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Learning From Experience: Albert Einstein And Your Data

By Greg Pollack posted 11-26-2017 14:24

  
What is the definition of insanity?
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According to Albert Einstein, it’s “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
#GivingTuesday @Max Frazier and @Ami Defesche

Does your nonprofit organization’s decision-making process suffer from this insanity from time to time? I know mine did! In a lot of organizations, we do things the way we do because—well, that’s just the way we’ve always done them!

The good news is, learning from experience is not too hard. “Experience” is stored as data in our databases and in external sources, such as industry reports and research-based predictive indicators. Analyzing that data (or “learning from experience”) can help us determine what is working for us and what we can do better. We can compare our numbers to industry benchmarks to see how we measure up. Additionally, we can look for patterns in our data to inform our cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

That nice mid-level donor? Maybe external data sources indicate that she has the potential to give a major gift.

Mr. Jackson, who uses a paper bag as a briefcase? He may just turn out to be a perfect candidate for a planned gift.

What other gold is hiding in your data? The only way to find it is to look, and the only way to look effectively is data analysis!

If you’re inspired to upgrade your fundraising to data-driven fundraising, register today for our new class, Nonprofit Workshop: Data-Driven Fundraising to learn about data hygiene, predictive indicators for various donor categories, and how to build a culture of data use at your nonprofit.

Good news for Learn® training subscribers. If you have a Learn Everything® training subscription, all Nonprofit Workshop classes are included. Not a subscriber? Find out how a Learn subscription can help develop your efficiency and ongoing skills.

Release your inner Einstein, break the cycle of doing the same thing over and over, and take steps to discover the gems hidden in your data!​​​
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Comments

Greg Pollack
11-27-2017 09:10

What a great Blog!!!