Tips for Introducing Predictive Modeling Tools
January 7, 2010 | Read Time: 1 minute
- Seek high-ranking champions within the organization to promote the adoption of statistical modeling and other tools.
- In addition to researchers, include the fund raisers who speak directly to donors and technology personnel in the planning effort to build widespread support.
- Don’t fear the technology: As predictive modeling has become easier to use, it’s gotten more accessible for small and medium-sized organizations.
- Start with a small, “winnable” project.
- Talk to colleagues at other organizations about how they use statistical modeling in their fund raising.
- Universities and other big institutions may have organizationwide contracts with the companies that make statistical software that would give their fund raisers free or low-cost access to the systems and training.
- Every organization has concerns about the quality of its data. Don’t let that stand in the way.
