Top tips from Harlequin clients
Top Tips: Client Insights Series.
Leaders from a range of Harlequin clients share tips on how to prepare for charity management software during the research and implementation stages, and how to make the most of the system moving forward. This is based on their direct experience of rolling out Harlequin software at their not-for-profit organisations.
Tip 1: Create a comprehensive requirements document otherwise you risk ‘creep’ from your original specification.
Tip 2: Very early on, collect all the data you have about contacts and take the time to cleanse it thoroughly.
Tip 3: Once live on the system, remember it is yours to make the most of. Continuously evaluate your processes and avoid getting stuck in routines that may limit how you operate.
- Melanie Waters, Chief Executive, The Poppy Factory
- Read full case study about The Poppy Factory
Tip 1: Ensure staff feel involved from the start when it comes to moving their working-world into a new environment.
Tip 2: Hold regular internal user group meetings with representatives from all your teams. Look at new features, encourage questions and welcome enhancement requests.
Tip 3: The template tool is a blank canvas onto which you can capture any information – as a team we are always considering what processes can be replicated and automated on the CRM system.
- Mark Olivier, Systems and Information Manager, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
- Read full case study about Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
Tip 1: As early as possible, think of all the template letters, lists and reports that you will want in the system.
Tip 2: Not everyone needs full access to every area of the database; consider what people need to see – this will help improve the way they work.
Tip 3: For fundraising meetings, we can extract and print reports, charts and graphs in a concise format.
- Anne Hodgson, Operations Manager, Alder Hey Children’s Charity
- Read full case study about Alder Hey Children’s Charity
Tip 1: Take the time to clean up your contact data before you move to a new system – Harlequin can help with this during the conversion process.
Tip 2: Evaluate the benefits of your fundraising and finance teams working on an integrated and centralised system from Harlequin.
Tip 3: Using the status codes on the system we have re-engaged with supporters and have been able to send them relevant communications and to make asks at appropriate levels.
- Adela Shephard, Head, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity
- Read full case study about UHCW Charity
See our resources area containing news and case studies about the organisations above, including more tips, hints and insights.
