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Plutus Makes the Inc. 5000 List

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 17:18:21 GMT

Plutus Nonprofit Solutions Joins Ranks of America’s Fastest-Growing Small Businesses

Plutus Nonprofit Solutions has been ranked 1156 on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, recognizing the company as one of the fastest-growing small businesses in the United States. This esteemed award is a testament to the company's dedication to providing exceptional Salesforce and Fonteva configuration and support for its clients.

The Inc. 5000 list , published annually by Inc. magazine, honors the most successful and innovative private companies in America. To make this list, companies must demonstrate impressive revenue growth over a three-year period. Plutus Nonprofit Solutions' ranking of 1156 within the top 23rd percentile is a significant accomplishment, reflecting the company's commitment to excellence and its ability to adapt to the evolving technology needs of the association and nonprofit sector.

The Inc. 5000 list is widely regarded as a benchmark of entrepreneurial success, and Plutus Nonprofit Solutions’ inclusion on this list is a testament to the company's innovative approach and commitment to excellence. As a trusted partner to associations and nonprofits, Plutus Nonprofit Solutions will continue to provide expert guidance and support, helping organizations achieve their goals and make a lasting impact.

To learn more about Plutus Nonprofit Solutions and their services, please visit their website at www.plutus4nonprofits.com .

Plutus is Going to Cleveland: Getting Ready for the 2024 ASAE Annual Meeting and Expo

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 21:33:40 GMT

August 10-13 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, OH

Plutus Nonprofit Solutions is preparing for our third trip to the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition .

The American Society of Association Executives: The Center for Association Leadership hosts a yearly convention for thousands of association professionals and industry partners to gather to exchange resources, strategies, solutions, and more. Over the long weekend of learning and inspiration, attendees gain knowledge, ideas, and support to fuel their work as leaders in the association industry.

Plutus is excited and proud to be an exhibitor and sponsor for the third year in a row.

Join Us at our Booth #617

This year's conference takes place in Cleveland, Ohio at the Huntington Convention Center. From Sunday, August 11 through Monday, August 12, stop by the Plutus booth and connect with our team members.

Plutus is stationed at Booth 617 located in the Fonteva block of the Expo Hall. Fonteva is a software application used in conjunction with Salesforce to help trade associations and large nonprofits manage their organization and advance their mission, and Plutus is honored to be one of their award-winning partners.

Join Us at the Party

In addition to the Expo Hall, join us Sunday evening at the Platform Power Party in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sponsored by Plutus, the Platform Power Party is the ASAE event hosted by Protech and our partner Fonteva. Known for its distinct venues and exceptional experiences, this year's event is being held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum for party guests exclusively. Mingle, grab a cocktail, and explore the artifacts of American Rock history at your leisure.

Connect with Us

Whether you are a current client or are curious about learning more about Fonteva and Salesforce, we look forward to speaking with you. Contact our team reps now to plan a meet-up at ASAE24!

Plutus Nonprofit Solutions Announces Change In Company Leadership; Joshua Fimbres-Barcelo becomes CEO

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:29:37 GMT

Plutus Nonprofit Solutions, a leading provider of Salesforce implementation services for the nonprofit sector, today announced the departure of Alex Titus from his role as Managing Partner, Client Experience. Joshua Fimbres-Barcelo, formerly held the title of Managing Partner, Professional Services. In early 2023, Alex shared his intention to move on to new endeavors and a meticulous transition plan was put into place.

Alex Titus has been an instrumental leader at Plutus Nonprofit Solutions, guiding the company through a period of significant growth and success. His dedication to the mission and vision of the organization has been invaluable, and his contributions will be remembered and appreciated. He will continue to serve as an advisor sharing any special knowledge as needed.

Joshua Fimbres-Barcelo expressed his gratitude for Alex's leadership, saying"

"I want to thank Alex for his partnership throughout our journey together at Plutus Nonprofit Solutions. His passion for our mission has been inspiring, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

Joshua Fimbres-Barcelo also shared his excitement about the future of the company under his leadership, stating:

"I am thrilled to take on the role of CEO and continue the work we started together. I am confident in the new leadership team we have assembled and in the two highly functional business units our clients have come to depend on, Projects and Support. The long term view we have taken and the high-quality team members we have recruited will ensure we continue to provide innovative solutions to our nonprofit clients. I look forward to leading Plutus Nonprofit Solutions into its next chapter of growth and success."

Plutus Nonprofit Solutions remains committed to its mission of empowering nonprofits with the tools and resources they need to make a positive impact in their communities. The company looks forward to continuing to serve its clients and partners under Joshua Fimbres-Barcelo's leadership.

About Plutus Nonprofit Solutions:

Started in 2019, Plutus Nonprofit Solutions is an award-winning provider of Salesforce implementation, customization and support services for associations and nonprofit organizations. Find more information about Plutus Nonprofit Solutions at Plutus4nonprofits.com .

Plutus Wins Fonteva “Surge Award”

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:00:47 GMT

Plutus Wins Fonteva "Surge Award"

Plutus Nonprofit Solutions was honored to be the recipient of the Surge Award during the Partner Summit at the 2024 Association Platform Power Conference in Washington, DC. This award, bestowed upon us by our esteemed partner Fonteva, recognizes our “ amazing growth and exceptional partnership during the 2023 Program Year ”.

“ For the 2023 Program Year ,” Angela Siefkes, Fonteva Vice President of Associations Partnerships, published, “ Plutus has received the “Surge Award” award to recognize your growth into an amazing partner, expanding your customer base, with implementations and transitions. You’ve worked well side by side with our sales, support, and partner teams, ensuring that these customers start off on the right foot. ”

This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of every member of the Plutus team. Together, we have relentlessly pursued excellence, leveraged cutting-edge technologies, and forged strong partnerships to make a significant impact in the AMS industry. Receiving the Surge Award reaffirms our commitment to pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and delivering extraordinary results – all to support association and nonprofit needs.

In 2023, Plutus Nonprofit Solutions saw phenomenal company and client growth as we continued to relentlessly pursue excellence and positive change for associations and nonprofits in the digital cloud age. We are incredibly proud of our team's accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such talented individuals. This award is not just a reflection of our past successes but also a catalyst for future growth and innovation.

Thank you to Fonteva for this incredible honor, and thank you to every member of our team for your hard work, passion, and commitment. Together, we will continue to soar to new heights and make a lasting impact in the world of technology for not-for-profit organizations.

Case Study: How Apsona makes Document Generation on Salesforce a Breeze

joshua@plutus4nonprofits.com (Joshua Fimbres) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:42:41 GMT

Overview

Salesforce can be used to do almost everything for nonprofits and associations. Nonprofits can track key donor data and demographics, and associations can track memberships and events. But have you ever wanted to generate documents directly from Salesforce with your data? Maybe a year-end report or invoice? We’ve got just the tool for you and it’s called Apsona. Apsona works by pulling information across multiple reports throughout your Salesforce community and uses that information to generate documents with ease and speed! This case study will explore the ways in which Apsona can efficiently and effectively expand your Salesforce capabilities.

Document Generation

From certificates, to end of year statements and everything in-between, Apsona makes creating custom templates easy and helps turn your Salesforce data into beautiful professional looking documents. Here are a few examples of Apsona documents that we’ve built for our customers.

