News & Views

Here’s the BrightKey scoop—from the view from the top in our quarterly President’s Message to the outside perspective from our clients. We report on client successes not just to strut our stuff but also to prompt ideas for programs that will increase your success. With a large client base and more than three decades of experience, we have lots to share about effective practices.

I can’t think of a better way to sum up the power of BrightKey’s seamless support. And nothing makes me prouder than extending the reach of mission-driven organizations by delivering extraordinary experiences for members, customers, visitors, and donors.

Helping to build thousands of relationships…one at a time.

Our doors first opened back in 1988 to support associations, and we have long since expanded into the government and corporate worlds. With the addition of national museum clients in recent years, we have extended our services to include secure high-volume donor support. With our full-service caging operation, we continue to add security enhancements and apply leading-edge technology to handle donations — from receiving and opening the mail, to processing credit cards and depositing checks and cash (yes, people still send cash!)

The BrightKey team not only captures check images and promotion source codes but also scans the written messages that frequently accompany donations. In that way, the client development team can add a personal touch to their follow-up. All scanned information is completely accessible by search, so that phone and email inquiries can be answered on the spot and follow-up is timely and customized.

What makes your day bright?

Every time we answer the phone, ship a package, send an email, or support a donor campaign, we communicate on behalf of some of the country’s most important organizations. And we take that responsibility very seriously. We love adding the “bright” touch!

Here are just a few of recent highlights I’d like to share with you…

When opportunity knocks…BrightKey’s there to open the door: Recently, we took a call from a member who wanted to make a substantial client donation. He didn’t want the call forwarded. He didn’t want a return call. He wanted to make the donation right then and there. BrightKey processed that $50,000 donation on the spot. Now that’s what I’d call a bright day!

Honoring Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity during Black History Month: This long-time BrightKey client has stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights, with members that include W.E.B. DuBois, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Thurgood Marshall. We recently recognized their important work with a donation at the Brotherhood Level.

Sharing the success: Hats off to clients new and old, and the stellar BrightKey employees that made 2022 a great year! We’re delighted to invest in innovations that will continue to help fuel clients’ growth…and to share our success with our dedicated team through recognition awards, bonuses, and a 50% 401(k) match for all plan participants.

Thank you! And stay in touch…

As always, I appreciate all our clients for entrusting us with your most valuable asset—whether it’s your members, donors, or employees. If you have an idea, a question, or an issue to discuss, I want to hear from you. Please contact me directly by email (hope@brightkey.net) or cell phone (410-570-5265).

All the best,

Rita Hope Counts
President and CEO

What's Trending (At a Glance)

Our broad client base provides a great view of what’s going on in many different areas. Each month, we send out a news brief with a quick read on hot topics, emerging trends, and action steps. Here’s just a taste of What’s Trending…

What's Trending for September 2023?

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead: BrightKey's AI Expertise at Your Fingertips
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the modern workforce isn't just a trend—it's a transformative shift reshaping industries and redefining operational efficiencies. However, the rapid evolution of AI can be daunting for many organizations. The recent release of ChatGPT Enterprise underscores the potential of AI-driven solutions to streamline processes and enhance customer interactions. At BrightKey, we're at the forefront of this AI revolution. If you're curious about the capabilities and implications of AI for your organization, don't hesitate to reach out. From a brief crash course to an in-depth lecture, we're here to demystify AI.

Don't Let IT Delays Define Your Year-End
The absence of adequate internal IT services in many organizations isn't just an operational hiccup; it's a significant impediment that can have cascading negative effects on efficiency, innovation, and growth. Such deficiencies often lead to project delays, misaligned priorities, and missed market opportunities. BrightKey recognizes these profound challenges and is poised to offer end-to-end IT solutions tailored to your needs. As the year-end looms, don't let resource constraints hold you back. Partner with BrightKey and ensure your projects conclude successfully and on time.

What's Trending for August 2023?

UPS-Teamsters Deal
The recent tentative deal between UPS and the Teamsters Union could bring about significant changes in the shipping and logistics sector. Key points include reduced reliance on the U.S. Postal Service for some deliveries and a bargaining process for drone use. These changes could potentially lead to more efficient delivery times and innovative delivery methods. As always, BrightKey is committed to staying abreast of these developments to ensure we continue to provide you with the best possible service.

The Power of Personalized Outreach
Personalization is a powerful tool in member engagement. Short-run, personalized letters with tailored inserts allow for targeted, relevant communication, making members feel valued. This approach not only enhances engagement but also fosters loyalty. By understanding your members' interests and preferences, you can create personalized content that resonates with them. Personalized outreach is a strategic move that can significantly boost your organization's bond with the member.

What's Trending for July 2023?

Meet BrightKey at ASAE: Your Success Starts at Booth 527!
We're excited to announce that we'll be at the ASAE Annual Event this August! Come say hello and meet the BrightKey team at booth 527. We look forward to connecting with you!

