Do you know Ron Coscia?

Ron is one of a growing number of independent consultants who specialize in information services for the non-profit community.  Since 1992, he has performed almost 200 data conversion projects and provided export / format / import services for an additional 500 clients.  He has worked closely with The Stelter Company and Brian Lacy Associates, to ensure their clients are able to use results from donor research, data hygiene, and data enhancement services.  Prior to forming his current company, Conversion Professionals, Ron was a project leader, customer support rep, systems analyst and applications programmer with Computer Usage Company and Computer Sciences Corp.

What sets you apart from other consultants that do what you do?

When I began working exclusively for non-profits, I realized that this was a different environment.  People actually cared about co-workers and their constituency.  I decided to base my practice along the same lines, that is, caring about the outcome of a project. When we take on your project, we work as though we are your employees, often times until late at night or on weekends to meet a deadline.

How do you avoid becoming part of increasing common conversion horror stories?

One of the most important elements of a conversion is managing expectations.  It is unlikely that every piece of information will transfer easily into a new environment.  All parties involved in the project must realize that there will probably be some manual clean-up with every such project.  Part of my job is to identify and make known troublesome areas up front.  It is also important to broadly solicit user input because nothing can derail a project faster than staff feeling they have no stake in the new system.  Of course, proper prior planning is crucial.  With these elements in place, the technical stuff is easy.

How do you respond to the complaint that conversions are expensive?

First, I’d like to debunk the myth that the software’s vendor is the best choice to complete the conversion to a new fundraising system.  There are many talented consultants out willing and capable of better results in a timely fashion and at a fraction of the cost.  I’ve written an article for Supporting Advancement which addresses this issue.  As I mention in the article, it doesn’t take a large corporation to accomplish a data conversion and the team doesn’t have to be in your backyard. A single experienced individual can usually perform the task in less than a month, using the Internet, a phone, fax and Fedex.  Unless your current system is extremely complex, the project will typically take from 30 to 50 hours and cost between $3,500 and $7,000.

What’s your advice for an organization considering changing software?

Don’t get bullied into accepting an inappropriate charge for the data conversion.  Explore your options. Since most independent consultants do not advertise, ask around for word-of-mouth referrals. Ask colleagues at other non-profits if they’ve had experience with a consultant. Ask at user group meetings, seminars and professional association meetings. Consult Tech Soup (click on “Find Services” and type “conversion” in the keywords box) and other impartial internet sites.  Of course you could just contact me.  I can be reached 925-684-9825 PT or via email at roncoscia@conversionprofessionals.org