Donor Biographies

Plutus has used Apsona to create simple and clean donor briefing biographies for our clients that conduct major gift fundraising. Traditionally, organizations would have to filter through all of their donors individually, gather their “specific information that is not included in the filters within their profiles,” and then one by one generate bio documents for each donor. But with Apsona, our clients generate these briefings on mass with the click of a button. Here’s a simple example we’ve used for showcasing purposes:

Certificates & Awards

Organizations can also produce nice looking certification documents for their members – after the completion of a training, as a special attendance gift, or to acknowledge credits earned. Check out the sample below:

End-of-Year Statements

Another big one we help with frequently is donor or member end of year statements and thank you notes. Thank you notes are a fantastic way to thank your donors or members for being valued members of the community. These notes are fairly simple to put together and can give donors or members an overview of their total investment with your organization. Check out this template that Apsona came up with from John Hancock himself!

Results

Thanks to our friends over at Apsona, nonprofits and associations can generate fast and clean documents directly using their Salesforce data. Plutus is proud to be able to help ease the work of nonprofit organizations and associations using Apsona. Let us know if you have questions about Apsona or maybe share a cool template that you’ve built!

Case Study: How Utilizing Salesforce Reports Can Help Bring Christmas Cheer

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:42:41 GMT

Overview

Salesforce’s reporting tool is a sure-fire method to bring your organization’s data together in a viewable manner. Whether you need to collect donor data from the past year or view new membership information from a recent event, reports are the easiest way to gather and easily digest those figures. Recently, Plutus was even able to use Salesforce Reports to bring some Christmas cheer by helping one of our clients build a report of key Contacts for their Christmas card mailing list. Read through this short case study to get the rundown on what we did!

Challenge

A Plutus client that focuses on advancing democracy in the United States, reached out asking for help building their annual Christmas card list. In past years, this group would manually curate their list through a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and add individuals and their addresses to that spreadsheet one-by-one. This process was tedious, time consuming, and missed key data capture as some new addresses were not being updated back into Salesforce. This list also took many hours to develop instead of being able to be quickly pulled from the database.

Solution

Plutus was able to streamline this process by first performing some basic data clean up and then creating fields to track Christmas addresses for each Contact to allow for a single report for the organization to conduct the mailing. First, we pulled a comprehensive list of their data from Salesforce in order to perform a v-look up from Excel to match as many Contacts and Accounts as possible. Plutus was then able to match some Contacts and Accounts with their respective IDs to upload a portion of the addresses from the excel file. The rest of the data was then cleaned by hand in conjunction with the organization’s staff.

Next, Plutus created fields to allow for easy tracking of the Christmas addresses inside of the system. Since the data was now in Salesforce, Plutus was able to develop a simple report that encompassed everyone who should be on the Christmas list thanks to the power of Salesforce Reports' Filtering mechanism.

The report was then saved so that staff would always have access to it and it could be duplicated as needed for the following year. New Contacts added to the list would also filter in real-time thanks to the Salesforce’s ability for dynamic reports. A report that used to take hours to manually create now takes less than five minutes to pull from Salesforce.

Results

With Plutus’ help, this nonprofit now has a functioning and mess-free mailing list for their Christmas card campaign. The organization no longer needs to track this information on a spreadsheet and manually rebuild the mailing list each year. Better yet, Plutus has transformed a tedious manual process into a simple five-minute one at the click of a button. Talk about bringing Christmas cheer to both their staff and members of their network! This use case is just one of many that utilize the power of Salesforce reports and illustrate how they can create efficiencies and streamline processes. Have a report your group needs built? Let us know and we’d be happy to help you build one!

Case Study: Visualizing Salesforce Report Data through Charts, Graphs, and Dashboards

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:42:41 GMT

Overview

Salesforce is the best customer relationship management (CRM) tool for storing and managing all your organization’s data. The software easily allows you to store all types of data on constituents, donors, members, and grassroots supporters. But what if you want to visualize your and see that? Well, Salesforce has you covered with its powerful dashboard creation feature. This year, Plutus created dashboards for one of our nonprofit clients to help them better visualize and understand from a high-level their network data.

Dashboard Generation

General Displays

Plutus helped this nonprofit organization create a dashboard to visualize their most important network information from the past year. In this dashboard, the organization is able to clearly see the numbers of new members added, key demographics of members, and alumni added. This information selected to be displayed was specifically chosen by this group, and can be altered for whatever is important to your organization.

Salesforce also gives you the power and tools to track goals which can be set by your organization. As seen in the chart below, some of the numbers are green, yellow, and red. These colors show the organization’s progress towards its goals for certain segments of its network. As you can see below, the organization met some of its goals, nearly met others, and came up short on some. This high-level display can help executives and team leaders know how close they are to certain goals.

Charts & Graphs

Salesforce reports data can also be generated into more visual methods of displaying information like pie charts and bar graphs. The pie chart, seen below on the left, is a more in-depth breakdown of the “Contacts Created This Year” chart seen in the “General Dashboards” picture above. This chart was chosen to display the regional data of contacts created this year.

The bar chart on the right is generating an overview of event attendance for various events the organization held throughout the year. The nonprofit will use this visual aid to see its most and least popular events throughout the year. Graphs and pie charts can also be great checks on what types of data might be missing from the system.

Results

Viewing large numbers through charts, graphs, and dashboards can allow for easy data consumption and actionable insights at the click of a button. Plutus was able to easily create all of those visuals using the Salesforce Reports feature and help provide our client with useful information for internal and external stakeholders. We love projects like this – providing high-impact for our customers at a low cost. Do you need help with visualizing your Salesforce data? Reach out and get in touch!

Case Study: How iWave & Salesforce are Revolutionizing Donor Wealth Screening & Prospecting

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:42:41 GMT

Executive Summary

A Christian nonprofit tasked Plutus with curating a strategy to better integrate and streamline their donor prospecting and funnel process with their Salesforce CRM. The organization wanted to be able to automate the wealth screening of new donors and the process of allocating and aligning those individuals to the different donor officers. To accomplish, Plutus utilized iWave and the Salesforce platform to create an automated scanning and pipeline distribution process. This strategy allowed the organization to have better insights into new donors, have fundraisers spend more time on raising funds and less time on research, and increased outreach to high-value prospects.

This case study will illustrates the ways in which nonprofits can utilize the powerful combination of Salesforce and iWave to take their fundraising to the next-level.

Challenges

The organization faced a number of challenges with its original process. They had no way to identify wealthy donors without manual research, sort prospects and current donors by different levels and pipelines, and distribute these donors to specific development officer portfolios. These processes were not only inefficient in their original state but also hindered future growth as the organization sought to dramatically increase the scale of its small and mid-level giving operation.

Solutions

Plutus

Plutus is your Nonprofit Success Agency, founded with the purpose of helping nonprofits and associations adopt the Salesforce platform to unify fundraising, memberships, events, and program management, and provide a 360 overview of the individuals your organization interact with. Plutus co-founders have extensive experience working with hundreds of not-for-profit organizations and are proud to have completed over 200 projects — from small configurations to large implementations from legacy systems. Plutus advised and created the strategy to help the organization meet its ambitious goals.

