Geoff Bartlett at the University at Buffalo is an innovator. He’s jumped feet first into new donor engagement innovations, including texting, AI, predictive modelling and now remote engagement – allowing student ambassadors to contact donors from places other than a calling or engagement center. Geoff joins RNL’s Renee Vaillancourt to talk about the decision to step back into fundraising after the initial impact of the health crisis to raise crucial student support funds and stay on track with goals.
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Geoff Bartlett’s tips for implementing remote engagement:
- Realize that alumni and supporters want connection during this difficult time – and they realize that student emergency funds are a real need.
- Start with a core group of veteran engagement ambassadors, then scale up after you’ve worked out systems and navigated conversations.
- Integrate multiple channels, including texting following calls for gift fulfillment.
- Look at other personal channels like personal video to follow up and engage donors. (Including thanking your student ambassadors!)
- Plan for the unexpected, and use data to build your plan, including a mix of remote and calling in your traditional center. Remote work, including things like texting and video are now part of your tool kit.