elevation, marketing, and event management—helping organizations increase visibility, boost revenue, and expand impact. Together, we help your organization adapt and grow, ready to embrace new opportunities. ============= Find out how we can support your organization with a FREE one-hour consultation or website audit. Dive deeper, reach farther in 2025 with Blue Octopus >> https://lnkd.in/gpkPTDrx

The first issue of The Inkling is live! Get a Grip on 2025 >> https://lnkd.in/gaZn6G2F ✔️ Year-end checklist ✔️ Download your free nonprofit compliance guide ✔️ Nominate a nonprofit! ✔️ Success starts with a plan ✔️ What's the story behind our name?