The factors that most commonly lead clients to contact SEI are:

Performance The organization seeks to improve the current level of performance in order to maximize the value delivered to its constituents, meet changing standards, and/or maintain competitiveness.

Change The organization must establish or reform operations, often due to external pressures (e.g. from funding sources, regulatory agencies, or the Board).

Support The organization needs assistance in making constructive decisions regarding key strategic or operational issues.

Expertise The organization seeks experts with specific knowledge and skills necessary to address its needs.

Resources The organization has inadequate internal resources to satisfy a short-term requirement.

SEI addresses these situations in many ways:

• Our associates bring specialized knowledge and experience to the situation. We have solved similar problems for many organizations.
• Our associates provide a fresh, objective view of operations. Consequently, we are quicker to identify critical problems and to suggest appropriate priorities and solutions.
• Our associates produce timely results because we have no other organizational responsibilities to divert our attention; we are experts in project management and getting results in a timely manner.
• Our associates function as independent sounding boards for Board members, executive directors and managers who frequently feel isolated.
• Our associates provide a cost-effective alternative to hiring comparably qualified permanent personnel, or in transitioning to comparably qualified permanent personnel.

SEI works with our clients to realize benefits from our products and services such as:

• Effectively collaborate with other providers to improve service quality and efficiency.
• Monitor outcomes and organizational performance with computerized systems.
• Improve the effectiveness and motivation of program staff and volunteers.
• Avoid negative consequences from audit failures and/or grant noncompliance.
• Increase income levels from both traditional and non-traditional sources.
• Offer new, innovative programs to meet community needs.
• Build capacity and continued success.