Latest Articles
- 10 Tips for Creating a Data Goldmine
I have been working with many clients who have their information in a database but are unable to get the information they want or know where to find it. Usually the culprit is a series of issues that come together to create the perfect storm of inefficiency. The tips below will help you to prevent this storm and maximize the information in your database to increase productivity and profits.
- How to Make More Money in 2012 with Data Driven Decisions
I have mentioned in many of my articles about metrics. Things we use to measure success and how far you are from reaching your goals. Data is much more than that – it is a valuable tool to make solid business decisions. It also helps you to save as well as make money. Below are some of the metrics you can use to help grow your bottom line in 2012.
- Why Effective Reporting Makes You Money
Many organizations today rely heavily on their technology to get things done. This is something that will become increasingly important as we move into the future. Those who have learned to leverage the information they have can effectively market, close sales, produce their products or services quicker and save money on maintaining those customers. One way to achieve this is through effective reporting.
- Top 10 Reasons Why You Need a Bookkeeping System
As technology progresses it is becoming increasingly important for companies and non-profits to track their information. In a previous article I discussed how to maximize your customer relationship management software. This month I am going to talk about your bookkeeping system. These two areas tend to be neglected by a new business or existing businesses using an effective system that is too difficult to maintain. Either scenario will cost you money, time and sales. Below are the top 10 reasons why you should use a bookkeeping system.
- 7 Ways to Keep Your Database from Becoming a Digital Clothes Hanger
As part of the new reality, organizations are doing more with less. This translates into reduced staff, resources and in some cases office space. This has created the necessity to examine how organizations can use technology to be more efficient. One way is to purchase Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. Doing a thorough research process and testing prior to buying your system. Once purchased, I encourage you to take the necessary steps to avoid it becoming a digital clothes hanger – aka an unused treadmill. Here are some tips on how to avoid this dilemma for yourself.
Capacity Building
This has become a very important topic for non-profits all over the country. As budgets shrink and donations decrease our non-profits are expected to do more with less. The disconcerting part is no one is telling them how.
In the new economy our non-profits are essential to bridging the gap between eliminated federal and state funded programs. As a result, non-profits are needed even more.
Creating a lean environment in your office will give you the ability to increase your services to the community all while adjusting to reduced resources. How does having a lean office do this? You reduce your costs by eliminating waste in your procedures and achieve better utilization of staff and resources. This is significant because 60 to 80% of all costs associated with providing a product or service is administrative. This has an affect on your available cash flow when these costs were reduced.
Therefore, having a lean office allows you fulfill your role as leadership by freeing up time to create strategic alliances and educate potential board and community sponsors why they should support your mission. For you to do your job well, your staff needs the ability to make good routine decisions independently and know when to ask for help. To support your mission you must have a clear line of communication across departments, thus making the right impression with recipients and potential resources. Lean Office principles enable your organization to do this well.
As a vital component of capacity building we offer our Data into Donors and Dollars Program which focuses on the not-for-profit’s unique needs and development goals. Schedule your session today.
Below is a diagram of how a lean office operates in a profit environment. This also applies to the non-profit in terms of available cash flow. By having a lean office you can positively impact the cash flow available for funding services.
- Diagram provided by The Lean Store - Lean Office Training Set
There are many organizations that help non-profits with grants to fund different projects. Below are a few local non-profit who may have funds to increase productivity and as a result increase capacity. Each organization has their own set of criteria for grants. In some instances a project with Croll Productive Synergy may be eligible for grant money. This is an area that we are actively researching.