Data Sense

Time for a Little Horn-Tooting and Thanks-giving

Data Sense launched in April of 2009 and I am happy to say I’ve been busy. I started with some pro bono work with Alpha Sigma Phi, Wishard Hospital Foundation and Progress House. Since then I have had as clients Kappa Alpha Theta, Sycamore Trails Research and Conservation District, Jessica White & Associates and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. I have been invited to submit proposals to four other organizations. None of this would have happened were it not for local consultants and fundraisers who very generously took the time to meet with me and share their wisdom. So in this month of November I send a special “Thank You” to Jessica White, Wendy Boyle, Nancy Frick, John Carreon, Katy Cantor, Jim Wood, Meg Gammage-Tucker, David Sternberg, Ruth Purcell Jones, Bryan Orander, Gale Wilkerson, Jennifer Pendleton, Nancy Berst, Paul Giese, Bob Rush, Kim Hodges, Jane Howard, Becky Schafer, Larry Smith, Amy Rubin, Felicia Brewer, Beth Gehlhausen, Kathy Pedrotti Hays, Gwen Kibbe, Aimee Laramore, Mike Laudick, Marnie Maxwell, Kris Parmelee, Sonya Baker-Hallett, Jose Lucende, Steve Bariteau and Bob Swaney.  I hope I didn’t miss anyone. Thanks to you all for your time, advice and trust. Carol

The Genesis of Data Sense

Last fall I started on a personal “campaign” to become a consultant.  I conducted a feasibility study of sorts by interviewing my spouse, friends, former co-workers and practicing consultants.  Next was a business plan to explore why, when, where and how. The business plan examined the current market and helped define a niche for the consultancy.  It forced me to focus on my mission, goals and values.  It became my strategic plan.  From the strategic plan flowed my “development plan“which included case, specific strategies for goals, a timeline and determining marketing needs.  A marketing plan, aided in large part by Trevor Yager of TrendyMinds, came next.  Does this sound familiar?

Planning works.  Whether one is running an annual fund, capital campaign or starting a planned giving program, an honest appraisal of the why, when, where and how is critical. An area that non-profits sometimes overlook in their planning process is behind-the-scenes where prospect research, prospect management, database management and reporting reside.  Look for more on that in our blog. That is our niche. That is why Data Sense exists.