I was on the phone today with a hotel, confirming my reservations. The reservations agent asked me for my name and then said "Let's see how they have your reservation set up." "They"? If I'm calling your hotel, isn't it "we"? I come across this too frequently when talking to association staffers about what they […]
After nearly 20 years of working with associations on their databases, I’ve come to one conclusion: No one loves their database. OK, that’s an overstatement; I’ve met three or four people over the years who truly loved their databases (these are strange people). The reality is, most of us tolerate our database programs, and many
Everyone's experience is the same (Or, It's just as bad everywhere else) Read More »
I recently conducted an unscientific poll of my clients and contacts, asking them one simple question: What database issue are you being challenged with right now? I received over 120 responses to this question. Interestingly, the answers fell almost evenly into five broad categories: Reporting/querying – 26% Data integrity – 20% Web Integration – 20%
What's bugging associations? Read More »
I've been a long-time user of X1 Technologies desktop search (more here). There used to be a free version of X1, but now they only sell the "professional" version for $50. I'm telling you right now, it's the best $50 you'll ever spend. I know Yahoo and Google provide free desktop searches. I've tried them
Don’t forget, in addition to all of these brilliant blog posts, you can find a bevy of free articles on my website. I’ve recently added two new articles to the list. I typically add one new article per month. You can sign up to receive notices as new articles are posted by clicking here.
Free Articles (Shameless Plug) Read More »
The Wall Street Journal had an interesting article (subscription required) a few days ago talking about the trend in "management by data." In a nutshell, large corporations have figured out that if you analyze the behavior of your customers you can leverage that information into better performance. The dark side, according to the article, is
Management by Data in the Wall Street Journal Read More »
On his Membership Marketing Blog, Tony Rossell has a post about membership dashboards. He provides a link to a chart that shows all kinds of membership information. I noted in the comments section: "…I must take exception to the use of "dashboard" with the example you provide. A dashboard, at a glance, provides instant information
Dashboards or Charts? Read More »
In this tip, I discuss how considering “worst-case” scenarios can help you decide whether or not to do something. There has been an interesting thread on one of the ASAE listservers about the “risk” of putting the membership directory online (and ceasing publication of a print directory). Anecdotally, about five associations said they had moved
Taking Prudent Risks Read More »
I had the opportunity to view a demo of the Computility AMS recently. For very small associations, I think the system is worth consideration. Here are the highlights: CRM tool. The system includes a neat area for tracking contacts and follow ups with companies and individuals, and even allows for assigning follow up to other
I often tell my clients to avoid managing (or programming) to the exception. What I mean is too often when one or two members or customers complain about how we do something, we assume that we should accomodate their complaints and change our processes (or worse yet, reprogram the database to manage it). It's quite
Managing to the Exception Read More »