Robert Weiner

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Reigning in shadow databases

Robert Weiner

The following story, posted with permission, was sent to the FUNDSVCS list in response to a question about how to reign in schools and departments at a university that keep their own shadow databases of contacts. I have a story that we have used quite often: A few years ago, we imported a shadow database into Raiser''s Edge.

Database 162
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Training on your new database

Robert Weiner

A question was posted to a listserve for nonprofit techies looking for tips on training staff on a new database. The trainer needs to understand the database, present technical concepts clearly and without jargon, teach at the students' level, and be incredibly patient. Train end users on a sample database, not production data.

Database 166
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ROI for a donor database

Robert Weiner

Our system is like the “roach motel” of data; the data goes in, but never comes out again. The new software may enable my staff to do new things, but without the right people (# and training), upgraded/enhance policies and procedures, data conversion and new reports, etc. We cannot interface with other desired applications.

Database 181
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Maybe It’s Not Your Database, It’s You

Robert Weiner

I'm working on an article with the title, "Maybe It's Not Your Database, It's You." The premise is that complaints about an organization's database may be misdirected: the problem is how the system is being managed (aka management problems disguised as technology problems). Do volunteers enter data? Here are my thoughts so far.

Database 156
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Chosing a donor database

Robert Weiner

I get a lot of emails like the following from small nonprofits: We desperately need to get a new donor database and most of them are totally unaffordable!! Looking at the Idealware Low Cost Database report , I find that there are so many considerations that it is quite complicated to make a choice. Then you need to check references.

Database 180
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Controlling data entry

Robert Weiner

A member of the PRSPCT-L listserve (for prospect researchers) asked "What do other institutions do to regulate or “police” data entry work, specifically when you have multiple users with authority to make updates?". Here are a few approaches (other than locking down data entry): Policies. You need clear data entry standards.

Data 195
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Thinking about a donor database selection workshop

Robert Weiner

I'm planning a new workshop on selecting donor databases, focusing on the question, "Why is this so friggin' complicated?" The system needs to be intuitive for fundraisers, but streamlined for fast data entry. It needs to be easy to get reports from the database, but it also needs to support complex selection criteria.

Database 122