Beware the automated "How did we do?" trap!
One of the downsides of technology is that automation can be so easy that we wind up annoying our members and customers rather than helping them.
Case in point: I recently purchased tickets for a Broadway show via StubHub. The day after attending the show, I got an email from StubHub asking me "Tell us how we did!"
Tell you how you did?!? You sent me the tickets and they worked. Isn't that what's supposed to happen? I mean, what else can we say about this transaction?
With automation, it's easy for StubHub to follow up and ask me the question. But the problem is, EVERYONE is doing this. So every time I buy anything from anyone, I get an automated survey asking me for feedback. So what do I do, every single time? I delete the email.
Which is exactly what your members do.
I'm not suggesting you not ask for feedback from your members and customers. But I am suggesting you consider how and when you ask for that feedback. An automated email is almost certain to be ignored.
![]()
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Does it advance the mission?
Does it advance the mission? Because associations are mission-driven, everything you do should be seen […]
How should you start a new data project?
How should you start a new data project? When you’ve got a new data project […]
A Data Integrity Report…for Reports!
I’ve written elsewhere about the value of data integrity reports. But one of the most […]
Simple rules for complex systems
Simple rules for complex systems I first heard the phrase “simple rules for complex systems” […]
Accentuate the positive
Accentuate the positive I’ve written before about the importance of database public relationsand celebrating success. I’ll add […]
Annual dues vs. anniversary dues
Annual dues vs. anniversary dues I served as director of membership for several years at […]
A change of systems requires a change of mindset
Every AMS vendor will tell you that the toughest part of implementing a new system […]
It doesn’t have to be optimal to be beneficial
It doesn’t have to be optimal to be beneficial I’m a big fan of the […]
Look for small wins
Look for small wins One of the toughest things about system implementation is simply how […]
Are you closing the loop?
Are you closing the loop? If your association does a call for presentations for any […]
