Robert Weiner

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What to Do When Technology Isn’t Your Problem

Robert Weiner

People and process problems frequently masquerade as technology problems. In fact, in many cases, what seem like problems with a particular piece of technology are actually due to issues with people, processes, or overall technology strategy. Do you have policies and procedures telling people how to use your systems consistently?

Problem 100
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Maybe It’s Not Your Database, It’s You

Robert Weiner

Are there easily understandable reference materials (preferably online, in plain language) to help refresh memories? Is there some sort of “help desk” where someone is readily available to help users when needed? Is the “help desk” staffed by friendly people with good customer service skills?

Database 156
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Reigning in shadow databases

Robert Weiner

In the process, I discovered that they had mailed to 5 deceased people. The director asked me who these people were, and when I provided the names, she gasped and said that she had attended 3 of the funerals. The next year, they decided to run their Gala invites out of their old spreadsheet. We do NCOA, wealth and deceased screenings.

Database 162
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Making the Case for Advancement Services

Robert Weiner

I got a call last week from the Advancement Services manager at a small college asking for help. Efficiency seems simple enough: if you don't have the right resources (people, tools, training, procedures) you will waste time and money. Thirteen percent of them will tell at least twenty other people.

Service 183
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Lame spam of the day: Raw spam merge text

Robert Weiner

{In my opinion|Personally|In my view}, if all {webmasters|site owners|website owners|web owners} and bloggers made {just right|good|excellent} {content|content material} as {you did|you probably did}, the {internet|net|web} {will be|shall be|might be|will probably be|can be|will likely be} {much more|a lot more} {useful|helpful} than ever before.|

Spam 131
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Lame spam of the day: why can’t you deal with the bank?

Robert Weiner

I have some information for you about your unpaid fund, the people you are. instead of sending money to people to help you get your fund, I have their. This one is kind of charming: Sender : Samuel (samuelagbala8@xnmsn.cn). Subject: PAYMENT. Dear Friend, Good day. where you can get paid than to be wasting your time and money.

Spam 100
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America’s Giving Challenge 2009

Robert Weiner

This is a national competition to encourage people to use their personal and social networks to help win cash for their favorite nonprofit. The Giving Challenge is not focused on how much money you can raise, but on how successful you are at getting people to donate to your cause.

Challenge 100