The User's Edge : solicit codes

4/15 Forums Roundup

Douglas Clinton — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Here's a list of unanswered posts from the past week:

If you have advice or insight to share, join the discussion today!

The answer to the Brain Buster in this month's edition of The User's Edge is either one or zero. Since most animals can't talk, the traditional answer is that none of Robert's animals would be able to say they are the same animal as Yoshi's. Of course, since some parrots can talk, and one of Robert's animals is a parrot, it's possible that one of his animals could say it is the same animal as Yoshi's.

Sarah's Shortcuts: "Don't call us; we'll call you"

Sarah McBride — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:58:00 GMT

Occasionally, I audition for local theater productions. Though shows are fun, auditions always make me nervous. Like most actors, I dread hearing these six little words: "Don't call us; we'll call you." (which basically mean, "You call that acting?")

When I was in college, I worked part-time for our annual fund. Speaking with alumni wasn't bad, but occasionally we had to call parents of current students. Considering the high cost of tuition, asking for more money didn't go so well. The six words were shortened to three ("Stop calling me"), but the tone of voice was pretty much the same, and it wasn't a very pleasant experience.

So what do these reflections on rejection have to do with The Raiser's Edge? Glad you asked. It's hard to run a nonprofit without the support of donors, but in order to obtain donations, you have to solicit prospective givers. Hopefully most people will respond well, but there will be some who close the door. The question is whether the door is completely shut and bolted or if they leave it open a crack, indicative of possible future donations.

As you manage your database, you may find it helpful to distinguish donors' levels of responsiveness using solicit codes. For instance, you may need to differentiate between someone who asks not to be contacted as opposed to someone who just wants to be contacted less frequently, someone who is anti-mail but is okay with receiving a call, or someone who seems like she's just having a bad day and needs a chance to refresh before you put your feelers out.

Solicit codes are conveniently located on the Bio1 tab of constituent records for quick reference. They also serve as an easy way to filter mailings and queries in order to include or exclude constituents accordingly.

By recording prospective donors' initial responses, you can adjust your approach to suit their requests. Respecting their preferences may help you budge the door open wider and shed your organization in a more positive light. Who knows? In time, you may even be able to code them with the "Call me any time!" solicit code.

Jennifer's Jargon: Solicit Codes

Jennifer Paquette — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:59:00 GMT

Ever been confused by solicit codes? Maybe you inherited your database from someone else? Or maybe too many users have been allowed to add to your code tables? Either way, keep it simple -- solicit codes should be in the negative (i.e., "Do not solicit," "Do not call," etc.) BTW, "Do not email" is a completely unnecessary solicit code -- check the "Requests no email" box on the lower right-hand corner of the Bio 1 tab instead. If you're using solicit codes in the affirmative (i.e., "Send spring mailing," "Call during fall phonathon," etc), consider using constituent attributes to pull constituents into queries and exports instead.

Use "Do not solicit" sparingly. Think about it -- should this constituent truly never, ever be solicited for anything? Annual appeals, event participation, legacy giving, etc. -- not just now but forever and ever? Consider creating more specific Do Not Solicit codes instead. Personally, I don't appreciate phone calls, but am happy to receive a well-crafted case for support via email or snail mail. And (speaking from experience) might your constituent be highly offended if he/she didn't receive an invite to your fantabulous annual gala? The generic Do Not Solicit code might inadvertently strip him/her from that prestige mailing (been there, done that).

Am always happy to share real-life experiences and will continue to do so in coming blogs!