As the training manager here at FundRaiser Software, I can think of at least four ways you can learn how to use your donor management database. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each will appeal to a different group of users. This blog will, hopefully, lead you to the learning path that best suits you, by explaining each briefly, along with major advantages and disadvantages.
1. Live Webinars
When FundRaiser is purchased, training "credits" are issued, and these credits can be used for live training webinars. Each class is designed to be approximately one hour in length, and each covers a different area of the software. There are specialty classes for those who have modules in addition to the basic package, too. Each class costs one credit, no matter how many attend that session, so you can train multiple people at one time for a single fee. The advantage is having a live trainer readily available to field questions. The disadvantage is in fitting the pre-scheduled classes into your busy schedule.
2. Training Videos
All of the basic training classes are available in video format through the Customer Portal section of our website. These videos contain the same content as the live webinars, and, in some cases, are edited versions of live webinars. The biggest advantage is that they are available to you at any time, 24/7, so that you can view them when it's convenient. The disadvantage is that there is no one there to answer any questions you may have at the time. Of course, you can always email or call us for clarification after the fact.
3. On-Site Training
For some organizations, on-site training on their own data, with their own equipment, in their daily environment, is the best way to learn. The advantages are many, including a much more personalized approach, including analysis of how the organization expects to use the software, and how to best achieve the goals in learning. Training is usually one or two intensive days, with an emphasis on what works best and how best to implement/coordinate the efforts of each member of the fundraising team in that organization. The disadvantage is, primarily, cost. Travel, meals, lodging, etc., as well as salary considerations make this the most expensive avenue of training, and it can be difficult to get the whole staff together at the same time to benefit from this type of training.
4. Self-guided, using the Help Contents manual
I may be biased, but I believe that this is the least effective way to learn to use software. For folks whose schedule is so different as to make live sessions impossible, or who don't want to sit through videos, or can't afford or don't want on-site training, and don't know anyone else who uses FundRaiser, then turning to the Help Contents section within the program may be the only training available. The Help Contents is like a manual in electronic form, available any time you have the program open. There is a huge "How-To" section, as well as various and sundry topic-driven sections. The advantage is instant availability when using the program, and the disadvantage is that no help section can ever cover all the possibilities, so you may still have to call or email for clarification.
No matter which way you choose to learn, I strongly urge you to take some time to train. The reason you train is to increase your level of performance, efficiency, and effectiveness while reducing the amount of time needed to perform necessary tasks. Without the training, you'll be wasting valuable time, which would have been best spent on training, so that you can, in the future, use your time as you see fit.