Be concise!
I started a monthly newsletter almost 25 years ago (which I recently discontinued). And almost six years ago I started writing these "Wednesday Wisdom" missives. I've received more compliments about my Wednesday Wisdom in six years than I have for my monthly newsletter in nearly 25 years ago.
Why? Because these missives are concise. They focus on a single, simple point. And as a result, they're "easier" to read than my longer monthly columns were.
Several readers have said some variation of "I know I can read this right away as opposed to setting it aside to read later, which I know I won't do." (One reader even told me: "Yours is the only newsletter that I don't immediately delete.")
What's this got to do with data management? Ultimately, everything we do involves communication. How we communicate with our members. How we communicate with our software vendors. How we communicate with other staff. That includes the data we collect and the data we use.
If we can be more concise in all of these communications, we're more likely to get our message across to whomever it is we're communicating with.
I've already gone on too long! Be concise.
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 […]