Salesforce
Salesforce is the world’s leading customer relationship management platform for nonprofit organizations seeking to utilize best-in-class technology. This multifaceted CRM tool allows organizations to manage their donors, constituents, and partners in a strategic and efficient way that can be customized to your processes and needs. Salesforce also integrates with thousands of different products on its app exchange as many leading technologies build a connection with them to gain access to their significant customer base.

iWave
iWave is a leading fundraising intelligence software that helps organizations find ideal donors with pinpoint accuracy, cultivate strong relationships, and build a better tomorrow. iWave offers a seamless user experience that helps even the smallest not-for-profit organizations gain actionable insight into their existing donor network. iWave also has an integration built into Salesforce so there’s no need for manual data entry or tedious upload via spreadsheet.

Strategy

Plutus and the nonprofit organization collaborated together to complete a full summary of their requirements and needs around the strategy and solution design. Through this setup, Plutus identified the workflow, identified donor buckets that needed to be implemented, and crafted the customization for iWave to automatically scan new donors being stored in the Salesforce platform.

Plutus led the implementation of iWave into the client’s Salesforce environment through iWave’s managed package that installs with ease. Next, Plutus created a process using custom development to automatically wealth-scan donors as they came into the database. This process also wouldn’t scan old donors in order to preserve and efficiently use iWave scanning credits.

Following this, Plutus created an automation to assign donors to specific donor “buckets” based on each individual’s estimated giving capacity. This tool was built using native Salesforce automation logic and data being pulled into Salesforce from iWave’s powerful scanning technology. At the end of the process, each donor was assigned a wealth score and donor funnel with no human interaction required. New donors and their recommended buckets were automatically sent to a staff member on a weekly basis using Salesforce reports.

Results

Thanks to the powerful combination of Plutus, Sales, and iWave, the nonprofit organization now has a fully automated and functioning wealth screening and donor pipeline system. With this system in place, the organization is prepared to expand its development team and direct marketing efforts to bring in more funds in a strategic fashion.

Plutus is proud to be able to put together this solution and help the organization increase its impact and funds raised. Are you looking for a similar solution or other ways to empower your development staff? We’d love to speak with you!

Case Study: How Salesforce, Formstack, & Stripe Can Streamline Any Application Process

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:42:41 GMT

Overview

Hasbara Fellowship, a Jewish nonprofit organization that takes Jewish students to the holy land to better connect with their heritage, was looking to better manage the various components of the application process. In order to attend the trip, students need to apply to the program, filling out necessary schooling and family information. The organization then reviews the application, approves or denies the student applicant, and then notifies them of their status. Once the student has been accepted, they then have to fill out further forms and provide additional information in order to attend the trip. All of these steps were previously conducted manually, creating time-consuming and unnecessary work for the organization’s team. Using Salesforce and Formstack, we were able to generate a seamless application process using packages that integrate the entire trip process within a single cloud-based system for the organization.

Challenges

How do we streamline the application process of students traveling abroad?

This organization had a number of issues with their original application process. Previously, the organization had to manually email back and forth with applicants in order to provide applications, approve of applications, provide necessary forms and documents, and obtain trip payments. Staff members would manually have to originate and distribute acceptance or rejection letters and necessary trip forms. They would send out individual Stripe invoices to each of the students. All of these steps created unnecessary problems for the organization’s team as they were having to deal with these issues for thousands of applicants every year. This type of manual process enabled a high margin of error and is not work you want your team to be laboring over.

Solutions

Using Salesforce and additional applications, Plutus was able to create a workflow to meet Hasbara’s needs.

Salesforce

Salesforce is a cloud-based CMS software that allows for organizations to simplify the management of their memberships, fundraising, marketing, analytics, and so much more. While Salesforce’s original design was for for-profit groups, they have since created a variety of success packages for nonprofits and associations to utilize Salesforce’s unique capabilities.

One of Salesforce’s packages nonprofits can utilize is the Nonprofit Success Pack. Salesforce’s NPSP is the perfect solution for nonprofits as it organizes constituent, fundraising, and program data for organizations. NPSP allows nonprofits to accelerate their fundraising, connect their programs, and drive marketing and engagement, all from one location ( NPSP ). At Plutus, we use this product for most of our nonprofit clients. In this case, we specifically used the program functionality of the product to make the application and onboarding process as seamless as possible for both the organization and students.

Salesforce also supplies organizations with the Experience Cloud for Nonprofits. This software is the perfect, secure solution for nonprofits to manage their programs, cases, donors, and volunteers ( Experience Cloud for Nonprofits ). At Plutus, we use this product to build portals for our clients, and this product is also what allows users to log into client’s specific systems.

Formstack

Formstack is an all-in-one workflow automation software that allows you create documents, forms, and e-Signature solutions for Salesforce. By using Formstack, you can capture data, populate information into custom documents, and collect digital signatures all through one platform. Formstack allows you to break down data silos, save valuable work time, and improve your customer experience all through Salesforce. Formstack users can utilize dynamically prefilled forms, automated document generation, and streamlined digital signature collection. There are a wide variety of use cases clients can utilize with Formstack, and our client here was able to successfully implement the software to streamline their student application process.

Stripe Payments

Stripe is a complete payments platform which allows for all-in-one acceptance of payments and distribution of funds globally. We were able to integrate Stripe into the organization’s environment for student payments of both American and Canadian dollars.

Strategy and Solution

Plutus and this organization collaborated to complete a full summary of their requirements and needs around the strategy and solution design. Through this setup, Plutus identified the workflow and crafted a custom solution using Formstack to automate the application process for both the organization and its student applicants to utilize.

To begin the application process, a student fills out an application using Formstack which was generated by the organization and implemented on their website. This application included all of the necessary fields required by the organization while also making the process as simple as possible for the student applicant.

Since the organization receives thousands of applications each year, they have regional groups which review applications based on the student’s schooling location. Once the student submits the application, the appropriate team receives and reviews the application, as all of the information is captured within their Salesforce environment.

The student has their own record created automatically within the system allowing the organization is able to see all of the application data directly. The student’s name, contact info, and relevant application requirements are clearly organized automatically within their Salesforce system for easy organization access.

After the team has reviewed the application, they then click to either accept or reject the student. Then, through Salesforce based on the application status, an automated acceptance or rejected letter is sent directly to the student applicant. This step frees up valuable time for the organization as they no longer need to create individual letters manually.

If the student applicant is accepted, they are then directed to fill out the necessary forms and pay the required fees for the trip. The various forms required for accepted students (code of conduct, conditions, health, and flight registration) are also generated through Formstack and allow for both easy completion by the student and streamlined review by the organization’s application team. The student is able to fill out the forms and indicate once they have completed them fully. The organization is then also able to see that the student has filled out all of the necessary forms within their individual Salesforce record.

Using Stripe integration with Formstack, the accepted students are able to pay their trip fees directly from the website without the organization’s intervention. Once the student has paid for the trip, an automatic payment receipt is emailed to the student along with details for their personal user portal. A link is provided for the student to finish setting up their account and once clicked, a user is automatically generated and a welcome message is automatically sent to them.

Results

The implementation of Formstack and Salesforce for this religious organization has been a huge success. The group’s team no longer needs to manually generate and distribute individual applications, acceptance and rejection letters, and additional forms for their student application process. The students are now able to apply and access all of the necessary information and details pertaining to the application and trip directly from the website. Overall, the integration of Formstack into this organization’s Salesforce environment saves both the team and the student applicants time and energy.

Plutus is proud to have been able to create a satisfactory solution for this client and help them streamline their student application process. This integration is just one of the many ways both Formstack and Salesforce can help nonprofits and organizations improve their mission’s efforts. Are you looking for ways to simplify your organization’s goals? We are happy to help!

