How to Provide the Most Relevant Prospect Information in Your Products
A key challenge in any research shop is actually providing relevant information in your products. Information that is directly related to helping a fundraiser close a gift. Keeping in mind these key factors can help achieve these goals.
Get as close to the donor visit as you can. Often times prospect research is not closely enough involved with a fundraiser’s donor visits. Decrease the space between you and your fundraiser’s visits by being aware of who they are meeting and when. Do this by having regular touch bases on specific prospects, not just discussion of their portfolio health as a whole. Build relationships based on trust and fundraisers will come to you knowing that you can solve a problem that they have.
Think of your fundraisers as your own portfolio. The same way we have policies on fundraiser portfolios. Think about how often you need to touch base with your fundraisers. What method you use to reach out. What you talk about. And what end results there are. Don’t wait for them to come to you.
Always think about the information you are finding and how it is helping fundraisers raise money. Going down rabbit holes may be fun, but is it actually useful?
Following these guidelines can help you create stronger relationships with your fundraisers and in the end allow you to create products and find information that is more relevant to fundraising goals.
