Keeping Pace

On my first day of cross-country practice as a freshman in high school Coach Rinckey pulled me aside from the rest of the team, looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Always remember Eddie, it's easier to keep up than to catch up." That was many moons ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Coach was talking about keeping pace with the pack and then allowing the momentum created provide power when every fiber of your being is screaming, "STOP."

Ed! What does this have to do with nonprofit fundraising data? Wait for it...

Between to do lists, meetings, and events a nonprofit database pro can start to feel outpaced by the ever growing stacks of data to enter, requests to fill, and records to update. When it comes to keeping up with the important work of data maintenance, some days it feels easier to push it to tomorrow.

What are world-class fundraising data management cross-country runners to do when they find themselves constantly trying to keep up?

Try these to get yourself and your team on track and up to speed.

• Implement or revise a data request form.
• Establish a report schedule...and stick to it.
• Use data entry tools like batch or bulk entry.
• Master the art and science of the data import.
• Create reports and other outputs that are on-demand, self-service.
• Automate or semi-automate regularly scheduled, time-consuming tasks with tools like Microsoft Power Automate.
• Plan ahead with your team to create a data output calendar for the year that includes all necessary lists and exports for large mailings and other bulk communications.

As you are able to establish a new pace, you'll feel energized and your momentum will begin to build. There will be no stopping you and the amazing things you will do in your fundraising data management marathon.