Harris Connect

Harris Connect is a comprehensive affinity solutions provider, offering integrated directory, data research and Internet solutions for higher education, private and public schools, clubs, associations and other organizations. Here are some of the questions we are asked most often in each of our service areas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you don’t see your question answered here.

About Harris Connect Data Research Services

How does the Lost Trace with Social Security Number work specifically?

Harris Connect uses a sophisticated, proprietary algorithm with data provided by all three major credit bureaus, and conducts all research in compliance with the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (GLBA) and other applicable Federal and state laws. By using multiple sources, we are able to identify the single best match for you.

How are you able to do a Lost Trace without Social Security Number?

Our research is performed using the largest database of its kind (over 29 terabytes), compiled from a wide range of public sources. Using a proprietary algorithm, we are able to track lost members and alumni as far back as 1945 with as little information as name and last known address or date of birth.

Why is Harris Connect able to offer NCOA at such a discounted cost from other providers?

Harris Connect processes literally millions of addresses through NCOA each year. As a result, we receive a high volume discount that we are able to pass on to our clients.

How do you find new email addresses for my constituents?

We run your records through a database that currently consists of over 90 million email addresses (although this number grows daily) and generate a match rate report. Working with you, we design a broadcast email that is sent out to all matches, giving your constituents the ability to opt-out of receiving email communications from you. This also helps us to identify bad matches from bounce backs. In the end, we remove those who opt-out and return only valid email addresses to you.

Do you match email addresses only by household address, or by name as well?

All matches are at the individual level. This ensures you are contacting your constituent directly and not someone else in that household

Why is permission based email more effective?

Permission based is more effective than non-permission based for two basic reasons. First, these people tend to be individuals who prefer to communicate through this medium as evidenced by their double opt-in to the source database. Second, permission based results in fewer opt-outs, fewer objections from you constituent base. Ultimately, the goal of sending email to your file is to garner response. Our research shows a three to one response with permission based vs. non-permission based email.

How does the Harris Connect Locator service work?

Harris Connect Locator is a simple software program that enables you to simultaneously search through billions of records across more than 1,700 databases to find lost alumni or members—one at a time. You enter in key search criteria—as little as name and last known city—and Harris Connect Locator does the rest. You receive a list of only the most likely candidates, ranked in order based on how well they match your criteria.

Can Harris Connect help identify qualified prospects?

Our customized segmentation tool can help you gain a better understanding of your members and alumni based on their life stage and their spending behaviors. Likewise, our predictive modeling services can help predict which of your constituents are most likely to respond to a membership drive, donate to a capital campaign, attend events and more.

How does your segmentation tool work?

Harris Connect offers a household level segmentation system that essentially identifies each U.S. household by one of 70 segments based on their specific consumer and demographic characteristics—or life stage behaviors. In the past, segmentation was done only at the neighborhood level. Our customized strategy takes into account the fact that people who live in the same neighborhood may be in different life stages—and therefore have different priorities than those around them. As a result, it helps you tailor your marketing and donor strategies with greater precision than ever before.

What are organizations using legislative district information for?

Organizations use the legislative district information to promote advocacy. It allows you to alert your constituents to contact their elected individuals to express their opinions on legislative issues that are important to your mission.

I've heard the Harris Connect segmentation strategy offers more than a wealth information. What additional pieces of information are incorporated into the service?

Our tool allows you to target communications based on individual household preferences. While the major variables that comprise a cluster are age, income, presence of children, net worth, home ownership and population density, the clusters also incorporate information around media preferences, financial preferences, travel and auto preference, retail preferences and overall consumer trends for a given population.

Can Harris Connect help us analyze the segmentation results?

Harris Connect will work with your organization to create custom reports that will help you to turn the results into action.

How does your predictive modeling service work?

Harris Connect uses a sophisticated, genetics-based software tool that creates and tests thousands of data variable combinations. These interactions are then tested over many generations until the best possible model to meet your needs evolves. That model is then applied to your database, generating a list of your most likely members, donors, volunteers—or whatever predictor you are looking for.

