Raisers Edge: Good Data Matters
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Does anyone else get sucked into the "hole" that is the internet sometimes? I mean all of those enticing cleverly worded headlines, and the ones with statistics? Forget about it. In fact, back in 2003 I think that was the demise of my laptop , 74 opened tabs ...I digress. My point being, data is compelling. It's drives who to mail to, what to mail, when to mail, among so many other things.
But, is all data good? Absolutely not. Bad data in, bad data out.
My number one tip for those who find themselves in a database management role, is to plan, strategize and to establish policies and procedures! One of the most valuable things you can establish is a database handbook, specific to your organization, that outlines exactly how you handle certain situations. Will you be able to cover everything? No of course not, because weird situations always come up, but when you can’t remember how you decided to record the one DAF gift you got last year it will come in handy. It is also a valuable training tool and creates accountability with everyone else who uses the database at your organization. Can you imagine if every gift officer recorded actions differently? Or there was no standard for the addressee and salutation fields?
So go forth, and draft. Start with your everyday items, entering a new constituent, entering a gift and grow from there. There are some great examples right here in the community!
But, is all data good? Absolutely not. Bad data in, bad data out.
My number one tip for those who find themselves in a database management role, is to plan, strategize and to establish policies and procedures! One of the most valuable things you can establish is a database handbook, specific to your organization, that outlines exactly how you handle certain situations. Will you be able to cover everything? No of course not, because weird situations always come up, but when you can’t remember how you decided to record the one DAF gift you got last year it will come in handy. It is also a valuable training tool and creates accountability with everyone else who uses the database at your organization. Can you imagine if every gift officer recorded actions differently? Or there was no standard for the addressee and salutation fields?
So go forth, and draft. Start with your everyday items, entering a new constituent, entering a gift and grow from there. There are some great examples right here in the community!
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05/17/2019 1:56pm EDT
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This is one of the top items on my always growing To Do List. I have started things but there's always something new coming up where I think, “Oh, I need to add this!” Since I have a list of things always to do, this gets delayed. I appreciate your suggestion at the end to start with everyday things. I think I'm going to go block out some time for the next few weeks now… ?