This is cross-posted on: http://www.squarestate.net/showDiary.do?diaryId=9040
My thoughts here aren’t really all that fleshed out, but here are my thoughts so far. If your organization is thinking about using a CRM such as SalesForce or CiviCRM, there are several considerations. The most important one is not technical in nature.
There needs to be a serious organizational commitment to using a CRM. Every (or almost every) interaction with constituents need to be recorded in the CRM. If you have even a single technophobic organizer, the whole undertaking is jeopardized. I have seen databases built and then become obsolete over the years, because capturing information wasn’t seen as a good use of time. This is especially so when time pressures are strong. If information is not being refreshed, then how useful is your database?
It was impressive to see a demonstration of how Colorado Progressive Coalition uses CiviCRM. What was particularly significant to hear about the organizational culture that has been created to ensure the success of this project.
Is this useful? Profound? Do you have insight you can share? Comment and share below!