Improving Remote Work Efficiency
The shift to remote work has brought about significant changes in the way non-profit organizations operate. While remote work offers many benefits, it also presents unique challenges, such as maintaining communication, collaboration, and productivity. BrightKey can help your organization navigate these challenges and optimize your remote work processes. Our call center services can provide reliable, efficient communication channels for your team, while our data integrity services can ensure your remote workers have access to accurate, up-to-date information. With BrightKey as your partner, you can ensure your remote work operations are as efficient and effective as possible.

Enhancing Member Engagement
Successful member engagement is rooted in understanding and meeting member needs while delivering consistent value. It's about fostering a two-way relationship where members feel heard, valued, and involved. Above all else, do not create a transactional relationship where your members only hear from you when it’s time to renew. Best practices include personalized communication, providing opportunities for active participation, and regularly showcasing the impact of their contributions. By implementing these strategies, non-profit organizations can build stronger relationships, foster long-term engagement, and drive their mission forward.

What's Trending for June 2023?

Summer Strategy: Turning Slowdown into Success
As we embrace the tranquil pace of the summer season, your organization has a unique opportunity to step back from the day-to-day grind and focus on your strategic goals for the year. Summer's slower tempo can provide a window to re-align, review, and renew your commitment to the initiatives that drive your organization's mission. This is where BrightKey can be your indispensable partner. We're here to lend a helping hand with everything from maintaining data integrity to managing outreach efforts, tackling backlogs, document digitization, assembling kits, and more. Let's leverage this summer slowdown as a strategic springboard toward your year-end targets this year. Connect with BrightKey; together, we can ensure you're not just reaching for the finish line but crossing it with momentum to spare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Mail Alert: USPS Set for a Stamp Price Increase
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a price increase for mailing services starting July 9, 2023, including a three-cent increase for a First-Class Mail Forever stamp to 66 cents. The increase aims to offset inflation, raising First-Class Mail prices by approximately 5.4%. The price for 1-ounce metered mail and domestic postcards will also rise to 63 and 51 cents, respectively, while the cost for 1-ounce international letters will be $1.50. Need help with your shipping strategy? Call us today to experience the difference in optimized mailing and shipping with BrightKey’s industry experts!

What's Trending for May 2023?

Optimizing Performance with SOPs
Developing and documenting formal standard operating procedures (SOPs) is crucial for non-profit associations to mitigate the challenges of employee turnover and knowledge transfer. SOPs ensure consistent operations and ease the learning curve for new staff, preserving institutional knowledge during transitions. By prioritizing the creation and maintenance of SOPs, organizations can increase productivity, streamline workflows, and promote a culture of continuous improvement. Need help? BrightKey offers personalized solutions and expert guidance to develop or strengthen your SOPs.

Evaluating AI Adoption
AI continues to gain momentum in the non-profit sector as organizations recognize the potential for increased efficiency and impact. By evaluating and implementing AI technologies, non-profits can optimize operations, streamline decision-making, and improve member engagement. AI-driven analytics can also help organizations identify trends and patterns to allocate resources better and align with their mission. Consider establishing internal focus groups to determine how AI could benefit your organization or the new challenges it may create.

Testimonials

“In my ten years of managing teams and handling customer services for large territories and being reliant upon partners to get the job done, I can honestly say that I have never received such raving compliments as I have received since working with BrightKey. There is absolutely zero exaggeration when I say that I receive daily positive feedback. Not one time since this has all begun have I received any questionable or negative feedback on the team at BrightKey.”

Manager, Membership Sales
Association Client

“I’m very pleased with the services that BrightKey provides. The smooth and productive transition to BrightKey was impressive. But I can’t say enough about BrightKey’s staff, to the degree of quality service they provide to our 2,000 associates her as well as around the globe.”

Senior Facilities Manager
Commercial Client

“After the first day of our telemarketing campaign, I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to hear how many renewals BrightKey has processed! We got a better response I none day than we were achieving with our previous vendor in an entire month. I am very impressed with the retention call program already and am looking for to GREAT SUCCESS! Thank you for your team’s hard work.”

Membership Manager
Nonprofit Client

“Words cannot express my gratitude for all the hard you do on our behalf. You’ve always gone above and beyond what is expected, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate your superior level of service. I feel as though with your leadership we’ve built a strong partnership. I look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”

Coordinator for Fulfillment
Nonprofit Client

“I wanted to take a moment to tell you how pleased I am with all aspects of our business relationship. You and your staff could not have been more responsive in light of the terrible weather conditions you experienced. Your staff stayed in touch with our staff, and we were able to make sure our customers were aware of delays. We were also able to keep senior management aware of what was happening and what was being accomplished. You should be very proud of the professional, courteous, thoughtful staff you have. Thank you and all of BrightKey’s staff.”

