A mantra that we live by at DonorLynk, and want you to live by as well: make your data work for you, not against you. For years you have built up data from all operations at your nonprofit. If you are not learning or growing from the data you have, then the data is not working for you. We advise you to look to a few key pieces when evaluating if your CRM is representing your success and relationships best.
Custom Fields
Record layouts for contacts, accounts, events, etc. that are tailored to the organization’s way of understanding the data gives way to accurate expectations for donors and volunteers. Custom fields reflect how they have been involved and can be involved. Custom fields in event and campaign records ensure you have year by year comparisons of budgets, sponsorships, goals met, and much more. Customization is essential in having your data work for you.
Internal Communication
Shared calendar, email sync, meeting requests, and chatting within your CRM allow you to share snapshots of data in no time at all with fellow members of your team. Donor acknowledgment process need an update? Make changes on the fly by scheduling a short meeting with your development team. You’ll all understand what changes work because you’re dealing with the same data every day.
Reporting
With the data exchanged through internal communication and taken from custom fields, you have the perfect environment to keep reporting simple. Reporting will deliver the final verdict on if your data is working for you or not. Keep data clean, keep it organized, and let your reports do the talking.
Refine and refresh your nonprofit’s data management practices by connecting with us!
Marianna Woodruff is Director of Brand Awareness at DonorLynk, LLC. DonorLynk aims to provide nonprofits with tailored solutions that work for you, not against you.