Data Sense

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.