I recently spoke with a small association about the possibility of them acquiring a new data management system. In the course of the conversation, I mentioned that their website design was quite good, and the design itself looked very fresh. “Oh,” replied the executive director, “that’s because it IS new. We had to redesign
Have you tested your backups? Read More »
A phased implementation is one where, at go-live, only certain critical functionality is available to staff and customers. For example, a phased implementation might include membership and committee management, but not events management. Events management would come after go-live. Because phased implementations are more focused (i.e., fewer pieces of functionality required at go-live), they can
Be careful with phased implementations Read More »
When I work with my clients on their data management issues (especially when choosing a new AMS), I’ll ask them about board involvement and awareness: For example, how involved is the board in this process? or How much do they know about the current data management system and processes? Almost invariably, the answer resembles something
"The board never knows how hard we work." Read More »
When I work with clients on their data management systems, one of the most common requests I get is that the association would like to get a “360-degree view” of the member. What the client means, of course, is they want to be able to see everything the member has done with the association, from
It's the member's "story" Read More »
For senior leaders of learning (associations that market and sell continuing education and professional development), you won’t want to miss this free luncheon event on Friday, May 1, in Washington DC: The Leading Learning Spring Summit 2015. You can register for it here. Sponsored by Tagoras, the featured guest speaker for the summit will be
Don't miss this important educational event Read More »
In my speeches, my writing, and my work with clients, I often talk about the three key elements of people, process, and technology. All three are key to a successful project or a successful organization. But we can’t forget how critical “people” are in that equation. A couple years ago I worked with a client
Don’t forget about the people Read More »
Most well-managed associations have an “operating reserve,” which is “rainy day” money set aside for unexpected cash flow emergencies. A common target is three to six months of operating expenses. The idea is that if revenue completely stopped coming into the association, you would still have at least three to six months of cash to
When do you use your rainy day fund? Read More »
One bite at a time. I’ve always loved this old joke, because it’s so applicable to any sizable project. And it’s especially true for any data clean up project. Databases are never 100% accurate. People die, people move, errors get made. That means we’ve got to continually work to keep data up-to-date and accurate. Most
How do you eat an elephant? Read More »
I’m a process consultant so I love process. But when you work on any project, it’s important to keep the end-goal in mind (the project’s objective) and not allow process to take over or cause you to lose focus on the objective. For example, when I help my clients select a new association management system,
Don't let the process slow you down from getting results Read More »
When I help my clients through the process of selecting a new association management system, they also get the benefit of reviewing existing business processes and thinking about the people involved. Every project is about people, process, and technology. Selecting a new AMS gives you the opportunity to review all three of those aspects of
Additional benefits of selecting a new AMS Read More »