Action produces information
"Action produces information. If you're unsure of what to do, just do anything, even if it's the wrong thing. This will give you information about what you should actually be doing." - Brian Armstrong, co-founder of Coinbase
This is the great thing about data and why I've been in this business so long. Data gives us information and can tell us what to do next. Or as Armstrong points out above, maybe what NOT to do next.
But the important takeaway is that in order to get information, you need to take action. That action could be something as simple as sending a note to all your members asking them to update their contact information to something more sophisticated like A/B testing your email headlines.
But in either case, taking action and learning from that action is the key. Too often I find my clients are somewhat paralyzed with what to do next. One thing you won't learn from is inaction! So take a step, learn from it, and keep moving!
![]()
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
When “overcommunicating” becomes overwhelming
When “overcommunicating” becomes overwhelming There is a common belief in project management and general business management that overcommunicating […]
Communicating when there is a major technology change
Communicating when there is a major technology change For those of you who are ASAE […]
Everything works, until it doesn’t.
Everything works, until it doesn’t. “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.” – […]
Some things are unknowable
Some things are unknowable One of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new […]
Do we have access to that data?
Do we have access to that data? When I work with my clients on a […]
The three “buckets” of contact data
The three “buckets” of contact data Broadly speaking, when collecting data on contacts (individuals or organizations), […]
Balancing what is possible with what is realistic
Balancing what is possible with what is realistic When I work with clients on technology […]
“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.”
“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” “Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” – […]
Data managers vs data consumers
Data managers vs data consumers When I work with clients on any data management project, […]
Another universal truth
Another universal truth There are many universal truths in data management. Some examples: You will […]