Not-for-Profit Thought Leadership Series — Kenjie "The AMS Guy" Davis

Wed, 31 May 2023 01:12:40 GMT

Kenjie Davis, Owner & Association Management System Guru, "The AMS Guy"

For our May interview, I had the pleasure of talking with Kenjie Davis , "The AMS Guy ." Kenjie is the owner of The AMS Guy , a consulting practice which helps organizations maximize the impact that their Association Management System has on their mission. Kenjie works with associations to provide them with AMS management, new software implementation, problem solving, and everything in-between. During this interview, I was able to get Kenjie's insights on what makes a successful AMS implementation, what small AMS victories can make a big impact for associations, and one event he recommends business professionals attend to gain more AMS knowledge.

Hi Kenjie, thanks so much for making the time for this interview. Can you give us a bit of background on your work and how it impacts the not-for-profit space?

The goal of my practice is to help an AMS fulfill it’s purpose, which is to greatly enhance an association’s ability to meet the needs of its members and propel it towards mission success. I accomplish this by being the go-to person for all things AMS, whether its determining which AMS platform to choose, designing the AMS for the association, migrating their data, training, ongoing maintenance, or performing tasks in the system.

What are some of the qualities of the work you do/folks and groups you work with that you admire the most and make your job rewarding?

I am a passion-driven individual. I do my best work when I’m doing something that I believe in or for a cause that I’m passionate about. Organizations with missions that I can get behind are the best to work with, especially when the staff also display great passion for the work of the organization

As The AMS Guy, how do you measure the success of an AMS implementation for a nonprofit organization?

Short-term: were we able to build the functionality that the organization desired?

Mid-term: Is the staff able to use the software without many issues?

Long-term: Is the organization looking to move on to another software after a few years?

With nearly 20 years of AMS experience, I’m sure you’ve seen vast growth in AMS solutions available to organizations. What is one thing you would want folks to know about the future of AMS solutions?

The “all-in-one” solution is pretty much dead now. Unless you are an association that doesn’t need much functionality out of your AMS, you will most likely build a technology stack to meet your association’s needs. This means that you will have various software performing designated tasks while communicating with each other (at least they should).

We know that switching systems for organizations can often be a daunting undertaking. What are some easy wins you would recommend to folks in regards to simple changes they can make with their AMS that can make a big impact?

A. Seek a consultant with expertise in a particular platform to see if he/she can enhance your system for you.

B. Find out how others are using the same software to see what type of solutions they may have come up with.

C. Before looking to replace the entire system, look to see if there is another software that can be added to your technology stack that will meet your needs.

What is one event or conference you recommend professionals attend to gain more in-person knowledge and information on strategies and solutions available?

The AMS Fest (held twice a year) brings together a collection of AMS vendors, consultants, and supplementary technology. It is a great place to learn about a handful of AMS systems and to meet consultants that can walk you through a great approach in determining the system to purchase and to help build that system for your organization.

Thanks so much for your time, Kenjie! Do you have any final thoughts before we let you go?

Determining the best AMS system for you, building that system to your association’s specifications, and even monitoring the continued performance of the system can be a daunting process. Mainly because these are additional tasks that are added to your staff’s duties. Fortunately, there is a band of AMS consultants that exist to help relieve your staff of this burden and help your association towards mission success!

Case Study: Docs Made Easy, Your Free Document Generation Tool

Wed, 31 May 2023 01:11:30 GMT

Docs Made Easy, Your Free Document Generation Tool

As nonprofits and associations continue to adapt to a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for efficient and user-friendly document management tools has become more important than ever. With many options available, how do you find a solution that achieves your needs without breaking the bank? One such tool that we love recommending to our Salesforce clients is the Docs Made Easy free add-on.

Docs Made Easy Key Benefits

For many organizations, document generation can be a tedious and time consuming task. With Docs Made Easy, groups can create proposals, reports, quotes, invoices, contracts, shipping documents, welcome letters, and more by merging data from any standard or custom object into their own custom templates. Docs Made Easy provides users with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to organize and manage their documents. With just a few clicks, users can create new folders, move documents between folders, and easily search for specific files. This feature can be a huge time-saver, particularly for groups that deal with a large volume of documents on a daily basis. Docs Made Easy also allows for document generation from a variety of output formats such as Word, Excel, PDF, PowerPoint, and HTML, making it a great solution for whatever documentation type you require.

One of the key benefits of Docs Made Easy's document generation feature is its dynamic field mapping, which is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to non-IT users. This feature means that even those without extensive technical expertise can easily create and customize templates to suit their specific needs. Additionally, the platform is easy to set up with no code required, making it an ideal solution for organizations of all sizes.

Docs Made Easy Stands Out Above Competitors
Compared to other options on the market, Docs Made Easy stands out for its ease of use and affordability. While other document generation tools may require strong field mapping skills or a dedicated IT team to set up, Docs Made Easy simplifies the process and makes it accessible to all users. Docs Made Easy is more user-friendly and easier to set up than other options, making it a good choice for smaller organizations or those without extensive technical expertise. Docs Made Easy also offers a more streamlined user interface, which can make it easier for users to navigate and find the features they need. Furthermore, the platform is available for free, which can provide significant cost savings compared to other monthly subscription-based solutions that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per month.

Docs Made Easy is the Right Tool for You
In conclusion, Docs Made Easy is an excellent free add-on that offers a wide range of features and benefits for organizations looking to streamline their document management and generation processes. With its intuitive interface, dynamic field mapping, and robust document generation capabilities, Docs Made Easy can help nonprofits and associations save time, increase productivity, and improve the overall quality of their documentation.

Not-for-Profit Thought Leadership Series — Criss Rennie White

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 21:31:46 GMT

Criss Rennie White, Vice President of Business Operations, EnerGeo Alliance

For our April and Earth Month interview, I had the pleasure of talking with Criss Rennie White. Criss is the Vice President of Business Operations of EnerGeo Alliance , a global trade association for the energy geoscience industry. Criss manages the department work of many important sectors that allow the association to stay connected globally. During this interview, I was able to get Criss' thoughts on the gravity of her work along with future goals of affecting positive change, insights into what it takes to successfully manage multi-department communication at a global scale, and props to her teammates in the industry.

Hi Criss, thanks so much for making the time for this interview. Can you give us a bit of background on your work and how it impacts the association space?

As the VP of Business Operations for the EnerGeo Alliance, I am responsible for managing the Alliance’s Financials & Reporting, Information Technology, Human Resources, Membership & Committees, Programs and Internal Processes. My department is the backbone of the organization and supports our external teams in their effort to communicate EnerGeo’s mission & vision around the world.

What are some of the qualities of the work you do/associations you work with that you admire the most and make your job rewarding?

Working for a trade association is a thankless job. If accolades, pats on the back, and a large salary is your motivation, association work is not for you. What is important to me is to love what I do, work alongside like-minded hardworking individuals, and know my opinion and voice is heard and of course, to have fun!

You have been working at Energeo Alliance and in the broader association space for more than 30 years. Who are some thought leaders or authors in the industry who you think other association executives should be paying attention to and learning from?

