Robert Weiner

DECEMBER 21, 2012

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

Database Training Train Classroom 166

Robert Weiner

JULY 10, 2012

My colleague Charlie Hunsaker posted the following question on the FUNDSVCS Advancement Services listserve: I have two clients who are looking for new systems and want a “cost justification” for their acquisition to share with their management. An inability to hire staff who know how to use or support the database in question.

Database 181

Database ROI Donor Listserv 181

Robert Weiner

FEBRUARY 11, 2011

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?". If no one's in charge of quality control you're going to have a database full of garbage. It's a tough problem.

Data 195

Data Listserv Database Policy 195

Robert Weiner

JANUARY 15, 2015

The same topic came up recently on the APRA''s listserve, PRSPCT-L. How many people in your database have gone off the grid for 7+ years and then come back? If it’s a record with no financial giving and no actions, is there another reason that it is in the database? in the database—that’s just taking up space.).

Retention 100

Retention Discussion Data Donor 100