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April 2008
Another cool feature in an AMS
I was attending a demo for one of my clients recently. They were taking a look at the IMPAK database from Integrated Software Systems, Inc. (ISSI). During the demo, the ISSI staff pointed out that there is online help on each screen of the database. But what really caught my attention is a simple utility …
10 Steps to Getting the CRM Solution You Need
Here's a nice article on selecting a CRM solution, from InsideCRM. I know it's a nice article, because I'm quoted in it. (You'll find me under point #2.) There really is a lot of good information in here, even when it's not me being quoted. If you're in the market for a new CRM system …
Another Successful TAUG
TAUG is TMA Resources Annual Users Group meeting. This year they met in Louisville, and it was, once again, a successful event. I’ve mentioned this users group meeting before, but what I wanted to highlight this year is how TMA Resources treats the consultants who work in the association software space. There are three specific …
Why IT projects fail
This article in TechNewsWorld, discusses the recent decision by the Census Bureau to abandon its use of handheld computers to take the census in 2010. E-Commerce Times asked me why these kinds of projects fail. My answer: “In my experience, the primary reason for large IT failures is a lack of clear business objectives — …
How Many Channels are You Using?
In the retail world, marketers often speak of "channels." Channels are the different methods of purchasing interaction between the customer and the seller. For example, the web, the phone, and storefronts are all examples of different channels. In a recent issue of Customer Relationship Managament magazine, an article noted that retail outlets with multiple channels …
Be Honest with Yourself
Many years ago I was sitting in a meeting between a vendor and an association client. The vendor asked "How many members do you have?" The client, with a straight face, answered "It depends on who is asking." Without a pause, I blurted out "That's insane! There should only be one answer to that question." …
Even the Big Guys Struggle with System Implementation
I think there is a common misconception among smaller organizations that somehow "big" companies don't have the same kinds of challenges with systems implementations. That is, while smaller companies struggle with selecting and implementing new systems, big companies don't because they've got so much more in the way of resources. The reality, of course, is that regardless …
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"It's like trying too many perfumes…"
When I work with my clients on system selection, one thing I strongly advise them to do is limit the number of systems they actually consider. While more choices sounds better than fewer, the reality is that too many choices creates more confusion. I’ve written about this here. But as I discussed this issue with …