The Myth of Uniqueness / Data Integration

Michelle Murrain (http://murrain.net) gets it right and the below guest blog echoes our own experience - we have seen that while each nonprofit has a unique combination of technology issues and problems, the specific problems recur from organization to organization.   

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Simple Strategy Tips for Implementing Salesforce.

When it comes to CRMs (Customer Relationship Management systems or Constituent Relationship Management, if you're in the nonprofit world), it's hard to beat Salesforce.com. They are the industry leader and pretty much setting the standards these days. Because of its ease of use and simple configuration tools, Salesforce can reduce normal CRM implementation time significantly. This has resulted in more and more organizations choosing the tool. Unfortunately, this quicker implementation mentality can lend itself to organizations skipping key steps or making common mistakes. The following are just a few strategic tips for implementing Salesforce and avoiding common pitfalls.

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Issues with Testing Websites

As part of our web design and development practice, we test our implementations. Some clients even hire us to test their implementations. Here are a few thoughts on testing:

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Tips for a Healthy Client Partnership

Being in the tech support business, unfortunately sometimes clients seem to feel that computer or software problems are our “fault”. This ED sends thank you emails, and compliments to specific staff. I have learned how long a way being appreciated can go. How can we help our clients to create a constructive partnership? So much of it comes down to individuals and understanding / addressing their default attitudes towards consultants / contractors. We have learned:

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On Technology Volunteers

Yesterday, a client that had been a regular IT support client of ours for the last eight years called with some not-so-surprising news. They wanted to re-hire us to provide their technology support after an eight month hiatus. During those eight months, one of the co-founders of the organization, also a board member, was donating technical support to them to save money. As a result, it was expected that our services would no longer be needed.  

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Welcome to Confluence Website

Who knew that websites would have to be redesigned every few years? This is our third Confluence website in 10 years – and each time, it felt long overdue.

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Thoughts on Strategic Technology Assessments

I never cease to be surprised by our technology assessment process. I am most surprised at how much the organizations we work with know exactly what is holding them back IT-wise, and in many cases know clearly what needs to be done.

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