Often my clients will tell me they want to be more efficient with how they manage data. And that’s important. If we have to manage the data, we might as well manage it as efficiently as possible. But it’s equally important to consider how effective we are with our data management. As a good friend …
I once met with a potential client who was seeking a new database. In a conversation with the executive director, she explained to me that she wanted a database that would collect all types of data about her members, including information about calls with her members. When I suggested that there was software that would do this and that …
Sometimes it's really NOT the software that is the problem Read More »
As we all know, a sunk cost is a cost that has already been incurred and cannot be recovered. A good example of a sunk cost is the purchase of a new AMS to replace an old system. Once you’ve purchased a new AMS, there’s no going back. The money is spent. The cost is sunk. The …
A test database is a more-or-less exact copy of your live/production database environment. I often refer to this as a “sandbox” because the test database is a place where you and your staff can go to play, just like a sandbox. The three primary uses of a test database are for testing, training, and documentation. All three of these are …
Working with a client last week on their selection of a new AMS, I was again reminded of how important it has become for associations to be able to track in their AMS not only transactions (e.g., membership joins and renewals, event registration, product sales, etc.), but interactions with members and customers (e.g., tracking phone …
I started my career as a membership assistant at a trade association. We had 500 organizational members, and dues renewals were run once per year, late in the year, due on January 1. But we also had a 90-day grace period, meaning the companies had up to 90 days past the due date to pay …
New Article Posted – It's time to get rid of the membership grace period Read More »
I had the opportunity to meet recently with Marc Bernstein and Andre Pavovlic from Personify. Marc is Vice President & Industry Principal and Andre is Vice President, Product Marketing & Management. The purpose of our meeting was to get an update on where Personify is as a company these days. Personify was purchased by private …