Vice President, Member Support
Association Client

BrightKey Delivers Results

Key-on-Site:
Aligning with the Times

FOCUS: A leading provider of residential servicing in the mortgage industry experienced unprecedented growth over the years but lacked efficiency in the mailroom. As a result, they sought expertise with streamlining incoming mail processes and the logistical complexity of handling the increased workload.

SKILL: BrightKey’s experts in mailroom operations and document scanning workflow, completed an onsite assessment of current operations and presented recommendations to enhance the essential mailroom operations. BrightKey assisted with procuring and installing state of the art mail processing and accountable mail tracking equipment in addition to deploying standard operating processes and procedures, and volume and performance tracking dashboards.

RESULTS: BrightKey continues to work with our customer to identify additional document workflows and expects to maximize the existing capacity to meet the demands of their growth. In addition, the implementation of new technology and the development of standard operating procedures and reporting provided the corporate operation with a well-oiled mailroom which turns around inbound mail the same day it is received.

Process Improvement and Efficiency:
Reducing Cost While Creating Efficiencies

FOCUS: A quasi-government organization encouraged our onsite team to evaluate the printing, mailing, supply processes, and equipment and make recommendations for process and efficiency improvements and anticipated cost savings.

SKILL: BrightKey’s Project Team researched costs for printer and coil machine replacements, designed supply workrooms for standardization, and identified a new approach to shipping and mailing.

RESULTS: By replacing a printer that allowed for in-house services rather than outsourcing, Brightkey helped save money and organize production within. In addition, Brightkey helped standardize the workroom for efficiency and supply management which allowed for ensuring standardization of both supplies and industrial equipment. Our team standardized supplies for tracking and reordering as needed which improved productivity. Brightkey advised using FedEx ground home delivery services vs FedEx express for employees working from home, reducing delivery costs for shipping.

Continuity of Mail Delivery During the COVID 19 Pandemic:
Following COVID Protocols While Remaining Engaged

FOCUS: In the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic, BrightKey’s client reassigned most of its employees to remote work. As a result, hundreds of employees no longer had access to their mail which contained time sensitive work product and various documents that must be processed or require dispositions. This presented a significant continuity challenge for our clients and anticipated cost savings.

SKILL: BrightKey worked closely with our client to outline their requirements. This resulted in timelines for completion and definitive performance standards for delivery and security. BrightKey also consulted with the client to develop a customized migration to their preferred file sharing application and implemented the solution within five weeks of initial request.

RESULTS: BrightKey developed a customized mail digitization program that allowed employees to work seamlessly from home or any location with internet access. Employees received their digitized mail by 1:00 pm on the same day received. All mail images were migrated via an encrypted network. Additionally, all hard copies were indexed, filed, and stored in a secure location, making hard copy retrieval fast and efficient.

Ongoing Process Improvements:
Enhanced Reporting for Mail Services

FOCUS: Client is in need of real-time reporting for the mail services BrightKey is currently providing.

SKILL: BrightKey implemented an online, customized Reporting Dashboard. No client resources were required to implement this solution. Our solution provided a customized dashboard and tabular reports along with drill down capability into report data, daily refreshing of reporting data, and export functionality. These capabilities allowed for improvements in real time data reports, accompanied by secure usernames and passwords for staff to access data when needed.

RESULTS: The dashboard provides daily data on both inbound and outbound mail volumes. The dashboard tracks items such as total shipments, mass mailing, and mail screening. With the help of BrightKey, the company was able to digitize some of the current flow of mail, facilitating the clients current flow of mail and mail tracking.

Win back members:
Last Chance Fellow Recovery

FOCUS: A one hundred-year-old, prestigious medical association that sets the standard for patient care and provider education sought to recover lapsed Fellow members. After numerous email and direct mail campaigns, the nonprofit wanted to invest in one last push with an outbound calling campaign to retain these expired members.

SKILL: BrightKey’s Strategic Outreach team collaborated with the medical nonprofit to develop an outbound calling campaign to transition the lapsed members. Campaign design strategy included calling Fellows near benefit expiration to create a sense of urgency, a compelling script that highlighted powerful member benefits, clear rebuttals that combined a discount on renewing membership, and strategic collection of member feedback to tailor strategy throughout the current and future campaigns.

RESULTS: The three-week, two attempt, outreach campaign approach ensured that every member received a form of communication, which included direct conversation, voicemail, and email follow up. The campaign success was measured by payments received over the phone, members who pledged to pay, and payments made after the first call. With a final campaign ROI of $34.73 for every dollar spent, the customized approach to the outreach campaign proved to be a successful win back effort.

We'll handle it for you.

We'll handle it for you.

News & Views

Helping to build thousands of relationships…one at a time.

What makes your day bright?

Thank you! And stay in touch…

What's Trending (At a Glance)

Testimonials

BrightKey Delivers Results

Speak with one of our experts today.

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