Helen Brown Group

  • Home
  • Our Services
    Overview
    • A la carte research
    • Customized News Alerts
    • Data Insight
    • Dedicated Consulting
    • Research department audits and training
    • Wealth Screening Assistance
  • Resource Library
    • Learning Media Library
    • Wealth Lists
    • Prospect Research Links
    • Prospect Research for Fundraisers
  • About
    • What We Believe
    • Helen Brown
    • Meet the Team
    • HBG Privacy Policy
  • Blog
    • Archive
  • Contact

December 15, 2016 By Helen Brown Leave a Comment

11 ways you can be ready for 2017

As hard as it is to believe, 2017 will be here in two weeks and three days, folks. There will be much you won’t have any control over in the year ahead, but there are lots of things you can do to help yourself, and your organization, be prepared for the challenges of 2017.

Protect Yourself Online

If you haven’t already, let this be the year that you finally subscribe to a password-generating software program. PC Magazine has compiled their list and side-by-side comparison of the Best Password Managers of 2017. They’re not expensive. Just do it. Also, check that your virus protection and anti-spyware software are auto-running. If you don’t have those two things, buy them.

Get better performance from your computer (and prevent snooping)

Start a new habit of manually clearing out your web cache and cookies from your browser(s) every Friday. If you can’t remember the last time you emptied your computer’s recycle bin, here are nifty step-by-step instructions to auto-schedule Windows to empty your trash on a regular basis so you don’t need to think about it. Freeing up this space will make your computer a lot more efficient and work faster.

Tidy up your personal online presence

If it’s been more than six months since you updated your LinkedIn bio, now’s the time to go take a look at it. Is it time to update your Twitter bio? Pin a new tweet to the top? Change your cover photos? How can you freshen your online presence to be ready for the new year?

Clean up your online work space

Now’s a great time to clean up those bookmarks, too. Delete the ones you no longer need or have broken links. If your current folder system isn’t working for you anymore (or if you don’t have a folder system), try rearranging your favorite links in a new way. This is a good way to find (and start using) those great links that you found over the past year and forgot you’d saved.

Clean up your professional work space

Does your department’s section of your organization’s shared drive make you cringe? Are there fifteen blank “New folder”s in there? Old files from old projects that never got off the ground? Could you take an afternoon to clear that stuff up?

And what about the database? Now’s a great time to find all of the duplicate records and get them consolidated. And all of that information on those sticky notes stuck to your desk? It isn’t going to type itself up – get it into the database before the new year begins.

Gold in gold out

Speaking of the database, when was the last time your organization did an address update and/or a wealth screening? It’s impossible to raise money from constituents if you don’t know where they are, and it’s inefficient (not to mention potentially insulting) to ask people for the wrong level gift. Annual address updates are relatively cheap and just make good fiscal sense. And if you’re a reunion-based organization, think about running wealth screenings on your reunion classes a year before they happen to give you plenty of time to analyze the information, update ratings, research new prospects identified, and be prepared and organized to make the right asks.

Take some time to evaluate and plan

Outside of the annual fund and gift processing areas, December can sometimes be a slightly quieter time of year in many fundraising offices. Take this time to reflect on the professional goals you set for 2016 and see how you fared against them. What were some of the regular and unexpected challenges you faced? If they have potential to recur, can you help mitigate them in the new year? What are the top 3 goals you want to set for the new year?

Plan your year ahead

Now that you’ve looked at your goals, let’s take a look at the calendar. What do you need to be prepared for in each month?  Are there always events planned for snow birds in February? A major symposium every May? Incoming parents event in September? Board member nominations in October? Think about setting a reminder 4-6 weeks prior to each deadline with a task list so that you’re completely prepared.

What about professional development?

Are there new/different conferences, seminars, or memberships that would enhance your skills? Start thinking now about ways to lobby for budget money to support this. Also, do you have a subject-matter or efficiency expert in the office? What tips and tricks could they teach you to increase your knowledge and/or help you streamline your processes? Is there someone you could collaborate with?