I am fortunate to work with a dynamic team including Nikki Martin, President, EnerGeo Alliance. Leadership can either make or break the organization. Nikki was hired in 2015 and since then has catapulted EnerGeo as the only organization in the space of advocating on behalf of the geoscience and energy industry. It is through our advocacy efforts that I met Scott W. Tinker, PhD. Scott is the Director, Bureau of Economic Geology, State Geologist of Texas, and Switch Energy Alliance Chairman. His dedication to educating policy makers, corporate leaders, the public, etc. on energy facts is nonpartisan, sensible, and tireless and, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber; CEO, Centurion Law Group; author, Billions at Play. NJ passionately advocates for the millions in Africa without modern energy conveniences, which most of us take for granted.

Energeo is at the forefront of working with energy companies from many different sectors across the world. What are some exciting developments in the space that you think folks should be aware of?

I won’t go into the facts about how/what/where petroleum and natural gas products are essential, but I will note that the negative impact of the current narrative has created workforce sustainable challenges that could be catastrophic. It is time for a change. This year EnerGeo will be rolling out a campaign called Energy Starts with Me. Through fact-based science, reliable data and analysis and credible resources, we will proactively voice the critical and irreplaceable role our industry plays in driving energy evolution and enabling the delivery of affordable and reliable energy to all.

Many of Energeo’s members are companies, and certainly some large companies at that. When working with groups who have many points of contact, what advice would you give to other trade associations to really help showcase the value they provide?

This is a great question; communication is essential! Communicating the value is number one but frankly, we are all inundated with email. How do you communicate the value to a company with 1000 employees? In 2021 EnerGeo began offering an EnerGeo 101-member townhall. We either piggyback on the member company’s “all hands” meetings or we offer a standalone meeting. Many employees are unaware that company membership affords them Members Only access to EnerGeo’s website which contains a plethora of resources available to them free of charge. Understanding that we are business partners and here’s what we are doing to advocate for your freedom to operate is essential for both parties; it’s a win win!

In 2021, Energeo celebrated its 50th anniversary—a significant milestone for any organization, especially an association. We are firm believers that thorough planning and strategizing are key to any successful organization. How does Energeo go about goal setting and ensuring its meeting objectives and critical milestones?

The President and Board of Directors maintain a five-year plan complete with priority pillars. At the beginning of each year, department leads set goals based on the five-year plan and meet with their team throughout the year. We all play an active role in defining and refining processes, and having a good project management tool in place to hold everyone accountable is key. This is likely the most challenging aspect and therefore, is always evolving to accommodate the change in business practices and technologies.

Thanks so much for your time, Criss! Any final thoughts before we let you go?

Not that I can think of.

5 Signs You are Ready for a New AMS

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:01:22 GMT

Is it time to make the switch?

We know that the only constant in our world is change. People change, organizations change, technologies change, and AMSs change, too. If we are lucky, our AMS changes with us – it updates, grows, and progresses to meet the changing needs of our organization. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. So how do you know when it’s time for your organization to make the switch to a new AMS? Well here are our tell-tale signs that it’s the right time to update your software solution:

1. Your database system is on a server.

If your database is on a server, then it’s time to switch to a cloud-based system. Having in-house hardware that needs to be regularly maintained or replaced can be timely, costly, and stressful for your teams. If you and your team are having to connect to VPNs or go into the office to access your data, then it’s time to evaluate a cloud-based system. Moving to the cloud is safer, increases accessibility, and gives everyone access to the features they need quickly.

2. Your data is living in tons of different systems.

If your database solution doesn’t allow for seamless integration of your data, then you may have implemented a variety of systems to achieve different goals. While this strategy may work at the moment, it can lead to data silos down the line, which will ultimately cause confusion as your reporting and metrics will be incorrect.

3. Only 1 person is able to access and make changes to your database.

Was your database created exclusively by someone in your IT department or an outside consultant? Does your team consistently have to refer to this person when making changes to your database? Does your team run a risk of losing all access to your database if this person were to leave the team or move on to a different role? Would training new staff on your database be nearly impossible? We have run into this issue with many of our clients before. Many groups had their systems set up by only one or two people at the organization, creating an inevitable crisis for the future of accessing their database. Databases should be able to be easily accessible to anyone on your team.

4. Your system does not allow you to reset your own password.

If a team or organization member forgets their password, are they able to reset it themselves or does the system administrator have to complete this reset for them? For many organizations, this simple task can become a source of major headaches. Consider switching your AMS to relieve that stress and give more control back to your staff and members.

5. Your database system does not have or support the features you require.

Does your current system have email automations? Does it have a member portal experience? Does it even allow for these add ons without tons of custom code? For some AMSs, adding these modern experiences are either impossible or very costly. Don’t let the inability to add key features to your system be the end result. Switching AMSs can provide you with feature add-ons that would previously have been inaccessible.

If any of these 5 signs ring true for your organization, then it’s the right time to switch systems. Almost all of the organizations we have worked with have had one or more of these issues, and we have been able to help them switch to a system that provides them with the features, assistance, and ease that they desire. Reach out and let’s have a conversation!

Not-for-Profit Thought Leadership Series — Michelle Mason

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 22:50:55 GMT

Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, American Society of Association Executives™ (ASAE)

February is Black History Month, and Plutus wanted to honor this observance through this month's edition of our Thought Leadership Series. We were lucky to be able to have a one-on-one interview with Michelle Mason. Michelle is the President and CEO of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) , an organization that we, and many of the groups we work for and with, are a part of. As the head of ASAE, Michelle works to provide resources, community, and so much more to association professionals across the country. During this interview, I was able to highlight and discuss Michelle's achievements, get her thoughts and personal perspective on Black History Month, and secure a sneak peak of the major theme at the upcoming annual ASAE Meeting & Expo.

Hi Michelle, thanks so much for making the time for this interview. Can you give us a bit of background on your work and how it impacts the association space?

ASAE is the largest global home for association professionals and the premier source of learning, knowledge and future-oriented research for the vast, dynamic association and nonprofit community. We provide resources, education, community and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the sector.

What are some of the qualities of the work you do/associations you work with that you admire the most and make your job rewarding?

Associations do so much to advance not only the industries and professions they represent, but society at large. This is an amazing, inspiring community of cause-minded doers and to be able to help them be more successful is the most rewarding aspect of my work. Associations and the individuals who lead them are true change agents and integral to the world’s economic and societal progress.

February is Black History month. What does this month mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?

Black History Month gives us a time to reflect on the significant historical contributions of Black leaders. Knowing the history is important because it helps us chart the future. ASAE is in the midst of an extraordinary evolution, building on a 102-year legacy of success in advancing and promoting the association community. This year marks the first time in that 102-year history that both the CEO and Board Chair of ASAE are Black women. That means something to me personally, and I think it’s of historical significance to the organization and the community we represent.

Black History month is not only a time for celebration but also for reflection, deeper understanding, and working towards an equitable future. Who is one person making an impact in black history education and positive change who you think nonprofits, associations, and their members should take time to learn from?

There are so many important voices in the Black community. It would be impossible to single out one person, but it’s important that we take time to receive and understand what people are sharing. Knowledge is a gift and what we can learn from others’ experiences and insights is limitless.

ASAE is committed to the mission of diversity and inclusion, and many of the associations and nonprofits we work with are striving towards the same goal within their staff and membership bases themselves. What are some suggestions you have for organizations and their leaders as they move in this direction?

