Why GDPR is actually a really good thing!
So... it feels like everyone is getting quite fidgety and worried about how the new GDPR regulations are going to affect them, their business and specifically their ability to market themselves or fundraise.
Yes, it is true that there are probably going to have to be some changes to the way we all work with customer data (although, to be honest, if we were all following the previous DPA regulations, we are not far off compliance anyway) however, the result of these changes should be a good thing, for all us!
As a customer, I am pleased to see that my data wont be shared around without my knowledge and I shouldn't have to give over more data than is absolutely necessary (I am sick of being asked for my date of birth for now reason..)
As an arts organisation however, the result of GDPR should be that our CRM systems only contain data that we will actually use (still on the fence as to whether gender is necessary or not...) AND, more importantly, our mailing lists will become far, far more effective!
Everyone who actually signs up (or remains signed up) actually wants to hear from you and will be open to whatever you have to say, because they have already explicitly expressed that they are happy to receive it! Even our fundraising teams should see greater response and donation rates, purely because the future donors on their mailings lists will have said they are open to potentially donating!
My advice to everyone who is going through the GDPR process (aside from seeking legal assistance, which I cannot provide...) is to stay focused on the final result - a happier, healthier customer base and an improvement in your ability to communicate well with them.
If you don't know where to start with GDPR compliance, I recommend checking out the ICO's helpful website - https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/
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Yes, it is true that there are probably going to have to be some changes to the way we all work with customer data (although, to be honest, if we were all following the previous DPA regulations, we are not far off compliance anyway) however, the result of these changes should be a good thing, for all us!
As a customer, I am pleased to see that my data wont be shared around without my knowledge and I shouldn't have to give over more data than is absolutely necessary (I am sick of being asked for my date of birth for now reason..)
As an arts organisation however, the result of GDPR should be that our CRM systems only contain data that we will actually use (still on the fence as to whether gender is necessary or not...) AND, more importantly, our mailing lists will become far, far more effective!
Everyone who actually signs up (or remains signed up) actually wants to hear from you and will be open to whatever you have to say, because they have already explicitly expressed that they are happy to receive it! Even our fundraising teams should see greater response and donation rates, purely because the future donors on their mailings lists will have said they are open to potentially donating!
My advice to everyone who is going through the GDPR process (aside from seeking legal assistance, which I cannot provide...) is to stay focused on the final result - a happier, healthier customer base and an improvement in your ability to communicate well with them.
If you don't know where to start with GDPR compliance, I recommend checking out the ICO's helpful website - https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/
Back to blog