Using import to flag constituents?

Larry Ladutke

We want to create an attribute that we can uses as a flag for queries.  It would indicate that the constituents was added to the solicitors lead list (as opposed to being assigned as a prospect) on a given date.  Then we could search and find all of the leads that Bob was given on July 2 and see what he has done with them.



Ideally, we would like to create an Excel file and import that data.  From the PDFs and training videos, however, it appears that we have to select the records to prepare for importing using a query.  That is not possible because we want to create the query from the data we want to import.



Is there another way to create a file for importing data?



Would it work for me to create a file with a stand-in query and then replace the constitent IDs with the ones I want to change?



Thanks.

JoAnn Strommen

So you have a listing of the constituent IDs for the records where you want to add this attribute? 

If so, have you considered a creating a query with criteria: Constit ID one of and pasting in your IDs.  To do it, you select first field in one of popup and 'highlight like you're selecting' all the fields to the bottom row and then paste in your ID's.  Can do up to 500 at a time.



This should work to generate your query.  Import could then be used or I'd probably do a global add of the attribute.  Choose that query for records and just add all the attribute info that way.  Just another option.

Leslie Parker

If you don't have all of the constituent ids readily available but you do know the names you can create a query list and add the constituents one by one to the query list and then use that to do the global add. Not as quick as if you had all the ids but this works if you have to look up each individual to get the id.

John Heizer

No, you shouldn't need a query to do an Import.  As long as you have the Constituent ID in your Excel file you should be able to perform a Constituent Attribute Import fairly easily.  You would only need an existing Query if you were wanting to update existing Constituent Attribute data by exporting it, changing the information, then importing it on top of existing data.

JoAnn Strommen

Leslie,

I believe you meant create a query - not a query list.  Query list are based off an existing query.