Some volunteers feel repeating conversations is indiscreet, even though Cousin Sally knew that the purpose of the lunch was to discuss institutional needs and opportunities for her participation. Even the best development officers skip call reports. They feel they are too busy to add a note to the file. Some think as long as the results of the visit are safely locked in their brain, and therefore, are accessible, every thing is fine. But it is not fine.
People go on vacation, get sick, and change jobs.
There are few things more discouraging to a new fundraiser than opening the file of a long-time donor and finding only copies of checks and old thank you notes. You have to start at the beginning of course. This creates another problem. Your top donor should not have to explain to every new fundraiser that her interest in your college began after her favorite sister, your alumna, passed away. Even before you introduce yourself, you should know that his grandfather was a founding board member who donated the museum's Asian collection.