Prepared for Change
	Posted by Danielle Johnson-Vermenton at May 21, 2012 10:13 AM CDT Categories: Content Management, Data Integration, NPtech, Productivity

As we join the Blackbaud team, many things are staying constant. For example, our continued commitment to our clients. However other things are naturally changing and will continue to evolve as we form our new team. These last few weeks I’ve taken time to pause and reflect. How am I prepared for change? Can I be nimble and adjust?

When thinking about your organization are you prepared for the unexpected? Do you have a change management plan? Too often development and marketing professionals are focused on getting the gift, pitching the story, making a call, but we need to step back and assess our readiness for change.

• Are staff cross trained? Is the Online Philanthropy Manager the only one who knows how to create and send an email? How are statistics being pulled for Foundation reports?
• Are policies and procedures written down? Who knows the coding structure in your donor database? What is the procedure for acknowledgement letters?
• Is the annual plan written down? Is there a chart that outlines drop dates for print publications? Launch dates for online campaigns?
• How is donor stewardship handled? Is there a matrix that lists giving levels and activities?
• What is the communication plan for a major change in leadership? If the Vice President of Development leaves, how will that be communicated? What donors will need to be contacted immediately?

So many questions, but if you spend time now outlining the plans, procedures and details you will be prepared and save time when change does happen. And saving time on details like this will ultimately save money, create stability and enable you to concentrate on the mission.