Nonprofit News by Soft Trac

Soft Trac, LLC, a Maine-based Sage Software Business Partner offering nonprofit solutions including Sage MIP Fund Accounting, Sage Fundraising and Sage FAS Fixed Assets, today announced that they have been selected by Accounting Technology magazine as one of under 15 “Killer VARs” of 2008. This distinction recognizes software resellers who demonstrate commitment and character, and continue to grow due to innovative marketing techniques and an extraordinary level of service. Soft Trac was highlighted for marketing efforts that lead to their selection by Sage Software as a “Co-op Champion” earlier this year.

“We are honored to receive this distinction,” said Darla Hamlin of Soft Trac, “Though marketing is only one part of the picture. What really makes us successful is our dedication to our customers. After all, marketing can help us win a customer, but it is good service and our knowledge that keeps them!”

The article was published as the lead story in Accounting Technology’s August 2008 magazine and also featured on their website . Other firms selected for the honor include the SBS Group, Mendelson Consulting, Business Technology Partners, John Kane, Demand Solutions Group and several others. All firms demonstrated a unique, customer-centric approach towards service and marketing, varying based on their targeted business market and products offered.

A recent article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy (“Group Finds that E-Mail Messages Spur Some Donors to Give More”, June 12, 2008) made me wonder about mix of appeals fundraisers should be using. The article revealed that at least for the organization they were focusing on, donors who were solicited by mail or telephone AND e-mail gave significantly larger donations over the course of the year than those who were solicited only be mail or phone. According to the article, receiving an e-mail that encouraged recipients to read the letter they were about to receive in the mail just after the letter had been sent tended to give more.