Update your templates

When was the last time you updated your report formats? Are they still working for you/end users? Has new information (like Twitter handle or LinkedIn page) become mainstream since you last updated them? Is there a format that would work better for end users (moving from Word to a database-generated form, for example, or vice versa)?

Thank people who have helped you this year

Did an info tech pro consistently and cheerfully help out when you were in a bind? Did your supervisor go to bat for you? Does a certain colleague always seem to know when you’re having a chocolate emergency? Take a moment to write an end-of-year thank you note to people who have been helpful or particularly supportive. It doesn’t have to be a big production – a simple line or two will do. If you’re not a note-writer, how about baking brownies? I’m sure those hard-working year-end data entry elves typing as fast as their fingers can fly would appreciate being appreciated. Taking a moment to thank people will encourage them to continue smoothing your path in 2017, and it will make you feel good, too.

In that spirit, I’d like to thank my awesome team for each suggestion that helped build this article! And now, over to you – what helpful hints do you have to help others be prepared for 2017?

Filed Under: Career development, Research Department Success, Strategic planning

  • Get the Intelligent Edge

    Our weekly update provides insight and commentary on breaking philanthropy news and the latest innovations in fundraising intelligence.

  • HBG Privacy Policy

    By sharing your information you give us permission to send you our newsletter. You may unsubscribe at any time.

New Articles

  • Giving Priorities for America’s Top Philanthropists in 2020
  • Opportunity of a lifetime
  • Can your prospects be found at a luxury private community?
  • December edition – Who’s Doing Well Now?
  • Art Imitates Life

Keep Updated

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Get the Essential Handbook

Get Your Copy

Learn More

Categories

  • Campaign Success
  • Career development
  • Due Diligence
  • Effective searching
  • Fundraising Analytics
  • Fundraising Ethics
  • HBG Book Club
  • International prospect research
  • Most popular
  • News
  • Non-profit trends
  • Podcast
  • Prospect Development 101
  • Prospect identification
  • Ratings
  • Relationship management
  • Research Department Success
  • Researching Companies
  • Researching Individuals
  • Social Media
  • Strategic planning
  • Trust & Foundation Research
  • Uncategorized
  • Wealth screenings

ABOUT HBG

The Helen Brown Group was formed in 2002 with a goal to be different.

Allow me to explain my personal philosophy to you.

  • Learn More About HBG

Latest Intelligent Edge Articles

  • Giving Priorities for America’s Top Philanthropists in 2020
  • Opportunity of a lifetime
  • Can your prospects be found at a luxury private community?
  • December edition – Who’s Doing Well Now?
  • Art Imitates Life

Privacy Quick Links

  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Tools

Copyright © 2021 The Helen Brown Group LLC.

David’s career in prospect research began in 2009, as a graduate research assistant at the Shippensburg University Foundation. In 2011, He became a development researcher for the University of Virginia. In 2015, David became assistant director of prospect research at the University of Baltimore, serving for 3 years. Recently, he was the director of development for Trees Forever. David Joined the Helen Brown Group as a research assistant in January 2020. He earned a B.A. in Theater at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a M.A. in Applied History at Shippensburg University. David is a member of APRA and APRA Great Plains.

Kenny has worked in development since 1999 and has been involved in prospect research since 2002.

Prior to joining The Helen Brown Group, he was the director of donor and prospect research at the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Kenny is a member of APRA and NEDRA.

Tara first began her career in development in 2002 supporting the Major Gifts department at Simmons College, and ultimately went on to serve as Assistant Director of Prospect Research. Since that time, she has also worked as a Senior Research Analyst at MIT, as Associate Director of Prospect Management and Research at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and as Director of Development Research at Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP).

Tara originally joined the Helen Brown Group team in 2007 and served as a Research Associate and ShareTraining coordinator until 2008 – she rejoined the company as a Senior Researcher in 2013 and was promoted to her current role in 2018.