About Harris Connect Directory Programs

How does Harris Connect offer a directory at no cost to my organization?

Whenever possible, Harris Connect assumes all of the financial responsibility involved in producing your directory. We cover our expenses by offering the directory for sale to your alumni and members. However, there are certain instances when we are not able to offer a no cost program, in which case our clients subsidize the cost of research and publication of the directory.

What characteristics does an organization need to have in order to be eligible for a "no cost" project?

There is no fixed set of criteria. But, in general, we are looking for you to have: 1) an active mailing list of at least several thousand names; 2) a regular mailing program of newsletters or magazines; and 3) indicators that your alumni or members have a good level of affinity for the organization.

If I already have an online directory, why do I need to do a print directory?

Your constituents want both, as evidenced by the fact that we have found that people who are registered for online directories have a higher likelihood of buying print directories than do people who are not registered for online directories.

Does Harris Connect use or sell our data for any other purposes?

No. Harris Connect knows the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of your database. For over 40 years, we have successfully protected the security of literally thousands of databases for our clients throughout the U.S. and Canada, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the integrity of your database at all times. That's why our contract with you explicitly states that, except for purposes related to the publication of your directory, we will not, under any circumstances, make the database available to any third party for any reason.

How much time should there be between directories?

In general, we recommend producing a directory every five years.

How much of my staff time will be required to get this project done?

All of our programs are designed to require as little of your staff time as possible. Of course, since the directory is a representation of your organization, we will need some assistance from your staff to: deliver your database, provide direction and materials for the design of the introductory pages and cover and publicize the directory project, as well as integrate the updated information into your database. We find that it often works best to have one person on your staff who acts as a liaison between your Harris Connect project manager and your organization.

How much flexibility do I have in designing a directory program?

You have a great deal of flexibility. We customize each directory program so that it best meets the needs of the particular organization. As a result, every job we do is different.

How long does it take to complete a directory program?

Generally the time between signing an agreement and the completion of the project is about a year. However, we are happy to work to accommodate any schedule that will best meet your needs.

Can I get data updates throughout the project or only at the end?

Absolutely. We can do whatever works best for your organization. We can develop a plan to identify the key milestones at which point you would like updates, or we can simply send you a final update at the end of the project.

What kind of assistance will Harris Connect provide with integration of data?

Our data specialists have worked with most every software package in use, so we are familiar with each one's unique structure. This knowledge, plus our understanding of exactly how you maintain your database within your software platform, allows our data specialists to help provide solutions to any issues that arise. Your data specialist will be available to consult with you at any time during or after the project.

If I also do fundraising, will the directory program have any impact on the giving results?

Our research shows that the awareness generated from a directory project does have a direct impact on fundraising results. Most clients report an increase in both total dollars donated, as well as the overall number of donations received. The updated information enables you to contact more of your constituents and the distribution of the directory reinforces the affinity bonds among your constituents.

About Harris Connect Internet Solutions

What are the costs associated with Internet services?

As the needs of each organization vary, so too do the costs involved in developing a solution that best meets your needs. Your Harris Connect representative will take the time to fully understand your objectives and budget considerations to determine the fees associated with your custom Internet Services program.

Our organization is small. Do you work with small oranizations and associations?

The modular nature of our products makes it easy for us to tailor a program to meet the needs of organizations of all types and sizes. We have worked with many small schools, in some cases starting out slowly with just a few services and building on those over time as needs—and budgets—evolve.

What if we only want to implement one or a few services to start?

Our modular approach to software development means you can pick and choose the services you want—when you want them! Begin with as few or as many as you like and then add additional features when you're ready or as your needs change. We'll work closely with you to develop a rollout strategy that makes sense for your organization and constituents.

What kind of control will my organization have over content and access?

Your organization has complete control over who can access the various features offered through Harris Connect's Internet Services. You can have open areas—available to anyone on the Web—as well as content areas that are accessible only by entering a user ID and password, which requires a registration and validation process. In addition, Harris Connect provides access to easy-to-use Web-based content management tools that enable you to update and change your homepage, welcome emails and confirmation pages, without requiring any HTML or IT development expertise.

