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Frequently Asked Questions for Clients

What is the difference between ESC 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. ESC is supported by foundation and corporate grants, individuals' contributions, and revenue generated by client fees.

Do I need to designate a person from my organization to serve as a point of contact for ESC?
It is helpful for the agency to identify a key contact for the ESC consulting team. This contributes to good communication and a smooth running project. Generally that person is the Executive Director, but it can be a member of the Board or a key staff person. This person needs to have authority to make things happen. The agency should make certain that the contact person can be accessible and available to the consultants so that the project can be completed within the time limits agreed upon in the consulting plan.

Can I count on confidentiality?
All of our volunteer consultants and coaches sign confidentiality agreements when they join ESC. There is also a section on confidentiality in all of our contracts. We encourage our clients to label sensitive documents with a 'confidential' stamp as a matter of policy. ESC staff and consultants will not disclose any information that clients identify as confidential, nor will they discuss client information with any third party. ESC publishes a list of client organizations on its website and in printed promotional materials and grant applications, but will gladly omit your agency's name from these lists upon request.

Does ESC do fundraising?
ESC does not raise funds on behalf of a nonprofit agency. ESC consultants can, however, review fundraising plans and programs. We work in management areas that contribute directly to a successful fundraising program, such as: Board development, strategic planning, marketing, and public relations.

How often will I meet with my consultants?
There is no set schedule for meeting with consultants. That is entirely up to you and the consulting team. Since most service corps members are employed, they often prefer to schedule meetings at the beginning or end of the day. Scheduling regular meetings (i.e. weekly, bi-weekly) with the consultants does help in building momentum on a project, and can also serve as important progress checkpoints. Ongoing communication between client and consultant is important. During the course of the project, consultants will communicate on a regular basis with you to keep you up to date on their progress.
 
How do I get matched with a consultant or leadership coach?
ESC conducts a skills assessment for each new service corps member, and members are available only for projects that match their skill set and interests. ESC is adept at matching consultants and coaches with organizations and leaders based on their knowledge of the service corps member and their intake interview with the client. Clients are asked to interview two leadership coaches before selecting the person who is the best match. A meeting is held with the consultant(s) prior to a contract being signed, so the organization can determine if the consultant is a good match. More than 95% of clients report that the consultants and coaches were a good match for their organization.

What do I do if the project is not going as I had hoped?
We hope and expect that the consulting project will run smoothly. There may be times, however, when you feel that the project is dragging, or you have a concern about a particular consultant, or just would like to offer your thoughts to ESC staff. Direct communication with the consultants is helpful, but we hope you will also call the project director of ESC executive director if you feel concerned about the project for any reason. We can then do a mid-course correction if it is needed in order to ensure a successful project.

At what point can my organization come back for additional services?
ESC welcomes "repeat business." We encourage you to come back to ESC with a request for assistance in any managerial areas of need. There is no limit to the number of projects that you can have with us.