She has been an active volunteer with NEDRA for many years and served on the board of directors from 2010-2016. During her time on the NEDRA board, she served in many different roles, including terms as Vice President, Secretary, Chair of the Website and Technology Committee, Chair of the Volunteer Committee, and as Chair and Editor of NEDRA News. She is currently a member of the NEDRA Bootcamp faculty. In addition, Tara has also been involved as a volunteer with Apra, serving stints on the Membership Committee, Chapters Committee, and Bylaws Task Force.

Angie began her career in development in 1999 at Virginia Tech in Corporate and Foundation Relations and later in prospect research at the University of Connecticut Foundation.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, her experience includes grants management at the University of South Carolina, program evaluation for South Carolina Research Authority and human resources analysis for Nissan North America.

She returned to development in 2007 and worked in various prospect research positions at Vanderbilt University, including Associate Director. She was named Director for Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s research office in 2015, and joined The Helen Brown Group in 2016.

jdsahjhDJDJHJSH

Josh began his career in development as the Phonathon Coordinator at Keene State College. He then worked at non-profit consulting firm Schultz & Williams in Philadelphia.

He started his research career at the University of Pennsylvania as a Research Assistant in 2005. He then moved over to the Wharton School of Business, where he became the Associate Director, Research and Prospect Management. Josh joined the Helen Brown Group in 2016.

Josh is also a Colorado licensed Realtor and graduate of Lehigh University.

In March 2017, Kristina joined the Helen Brown Group as a Research Associate. Before joining HBG, she was the Research Manager at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and an Associate Manager of Prospect Research at City Harvest, a food rescue organization. Kristina started her non-profit career as a legal assistant at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2004.  She is a member of Apra and Apra Greater New York. She was Apra Greater New York’s Director of Programming from June 2014 to May 2016. Kristina graduated from The University of Chicago and the Bard Graduate Center.

Grace began her career in development in 2001 as Executive Assistant to the Chief Development Officer with Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), a Harvard Medical School-affiliated academic medical center.

In 2003, she became a prospect researcher for the BWH principal and major gifts team and spent the next 11 years in various research positions with BWH, culminating as Assistant Director of Prospect Research. She has been affiliated with The Helen Brown Group since January 2014.

Heather began her career in 2002 as a prospect research coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and then moved to Carroll College in 2004.

In 2005, Heather began working on her own as a freelancer and eventually started her own consulting firm, Willis Research Services, in 2007. She joined The Helen Brown Group in 2012.

Heather is a member of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement and the Montana Nonprofit Association.

Jennifer began her career in development at her alma mater, Wheaton College, where she was an administrative assistant for the major gifts department.

She joined The Helen Brown Group in March 2008. She earned a master’s degree in library science from the Southern Connecticut State University in May 2009. Jennifer is a member of APRA and NEDRA.

Rick has been a member of the Helen Brown Group team since 2005. Prior to joining HBG, Rick was director of research at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire. Rick has worked in development since 1996, both in prospect research and major gifts fund raising. His experience includes the University of Vermont, Phillips Exeter Academy and St. Paul’s School.

Rick is past president of NEDRA and is a member of and frequent volunteer for APRA.

Josh began his career in development as the Phonathon Coordinator at Keene State College. He then worked at non-profit consulting firm Schultz & Williams in Philadelphia.

He started his research career at the University of Pennsylvania as a Research Assistant in 2005. He then moved over to the Wharton School of Business, where he became the Associate Director, Research and Prospect Management. Josh joined the Helen Brown Group in 2016.

Josh is also a Colorado licensed Realtor and graduate of Lehigh University.

Mandi has worked in prospect research and management since 2006. She began her development career as a research analyst in development research at City of Hope, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Los Angeles. From there, she became the manager of prospect development at Huntington Memorial Hospital, a community hospital in Pasadena, CA. Most recently, she was the associate director of prospect research and management at Occidental College, a private liberal arts college in LA.

Mandi has a BA degree in print journalism from Southern Methodist University and a master’s degree of library and information science from UCLA.

She joined the Helen Brown Group in May 2019.

Kelly began her career in development in 2008 as an administrative assistant in Major Gifts at Wheaton College.

