[Tim Ryan]

Well...This is my first post as a new BUS member. I currently have zero experience w/ Blackbaud but I start a new job in a month where I will be the Chief of Finance and Admin. From the info I acquired in the interview process the E.D. is looking for someone to expand and maximize the usage and value to the organization of their Blackbaud products (FE and Raisers Edge) - SO - I have committed myself to get a jump on the task of making myself the "Blackbaud guru" as quickly and efficiently as I can. I was pleased to find this Users Forum! Can anyone offer any advice on what you believe through your own experiences is the best and quickest way to learn the product. On-site training?- Charleston corp seminars? Are there any prefered manuals? I really am a total newbie to this system so any advice is welcome.

Cheers!

[Peter Gulka]

Hi Tim. Welcome aboard

1. post here often. Ask every question that pops into your head, even if it seems basic. If you ask "Where is the on button for my computer?" people will flock to help you. Also, look for people who seem to have a similar job or work in a similar organization to yours.

2. Trial and error. If you can manage to get a desktop computer and install a stand-alone copy of your database(s) you can play without ever worrying about breaking anything.

3. Training. I'd recommend a 3rd party trainer as opposed to a Blackbaud one for basic concepts. For more advanced stuff, BB is the way to go.

4. Try and attend the conference in Novemebr in Charleston, or the one in Vancouver in June. Invaluable networking opportunity for people in your very same position.

5. Have fun

[Matthew]

Welcome aboard the bus, tim.

Two suggestions:

JCA (JCA Fundraising Software Consultants - Jacobson Consulting Applications) provides excellent RE services AND training. I've had 3 separate training sessions with them...one was a group Crystal Reports class and twice they came onsite for more one-on-one advanced training (using SQL with Crystal, etc.). I highly recommend them. I don't know where you're based, but they have consultants in various places and they'll certainly travel to you.

Like Peter said, attend the Blackbaud conference in November in Charleston. Also, if your org can afford it, take along other users who would benefit from the experience. There are plenty of training sessions offered for various parts of the software (both RE and FE) from Blackbaud experts. Your access to "those who know" is really exceptional and well worth the expense.

OK, so 2 more quick suggestions as well:
#1: RELY ON BLACKBAUD SUPPORT to support you! Call them and ask if you don't know how to do something, regardless of how basic it might be.
#2: Post your questions here and Read posts by others. There are several of us who read and post frequently on this forum who have significant experience with Blackbaud's products and are glad to help, regardless of the complexity of your question.

Good Luck!

Matthew

[Tim Ryan]

Hey - I think I'm going to like being on this Bus. I do appreciate the quick and insightful responses! I have participated in other forums before with mixed results. I just accepted a position at a Museum in Orlando, Florida. I was working at a professional association where we were using Microsoft Dynamics SL (formerly Solomon). When I started looking into Blackbaud via their website I was very impressed and excited to be going to an organization that runs this system.

So here I am on the BUS. Thx again. I'll be checking in frequently.

[Ali]

Dittoing Peter and Matthew, I would recommend an independent consultant over Blackbaud training. The training they offer is generic buttonology and their customized training is wayyyy expensive. JCA is good. I've worked with them several times.

Since you don't start the new job for a month, see if the museum would let you have a copy of RE and FE to install at home and start learning.

Unfortunately there aren't any manuals for RE and FE outside of the standard user guides that come with the program. But once you get the programs installed, you'll have user guides out the wazoo. I swear there's about 100 for RE alone.

Good luck and we're all here if you've got questions.