12/18/2023 0 Comments Grasshopper phones![]() ![]() As mentioned earlier, the recordings could be forwarded via e-mail to those in question. Some guests called to say they could not attend, but wished to send regards and requests to members of the staff and development board, which was easily done. ![]() You might be a little like me – answering constant telephone calls during the day is jolting and breaks my concentration by using this system, I could simply check-in now and again, during the day and after.Ħ. This was LOW stress for “yours truly,” and actually enjoyable. For instance, after a long day of working on catering and other event details, I could sit down after supper and quietly listen to each individual RSVP recording, and decide how best to handle it. Once set-up, the invitation printed and mailed containing the toll-free response number, I was then able to decide when I wanted to listen to the RSVPs, day-by-day. That helped set a high tone for the dinner.ĥ. Grasshopper allowed me to select a “voice talent” to record the script I prepared, and I chose a woman with a clear and elegant British accent. I also learned through the Grasshopper dashboard what phone lines they were using, and I could edit my database accordingly.Ĥ. You would be surprised how many people call after-hours and over the weekend, some of them late into the night. Messages from guests could also be forwarded via e-mail to others within the organization and to those serving on the advisory board. And, a receptionist was not required to manage the process. Not only was Grasshopper convenient to my guests, who could call free of charge from anywhere at all hours of the day or night, their numerous and sometimes lengthy phone messages did NOT “clog-up” the nonprofit’s primitive messaging system, nor mine. I also kept the line open through the evening of the event out of courtesy and for a few days afterward.ģ. I scripted the toll free telephone response line to include three separate recordings for: a) RSVP “yes” b) RSVP “no” and c) driving directions, instructions regarding attire, and the telephone number of the venue. Considering what we gained from using Grasshopper, that was an incredibly reasonable price.Ģ. At the time, engaging Grasshopper ended up costing my organization approximately $100 from start to finish. I could also have the line open for a full month. This was very convenient for our potential guests, who lived all over Texas. I secured a toll-free response line that anyone could call, 24-7 from any location, free of charge. Here are a few things I was able to accomplish by using this platform.ġ. While event logistics were fairly easy to arrange, I quickly realized taking RSVPs from some 500 potential guests would be a daunting task for a “one person” shop like mine. They needed to inform their leading constituents about the success of that effort, and to announce that work was underway for the next fundraising campaign. Simultaneously, the organization’s development board decided a private dinner for top donors to the first campaign was needed. The staff was overworked and they had little time to assist. We need more!Ī few years ago, I was hired as a consultant/adjunct staff member to help wrap-up a recently completed capital campaign, to conduct research, and to lay the groundwork for an entirely new campaign. But few if any #tech4good specialists focus on telecommunications platforms. NTEN: Nonprofit Technology Network, an organization for which I enjoy volunteering, helps nonprofits use technology to improve their operations and communications. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |