We hear it all the time – fundraising is about relationships. Peter is a strong advocate that LIFE is about relationships and that means we need to be able to talk to each other in a way that isn’t always viewed as efficient. If you’ve ever met Peter you know how infectious his version of talking is! He’s funny and he has such an easy way of being curious about whomever he is talking to.
In this interview, Peter answers the question, “What is the purpose of fundraising analytics?” In his colorful way of sharing ideas, he cautions against letting the “tail wag the dog.” He skeptically wonders aloud about rampant use of “data analytics” descriptors, especially among emerging vendors selling software solutions.
Could it be that the very data we have been able to amass is hampering our ability to engage our best prospects? Is our orientation to devices affecting our ability to develop the intimate relationships our donors need with our organizations? What is a key characteristic for gift officers? What can prospect researchers do to be successful in the field now?
Listen in to the conversation to find out!
Resources Mentioned
- Data Mining for Fundraisers by Peter Wylie (2004)
- Score! Data-Driven Success for Your Advancement Team by Kevin MacDonell and Peter Wylie (CASE 2014)
- Free E-Book: Predictive Modeling with DataDesk by Kevin MacDonell
Curious about the book “Score!”, but not sure you have the time to commit?
Get a running start by reading this collection of reviews. http://apraillinois.org/blog/3094034 I hope they’ll give you the reasons you need to read and use Peter Wylie and Kevin MacDonnell’s blueprint and encouragement for your non-profit.
Thank you, Sabine, for connecting the dots to more valuable resources!