First, the fact that more associations and their leaders are recognizing DEIA as a business imperative is encouraging for our sector and our future relevance. The size and scope of activity within our industry is vast, so the reality is that organizations are in different stages of DEIA prioritization. I encourage organizations to consult ASAE’s ever-evolving Conscious Inclusion resources for assistance in adopting and executing a practical strategy for elevating DEIA.

ASAE will be hosting its annual Meeting and Exposition this year in Atlanta (and we are so excited to attend!). What will be the theme of this year’s convention, and can you give us a preview of what folks working in the association space can expect?

The theme for the 2023 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Atlanta is “Shape Your Purpose.” We all know associations are the “great communicators” that connect industries and professions and bring people together in common purpose. We look forward to rolling out more specifics about our speakers, sessions and events soon but we can’t wait to bring this community together again in Atlanta this summer to exchange knowledge, resources, strategies and solutions in an unforgettable setting.

Thanks so much for your time, Michelle! Do you have any final thoughts before we let you go?

Thank you for the opportunity. It is an honor to serve the association management profession and to help association leaders identify and respond to emerging needs and opportunities that will benefit our collective interests.

Not-for-Profit Thought Leadership Series — Wes Trochlil

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:18:40 GMT

Wes Trochlil, Owner, Effective Database Management

We are starting a short-form interview series of leaders and executives in the not-for-profit space. These interviews will highlight the insights and thought leadership of important figures on relevant topics for associations, nonprofits, and database management insiders.

Our first interviewee is Wes Trochlil. Wes is the Owner of Effective Database Management and works as an advisor to various associations and nonprofits on best practices, operations, and technology solutions. I was able to get his input on current global impacts on associations and important items to look out for to improve business practices.

Hi Wes, thanks so much for taking the time to interview with us. Can you give us a bit of background on what you do and how your work impacts the association and not-for-profit space?

For the past 24 years I’ve been working with associations and non-profits on all things related to data management, from system selection and implementation, and ongoing data management issues. Prior to my consulting I worked for nearly a decade in three different trade associations, serving as Director of Membership, Marketing, and Customers service. My work helps associations get better control over their data, allowing them to focus on advancing the organization’s mission.

What are some of the qualities of associations/the work you do that you admire the most and make your job rewarding?

My favorite characteristic of associations is their collaborative nature. By definition, associations are created to bring the power and wisdom of a broader universe to each member. As a former association executive, I benefited greatly from this shared wisdom. As a newbie membership director (back before the internet!) I was able to read many books and articles from other membership professionals that helped me get up to speed quickly in my work. I always seek to pay-it-forward by sharing all that I’ve learned over the past 30+ years of my career.

There a number of indicators showing that the US and other parts of the world may be heading into a recession. How do you think organizations should start planning for that scenario from a membership perspective?

There’s a tendency to hunker down during a recession, but that’s the time for associations to lean into their membership and their value. They should look to strengthen ties with current members, including offer opportunities to those who may have been laid off or faced other challenges. Now is the time to really prove value to members.

Given the potential economic downturn, what types of technologies and or solutions are you seeing associations focus on in terms of upgrading or increasing impact?

Recession or not, associations should be looking for technology that can automate mundane processes. They should also be looking to minimize or eliminate unnecessary work created by “silly” business rules (self-inflicted wounds are on of the biggest challenges associations face).

There's been a lot of chatter about AI recently given the release of ChatGPT. Any neat use cases features that you're seeing organizations utilize when it comes to that?

I’ve not seen any association applications of ChatGPT, but I’m sure they’re coming. For example, associations will be able to use ChatGPT as their online customer service support. And developing new content for website, magazines, and newsletters will also be a likely application. The power of AI is both amazing and terrifying.

Who is one under the radar person or under the radar conference that folks should be following and or attending?

Fascinating question. Not sure he’s under the radar, but I think James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, has tons to teach those of us responsible for data management. So much of data management is about process, and process is really about habits. A lot of what

Clear talks about in Atomic Habits is applicable to data management. I’ve written about it quite a bit in my Wednesday Wisdom column.

Thanks so much for your time, Wes! Any final thoughts before we let you go?

Will there be cookies provided?

Partner Innovation Award Winner

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:26:20 GMT

APPCon 2022 Partner Innovation Award

Last month, Plutus Nonprofit Solutions was honored to be the recipient of the Partner Innovation Award at the 2022 Association Platform Power Conference in Washington, DC. Bestowed to us by our partners at Fonteva , this award celebrates all of the hard work our team does to provide our clients with the best solutions possible to maximize their Fonteva and Salesforce experience.

“The Partner Innovation Award,” Fonteva Vice President of Association Solutions, Dirk Behrends, announced, “recognizes partner organizations whose innovative use of technology delivers measurable benefits to other organizations…Over the past year, Alex and Josh have dedicated their practice to becoming experts in Fonteva, whether it's explaining the benefits of payments to the customers they work with, learning the ins and outs of Fonteva mobile, or working to ensure the implementation and upgrades are smooth and seamless.”

When Co-founders Alex Titus and Joshua Fimbres started Plutus, they had a goal in mind of helping small and midsize nonprofits and associations whose needs were often overlooked utilize Salesforce’s cutting edge technology. Four years later, the company has grown exponentially, all while maintaining the provision of services that are consistent, considerate, and deliberate. All credit goes to our wonderful Plutus team who works hard everyday to deliver new, innovative, and scalable solutions to our customers and to whom this award would not otherwise be possible.

Case Study: CMS Connect - Integrate Your CMS Data with Your Salesforce Experience Cloud

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 19:50:12 GMT

Integrate Your CMS Data with Your Salesforce Community

We know that nonprofits and associations have many diverse and unique needs and objectives in order to achieve their specific goals, and therefore, need clean and multi-functional websites to support their operations. Using Salesforce Experience Cloud to provide various functions for your members is the right step towards connecting your mission with your community. It is important when managing all of your significant digital content to maintain clarity and consistency throughout your website in order to best serve your members, donors, and stakeholders. One tool that helps tie your Salesforce Experience Cloud and website together is CMS Connect.

CMS Connect is an app that integrates your website’s CMS data (sources: AEM, Drupal, WordPress, SDL and Sitecore) into your Salesforce Community without any coding (uses: HTML, JSON, CSS, JavaScript, and Language Mapping). CMS Connect reuses your headers, footers, banners, and other content across the various components of your website. Simply put, as a user clicks between your website’s home page and Salesforce Lightning pages, your branding and layout will remain the same. There are three key benefits to using CMS Connect:

It creates a clean user experience and provides consistency with branding. Your website will appear polished and professional.
It provides familiarity and easy navigation throughout your website. Otherwise, users could experience confusion as they switch between views.
It is the cheaper long-term solution for CMS data management. Once CMS Connect is set up, it will always mirror your headers, footers, and banners, even as changes are made to your website. Given the frequency that organizations change tabs, links, pictures, and more on their sites, CMS Connect will not only save you the time of having to change those banners with each update, it will also save you money in the long run.

Overall, CMS Connect provides simple solutions to your website and Salesforce Community that will provide a big impact on your user’s experience and engagement. It’s cost effective and easily manageable, which means less money spent and less headaches down the road. Want to learn more about how CMS Connect might help your organization? Let’s chat!

