Robert Weiner

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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. I discussed training at a high level on page 13 of this chapter from CASE's Handbook of Institutional Advancement. Not everyone can train. Train them again just before going live. It's an art.

Database 166
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ROI for a donor database

Robert Weiner

So how do we justify that system to management (and perhaps our donors)? and the third leg of people – trained, competent, available staff. 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.

Database 181
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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!! Or you might have some reports that are mandatory, like a lapsed donor report. Tags: Advancement Services Donor Databases Nonprofit Technology Software. event_KEY=61562.

Database 180
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Controlling data entry

Robert Weiner

No one gets access to change data without training on your policies. Training should be targeted to role. You don’t need a week of training to enter a contact report. Donors will give online and misspell their own names, or leave the caps lock on. You need clear data entry standards. Monitoring.

Data 195
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What to Do When Technology Isn’t Your Problem

Robert Weiner

Our board member, donor, or funder said to do or buy __. Have staff been trained on those policies and procedures? Do you have an ongoing training plan that includes time for mentorship and learning? Is someone in charge of making sure that people actually do what they were trained to do, and that everything’s running smoothly?

Problem 100
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Making the Case for Advancement Services

Robert Weiner

Efficiency seems simple enough: if you don't have the right resources (people, tools, training, procedures) you will waste time and money. Advancement Services needs to have the resources and training to provide good customer service. He suggests several, including donor retention. Efficiency. Support for Advancement.

Service 183
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The Limits of “Free” Software

Robert Weiner

I received an email newsletter today with the following pitch for a web-based donor database (perhaps you can guess which one): The Cloud offers you constituent relationship management (CRM) software that's less expensive, easier to maintain, more accessible, more intuitive, and with greater flexibility and capacity than you've ever seen before.

Software 122