March/April 2004

Aligning Online Software and Strategy for Strong Constituent Relationships

by Gene Austin, Chief Executive Officer, Convio

Think about the constituents that help support your organization: how can you develop the strongest possible relationships with them? Aligning online software and strategy can help.

Internet software tools that share a common platform provide unmatched visibility into constituent interactions across every function and program. They help to coordinate efforts across all functions in the organization and ensure that online and offline data are synchronized, giving the organization a unified view of constituent interests and motivations -- key for personalized and targeted outreach and communications. 

This issue of Convio Connection offers several articles with insights into the topic of aligning online software and strategy. In Developing an Integrated Approach to Building Constituent Relationships Online, Convio's founder and chief strategy officer, Vinay Bhagat, explains how nonprofits can use an integrated online approach to building constituent relationships across functions including fundraising, services, advocacy and more. In Ask an Expert, Fred Waugh, vice president, marketing and product management of Convio, answers the question, "What do I need to consider when synchronizing my online data with my offline database?," detailing three points every nonprofit organization should keep in mind when creating a data integration plan.

Also in this issue: Building Donor Loyalty: The Key to Successful Fundraising Programs, by guest columnist Timothy Burgess, co-founder of direct marketing and communications agency, Domain Group. Timothy discusses how building stronger, sustainable relationships can drive better fundraising results. The article also covers five important steps that any nonprofit can implement to build stronger donor relationships.

We've also included a case study about techniques the ASPCA uses for collecting constituent information and building constituent profiles for use in targeted, effective online communications and fundraising.

Take a look, too, at how Convio software provides a comprehensive, integrated solution for the most effective online constituent relationship management available today.
 
We trust this issue of Convio Connection will give you the insights you need to develop stronger constituent relationships, with tips and best practices for choosing the appropriate technology for your online efforts and executing effective communications with your constituents.