Doing Well by Doing Good: Building Your Consultancy Through Pro Bono Service

The conversation brings together ACE past-president Geoff Lamdin, seasoned ACE consultants, and nonprofit leaders to explore both sides of unpaid consulting services. Geoff will share how he and other ACE members used donated services in the private, public and non-profit sectors to grow their consultancies and build lasting client relationships. The nonprofit participants will provide a candid perspective on what charitable organizations actually need from consultants and where well-meaning help misses the mark.

Moderator and ACE Board Member Terry Johnson will guide the discussion toward practical strategies for aligning volunteers, businesses, boards, and staff so that pro bono work is genuinely helpful and sustainable.

You'll walk away with:

• How a well-chosen pro bono project can open doors and lead to paid work
• Why asking what a nonprofit needs — before offering solutions — is the best place to start
• How to document the support you expect from the sponsoring organization
• A framework for scoping engagements with clear limitations, expectations, and desired outcomes before the work begins

Presenters: Geoff Lamdin — An entrepreneur focused on business strategy, Geoff brings more than 20 years of consulting, mentoring, and coaching experience in Maine and beyond. His background in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and renewable energy has shaped his approach to growth-oriented strategy. He served 5 years as ACE President and continues to serve as a mentor with the Cleantech Open.