3 Takeaways from ASAE22

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 18:32:31 GMT

Things I learned at the ASAE Annual Meeting and Expo

Last month, I was lucky enough to attend the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting and Expo in Nashville, Tennessee. Even though it was my first time attending the conference, the anticipatory electricity was mutually felt by my fellow attendees and exhibitors with it being the major first in-person event since the pandemic. I found the four-day weekend to be full of new findings and simultaneously nostalgic rediscoveries. Here are the 3 major points I took away from ASAE22:

1. The AMS/CRM Transition Problem

Throughout the weekend, Plutus Co-Founder, Alex, and I spoke with many different individuals about their work and the AMS/CRM platforms they utilize to achieve their goals. For some, this topic brought up feelings of tension and disappointment. When asked specifically about their current situation with their AMS/CRM, some individuals stated that they had recently acquired new software but didn’t know where to start and some stated that this process had been in the works for quite some time without seeing the desired effects from the new software. Many individuals mentioned how poorly their transition was going, how difficult they were finding the process, and how disappointed they were with the product because of it. Whether the transition is just beginning, ongoing, or complete, switching AMS/CRM platforms can be disruptive and overwhelming for many. This recurring sentiment highlighted the importance of good patience and understanding when taking on this process and helping those with the implementation of the new AMS/CRM platforms. For those whose technological intuition might not be so high or whose coding experience is none, having a graceful, helping hand can make all the difference in switching AMS/CRM platforms. This process is not easy, and it is important to get quality help when needed.

2. The Importance of Building Community

While having the privilege of meeting with clients and partners throughout the weekend, Alex and I also had the pleasure of meeting new associates. These simple connections elucidated that building strong relationships and communities in a post-pandemic society is critical. Associations by nature strive to create and support target communities. And thus, this ecosystem has created a larger “association” of professionals within the space. Meeting with peers of similar mission-driven associations and association-support organizations at ASAE illuminated a network of like-minded individuals which already existed but was hidden behind a wall of inaccessibility. Conferences like ASAE22 are fabulous opportunities to engage with distant peers as well as build your community with new-found friends. If you are unable to attend conferences, or once the meeting inevitably ends, social networking tools like LinkedIn are great methods for maintaining relationships and upholding a strong sense of community at home.

3. Association folks are the best!

Over my long weekend as ASAE22, I kept coming back to the same thought: Everyone here is so nice. This statement is often used as one of default when describing an individual with no other notable characteristics, but in this case I mean it sincerely! Whether it was someone I sat next to in a speaker session or someone I bumped into in the Expo Hall, I walked away from every interaction saying to myself, “they were so nice!” I don’t think I am alone in this feeling. As many of the people I met at ASAE22 have been in the association space for long portions of their career, I wonder if this is the main reason that keeps them coming back. Being around so many kind and genuine individuals supported the positive notion that the association space is full of good people trying to do good things. And in the end, that is what made ASAE22 an event to remember.

6 Tips for Teams Working from Home

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 19:10:26 GMT

Working remote? Here are 6 tips to make working from home a breeze!

There is no denying that our lives have been forever changed by Covid-19. One of the biggest changes driven by the pandemic is the transition to remote work. Since the pandemic began, almost 70% of workers reported working from home at some point, and this change has been welcomed by many. In fact, 77% of those surveyed by OWL Labs reported that working remotely would make them happier. But that happiness can only be achieved through effective techniques to make remote work successful for employees and managers. It is important to understand that working remotely will present its challenges and to prepare for these dynamic differences. So here are our 6 tips for teams working from home:

1. Set up a morning routine. While it is a luxury to not commute to the office, it is important to designate a start to your at-home work day. Start your day with a healthy breakfast, enjoy your morning cup of coffee, and get dressed appropriately for the day. These simple tasks can help get you mentally prepared for the work day.

2. Keep a daily schedule. Plan a start and end time to your work day. It is important to distinguish between at-home leisure and at-home work. Creating structure to your day can help manage productivity and work-life balance.Establish a healthy to-do list to keep track of your work and your goals.

3. Take clear breaks throughout the day. In addition to planning a daily schedule and routine, it is important to include breaks. Taking an explicit lunch break each day allows you to get some needed fuel and rest to keep up with the daily grind. Breaks throughout the morning and afternoon allow you to avoid getting tunnel vision on your work tasks and perform more efficiently.

4. Get some exercise. Taking breaks throughout the day is important, and some of the energy spent on those breaks should go towards keeping your body moving. Staying cooped up inside all day can make you feel isolated. Fresh air will help you feel connected to the world around you, and a little exercise will keep your mind fresh. Stretching your legs, going for a walk, sitting outside in your garden or back yard, or even going to the gym will help make up for the loss of commute and mobility inside an office. Your mind and body will thank you for it!

5. Set up a designated workspace. While it seems like a fun idea to work while snuggled in bed, this can be a challenge for your productivity as you will have a hard time switching into work mode. Establishing a workspace will allow you to avoid distractions and focus on your duties. If your home workspace is not ideal for remote work, try listening to calming music through headphones, or consider setting up shop in a coffee house, cafe, or library to facilitate a peaceful workday.

6. Use a chat program to keep in touch with colleagues. Staying in contact in today’s age of technology has never been easier. However, this does not mean that remote work can’t still feel isolating. Using chat programs like Slack, Workplace, and Microsoft Teams can help you keep in casual contact with your colleagues to ensure healthy social connections throughout the work day. Team meetings can carry on through platforms like Zoom, Webex, and Google Meet to allow for face-to-face collaboration.

Finally, don’t forget to ask for help when needed. Nobody knows how to do this perfectly, and no one expects it to go seamlessly. It’s important to rely upon your colleagues, peers, and teammates to keep you grounded and connected.

Big Data Clean Up Project?

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:55:19 GMT

Big Data Clean Up Project? Here’s Four Tips On How To Get Going

Some people are just crazy. You know who I’m talking about. Maybe your neighbor who is still smiling after their 22 mile morning run. My fellow Oregonians who refuse to use umbrellas in the rain (this is real). Folks who ruin a wonderful cup of coffee by using cream and sugar (only slightly joking). Then th ere’s another level of crazy: those who love big data clean up projects. This is a rare breed of person but I’m proud to say we employ a few of them at Plutus!

If you’re like most people, big data enhancement and clean up projects are not only frustrating, time consuming, and dreadful, but can generally be so overwhelming that it's hard to even know where to begin. If you’re staring at the clean data peak at the top of the mountain here’s some advice on how to get started:

What Data Do We ‘Actually’ Need?
We’re certainly in the age of “big data'' and for some folks, big data means capturing everything. I’ve worked with groups who track preferred airline loyalty numbers for thousands of people and organizations who keep copies of financial data from nearly 100 years ago. Before you and the team dive into the spreadsheets, you should always take a step back and think: what are we trying to accomplish with this data clean up? Answering this crucial question will likely make the project shorter and your database cleaner.

Start Small & Be Strategic

Like any big project whether it's a home renovation, planning for a major event, or that once and a lifetime vacation, you should always break the projects into chunks and start small. Looking at the whole scope of the project isn’t just daunting but can lower morale if the project seems too big to tackle. Start small and be strategic.

How Are We Going to Not Do This Again?

The question speaks for itself. We’re spending time, money, and staff resources to clean and enhance data, but how are we going to not do this again? What was the initial reason why this data wasn’t making it directly into the CRM in the first place? No data project is complete without having a strategy on how to fully or nearly eliminate manual data entry.

