It is not unusual for committees to wait for the Annual General Meeting or when running a special event to invite special guests to attend or even to be a speaker but why wait? A great way for your organisation to develop stronger relationship with local partners is to invite them to a committee of management meeting.

Inviting guests to a committee of management meeting creates a great opportunity to pick their brains which also provides an excellent way to gain some valuable insights. 

For example, you may invite the local accountant along who may be able to provide advice in relation to financial management, reporting as well as internal controls.  This information can also help to educate and assist with the professional development of the members of your committee of management.

There are many other people who you could invite from local organisations and businesses such as solicitors, chambers of commerce, the council, business owners as well as politicians.

Each one of these not only provides a great opportunity to obtain specialised knowledge but also to establish and build partnerships.

Engaging with local business owners may allow you to discuss possible sponsorship agreements, with the politicians you may be able to have discussions in relation to obtaining more resources or with the local council you may be able to gain assistance with funding applications.

These are just some examples but what is highlighted is the value you can obtain by inviting special guests to your committee of management meeting.

Therefore, review the people who could provide value to your organisation and consider inviting them as special guests to your meetings.