How will my staff and I learn how to use the administrative tools?

Once your site has been created, your Client Relations Manager will schedule personalized Webex training sessions to ensure that you and your staff learn how to use the various administrative tools. These intuitive Web-based tools have been designed for all levels of user, and include a comprehensive online Help library as well. Ongoing training is provided via periodic group sessions, or scheduled one-on-one sessions to keep you up-to-speed on enhancements to our solutions and administrative tools. In addition, Harris Connect holds a Users Conference each year for all its Internet clients. This annual event, along with our 24/7 client community, provides users the opportunity to share ideas and best practices, as well as get advice. Plus our quarterly newsletter is always full of tips and information about what others are doing to maximize their Internet services.

How much staff time is necessary to manage the various services?

Certainly, making the decision to provide online services means you need to be prepared to commit some level of staff time to ensure their success. And the time involved will vary according to the nature of the services offered. While we have seen a growing trend of organizations adding a dedicated staff member with some level of e-communication or marketing experience to manage the suite of services, we recognize that not all our clients are in a position to augment their staff. As such, we've designed our services in such a way that you are easily able to take advantage of the resources and skill sets already available to you. For instance, our robust administrative tool set allows you to delegate specific parts of the applications to various individuals on staff and even to chapter and class leaders. You can even go as far as to have different administrative levels of review and approval on content created by others. If done correctly and with purpose, the time you invest will be far outpaced by the time and money you save.

Will others besides my members or constituents be able to access services?

Not unless you want them to. Your organization has complete control over who can access the various services you offer. You simply let us know the criteria for access and we'll work with you to establish the appropriate level of access control—even on a feature-by-feature basis.

Will my constituents be able to customize their experience with Harris Connect Internet services?

Yes. The MyPage feature allows registered users to create a customized homepage. Content on this page is generated dynamically, and can include a readily updatable summary of the individual users Online Directory profile and Broadcast Email delivery preferences, as well as the most recently:

• Updated Online Directory profiles or MyContacts profiles with links to profiles and the Online Directory
• Submitted ClassNotes (if applicable) with links to both the submitter's Online Directory listings and the ClassNotes application
• Registered members with links to their Online Directory profiles
• Posted jobs or resumes with a link to the Career Center (if applicable)

How do I know my database is secure?

For over 40 years, literally thousands of organizations have entrusted their data to Harris Connect. Whether producing a printed directory or hosting data online, we take the security of your database very seriously with both multiple technological and human protocols.

First and foremost, in our eight years of providing Internet services, we have never had a single security breach. All of our client applications are hosted at a Harris Connect managed facility, not by an external hosting company. The security for your Internet services and your data is achieved with firewalls, intrusion detection systems and distinct layers between the applications and the data in your database. Built into the applications are "circuit-breakers" that provide notification of and prohibit suspicious behavior.

We have also taken active measures to ensure overall system security. A full-time Corporate Security Administrator monitors security issues and industry trends to provide the highest level of protection to our systems and your data. This person schedules periodic penetration tests, which are performed by outside firms that attempt to violate our security. Additionally, the Corporate Security Administrator performs ongoing auditing and scanning of the systems to ensure that we have the highest level of security possible to protect your data.

How will I keep my online database in synch with our primary database?

Updates made by users to their profiles are provided to you on a daily basis via industry standard file formats for seamless importing into your primary database. Daily updates are also accepted from your organization, enabling you to keep your online database and primary database in synch at all times. Weekly, monthly and other time periods are also available for data exchange. In addition, Harris Connect has developed the Data Exchange Gatekeeper—a middleware application that is easy to use and database independent. The Data Exchange Gatekeeper enables you to compare your online updates with your primary database and accept, reject or modify changes before they reach your primary database—giving you maximum control over your data. Initially developed by The University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business for its database, Harris Connect has worked with them to create a solution that will interface well with the different major databases used by the majority of institutions and associations.