Consider Outside Help

Sometimes it's beneficial to bring in an outside advisor or consultant who can challenge assumptions and review your approach before you dive into a big data project. The outsider not only brings a different and unbiased perspective but also can have the authority to challenge certain assumptions that other staff take for granted. This can be an invaluable addition during the “What Data Do We ‘Actually’ Need?” process.

What are your tips for large data clean up projects? Sound off in the comments below!

Three Ways Nonprofits and Associations Can Increase Their Fundraising

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 13:18:19 GMT

Three Ways Nonprofits and Associations Can Increase Their Fundraising

It’s been a tough year and a half for not-for-profit organizations across the country. While things are beginning to open up, many organizations are struggling to regain lost revenue and increase their overall fundraising numbers from years prior due to the pandemic. With the pandemic (hopefully) behind us soon, here are three strategies that associations and nonprofits can take on to increase their fundraising and better engage with members and donors.

Donor Screening Technology

Donor and member prospecting is the lifeblood of fundraising, but can be a huge lift for small and medium-sized organizations. My first full-time job out of college was as a member of an eight person team whose sole purpose was donor prospecting research. Many nonprofits and associations Plutus works with don’t even have eight full-time staff. But even if you don’t have a large team, you can still utilize technology for wealth screening and prospecting purposes.

In fact, it’s a good time to begin exploring technologies like iWave that allow you to perform wealth screenings in mass on current donors, members, and prospective donors and members. All you need is a name, address, and iWave does the rest! These scans on average cost around 10 cents a name and the financial return can be substantial.

For example, we recently concluded a large donor screening project for a client with some incredible results. The client has a small and mighty development team (2 people!) and is largely funded by grassroots supporters and small dollar donations. Through iWave, we found multiple long-time donors to the organization whose giving was consistent at around $200-$500/year but who had the capacity to give substantially more.

A few of these donors had confirmed $1,000,000+ gifts and net worths in the hundreds of millions -- all information we found through iWave. Now, the development staff who have limited time for engagement, can better identify which individuals to spend time with and pursue. iWave costs around $3,800/year so it’s certainly an investment worth considering.

Associations, Are you Soliciting Gifts?

Throughout my career, I've worked with over 50 nonprofit organizations and associations. One of the biggest headscratchers from my work with associations is why many of them don’t feel comfortable with traditional fundraising tactics I.E. soliciting gifts from members, corporate sponsors, or board members. Of course, not every type of association makes sense for traditional fundraising but the majority of groups, particularly membership organizations, fit the bill. Members join associations not just for credentialing or a strong network but because they believe in their mission and values.

So, why not go ahead and spin up a giving club? Or how about asking members to donate to a fund that subsidizes memberships for disadvantaged groups? Or why not even just email all of your members and ask for a year end contribution? You might be surprised how positively and generously folks will respond.

Is your Database Strategy Holding You Back?

At some point, you have to ask yourself if your current data storage strategy is holding you back. Are your fundraisers using a pen pad to manage their solicitations and asks? Are you tracking prospects and current donations on a spreadsheet? Are you using an outdated and clunky system like RaisersEdge?

If your current database is creating more problems than solutions, then it’s time to consider something new. Using a world-class platform like Salesforce can help your development and membership staff better manage the major gift pipeline, direct marketing campaigns, sponsorships, prospecting process , membership renewals and so much more. Salesforce is a long-term investment but it’s a good time to spark the conversation while most of us are still not doing major conferences, events, or educational seminars. If your data strategy is holding you back, it’s time to think about investing in something new.

6 Tips For Choosing A Nonprofit Salesforce Consulting Partner

Thu, 06 May 2021 22:07:15 GMT

Insider Tips

Choosing the right consultant to help execute your Salesforce vision can be a grueling and time consuming process. With so many vendors, specialties, and package options it can make finding the right partner difficult. Here are tips and questions that every nonprofit should ask and consider during the vendor selection process and before signing with any firm.

Do they understand my industry?

With such a big market, there’s a lot of Salesforce consulting firms that have expertise in different parts of the broader ecosystem. Some firms specialize not just in nonprofits but specific sectors of the nonprofit market. There’s firms that focus on higher education, enterprise NGOs, political groups, and then smaller and medium-sized nonprofits and associations like Plutus! With so many options at your fingertips, It’s important to make sure that any potential partner has a basic understanding of your industry and how things work.

Does the firm know the difference between a 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organization? Do they understand terms like fundraising and memberships? Do they understand what programs are? If they don’t, you can expect not only a worse customer experience but also a more costly one as generally firms charge just to learn about your industry. For this reason, it’s always good to understand how knowledgeable a partner is about your industry before entering into an engagement.

Is their pricing transparent?

Every firm has different pricing models and packages but not all firms are the same when it comes to pricing transparency. Is a potential vendor willing to give you their hourly rates or is their pricing sheet more like solving a puzzle? How are invoices issued and will I be aware if a project is going outside of scope -- or will I just get a surprise bill?

Ensuring that you have an understanding of how pricing, billing, and invoicing works is key to keeping costs under control and maintaining a healthy partner relationship. Many firms won’t proactively disclose this type of information during the sales process so it’s always worth asking for clear documentation.

Do they speak in terms I can understand?

You likely aren’t a Salesforce guru and you shouldn’t need to be when talking to a potential partner. Advisors should be able to explain things in lay terms and give you a broad understanding of any project or feature they’re pitching you on. If a sales guy is throwing buzz words and terms at you like “4th industrial revolution!” “creative disruption!” “innovative strategic approach!” it might be time to look somewhere else.

Before signing with any partner, you should be able to easily understand exactly what the firm does, how they can help empower you and your users on Salesforce, and what the process looks like. If you don’t have a strong understanding of this, you might get trapped in a relationship that sours for both parties.

What do th ey actually do?

Setting expectations for services before signing any contract is key. It’s helpful to understand if a vendor tells you your organization will receive 20 hours of services for a project, what exactly that entails. Does it mean they’re going to go in and do the work? Or are they just going to advise you on how to do something yourself?

Does your plan include set time for meetings and check-in points with a real person or does all communication need to be through an online ticketing portal? Understanding exactly what a specific service entails, how the consultant will work with you, and what their processes are is key to your success.

Do they offer ongoing support?

A lot of consulting groups will help you get up and running on Salesforce or build something inside of your system but don’t provide support or training after. Salesforce is a powerful tool and while some groups have internal resources that can handle all of their system needs, many need some form of ongoing outside help.

If ongoing support is something your organization needs, you should clearly ask if the firm offers those services before signing a contract. It’s generally better to receive ongoing support from the firm who built something for you since they’ve already invested in learning about your processes, have relationships with your staff, and understand your workflow. Consistency is key.

Are they really experts?

Many technology consulting companies focus on implementing and supporting multiple pieces of technology. Some firms support Salesforce, Hubspot, Microsoft Dynamics, RaisersEdge, and a plethora of other systems through consulting and implementation packages. If a firm tells you they implement and and work with all platforms that should raise a red flag. Firms that specialize in everything are generally never experts in anything.

For example, Plutus and our staff are generally tech savvy and could probably implement a client on Microsoft Dynamics. But would that really be the best experience for the customer and us since we don’t generally work with the system? The answer is likely no and it will almost always lead to higher costs, slower delivery, and unexpected delays and pain points. It may seem attractive to go to a firm that has multiple specialties but sometimes that can lead to problems and headaches.

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