[JaimeB]

Has anyone ever used a non-Blackbaud consulting firm for RE training? Or know of any? I recall finding one at some point, probably 4-6 months ago, but failed to bookmark the page.

We have a staff of about 6 that use RE (most at minimal use, just defaulting to me for help). I am in no way a database "guru" and still need some training myself. I know that the cost of bringing someone in directly from BB would cost mega-bucks, so I wondered if anyone has thoughts on the alternative.

Thanks!

[Peter Gulka]

For a while we had a whole section of the forum dedicated to 3rd party
consultants, but it just wasn't working properly. I removed it asn have been
looking at a way to completely reinvent the way that the Blackbus works with
and promotes non-Blackbaud consulting fiirms. My previously noted personal
issues have prevented that from happening as quickly as I would have liked
but it has not been abandoned.

[cbusse]

One of my clients had John Jay from Fundraising Support Services (Fundraising Support Services: Computers Helping Nonprofits) fly in and do two days of training. I'm not sure how his rate compares to Blackbaud's official trainers, but the cost was split amongst several organizations within our local Raiser's Edge user groups so you might look into that route. We found that many people had the same questions even if they were using RE differently.

He was extremely knowledgeable and was able to train us not just on the use of the system (both at a basic and advanced level), but also many of the best practices and "gotchas" that can come by incorrectly using a field then trying to report on it later, etc.

[Matthew]

I enthusiastically recommend JCA (www.jcainc.com). I've used them several times for training and have always had great experiences.

[lifeisgood112]

We have used Heller Consulting in the past and I would reccommend using them... I am currently looking at a consulting opportunity with NFP Technology in Monument, Colorado so ... if I get hired they would be a good choice

[SandyWilder]

Jaime,
Please feel free to contact me privately for further information.
Thanks!

[Kate Schandler]

Jamie,

I can highly recommend Sandy Wilder, having worked with her in the past. (Hi, Sandy!) You will especially like her presentation suprises like the Special Guest.

Thanks,
-Kate

[Kitri]

I also recommend Heller. They were very helpful in explaining everything and answered all of my "silly" questions.

btw: sorry, i'm catching up on the emails I was out for a looong weekend - my son graduated 8th grade on Tuesday night!

[BookWorm]

We have also used Heller and have been pleased with the results.