In 2010, she became a research analyst at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the Division of Development & Jimmy Fund as part of the prospect identification team. Kelly joined The Helen Brown Group in 2013.

She is a member of APRA and NEDRA.

Jayme began her career in development in 2008 at the Rutgers University Foundation, where she spent the next seven years, first in prospect management and then prospect research. She spent several years at Monmouth University as their senior prospect research analyst, working with the fundraising staff, university president, and top leadership. She has worked as both a volunteer and consultant for non-profits in the areas of research and writing.

She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Drew University and a master of communication and information sciences from Rutgers University. She is a member of APRA.

Jayme joined The Helen Brown Group in April 2019.

Julie has managed finances for The Helen Brown Group since its founding.

In her spare time, she is an editor for the PBS series Masterpiece at WGBH. Julie was nominated twice for an Emmy award for her work on the PBS show Zoom.

Heather began her career in development in 2001 as a prospect researcher for National Wildlife Federation (NWF). She was with NWF for more than thirteen years, including nearly five years as director of research and analytics. Heather is a former secretary of the board of directors of APRA-Metro DC.

She joined The Helen Brown Group in October 2014.

David began his career in development at The Gunnery school in northwest Connecticut in 2011, where he worked in database management and prospect research. Subsequently, he joined the College of Saint Rose as a development research analyst before leading Albany Medical Center Foundation’s prospect research efforts as Associate Director of Prospect Research. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Siena College and is a member of APRA and CASE.

Michele began her career in development in 2012 when she joined the UC Berkeley corporate and foundation relations team as a development analyst. She spent a year and a half at Cal before returning to UC Davis as a prospect analyst. She was with the prospect management and relations team at UC Davis for almost three years prior to joining the research and relationship management team at George Washington University as a Senior Prospect Analyst in 2016.

Michele received her BA in creative writing from Florida State University and her MA in higher education leadership from CSU Sacramento. She currently resides in Northern Virginia, is a member of Apra International, and serves as the social media chair for Apra Metro DC. Michele joined The Helen Brown Group in July 2018.

Angie has worked in development since 2002, partnering with a wide range of nonprofit institutions. She began her professional career at Vanderbilt University in research and prospect development.

She has also worked with a number of community nonprofits in front-line fundraising, grant-writing, and event management. Angie holds an MPA in Nonprofit Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and a BS in Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University. She resides in Nashville, Tennessee, and is a member of AFP Nashville and APRA MidSouth, where she has been active on the executive team.

She joined The Helen Brown Group in October 2015.

Maureen has been a part of the non-profit world since 1991. She started out in annual giving at Harvard Law School and continued her career as director of annual/special gifts at UC Santa Cruz.

In 1999 she made the switch from front-line fundraising to serve as director of prospect research/management at Bentley University and in 2001 began her role as administrator for the North American Foundation for the University of Manchester. She became part of the HBG team in September of 2011.

Helen has been a development professional since 1987. Her previous experience includes The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Albert Einstein Institution, Boston College, the Harvard School of Public Health and Northeastern University.

Currently she works with a variety of clients to establish, benchmark and re-align research departments; identify major gift prospects; and train researchers and other fundraisers through on-site and web-based training services.Helen is a former member of the board of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) and is past president of the New England Development Research Association (NEDRA). In 2006 she received the NEDRA Ann Castle Award for service to the prospect research community.

Helen is Special Advisor on Fundraising to the North American Foundation for the University of Manchester and is a member of the board of directors of Factary Ltd. (Bristol, UK). She is a member of NEDRA, APRA, the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP), Women In Development, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Researchers in Fundraising (UK).

Helen is a frequent speaker and has led seminars for a number of professional associations, including Action Planning, AFP, APRA, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), NEDRA, RIF, the Planned Giving Council of Central Massachusetts, the Georgia Center on Nonprofits, the International Fundraising Congress and Resource Alliance.

Helen is also co-author (with Jen Filla) of the book, Prospect Research for Fundraisers (Wiley & Sons, 2013).

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy