Sometimes what you’re using IS the best option I love technology and I’m inherently lazy, so I love it when technology can do the work for me. But sometimes, there is no technology to do the task at hand, or the technology is too expensive or “too big” for the job. For example, I was […]
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Do they hate the system? When an association asks me for help finding a new AMS, I always ask if there’s any chance the association would be interested in keeping their current system (perhaps upgrading it to the latest version). Fixing what you have is almost always less expensive and less disruptive than implementing a
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Artificial Intelligence is the next revolution in data management I’ve been in the data management business for over 35 years now (and even longer if you count my days in 4-H!). And over those years I’ve seen many examples of what was supposed to be “the next revolution in data management.” In my opinion, there have
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There’s always gonna be something I’ve been consulting for 26 years now and I’m still sometimes surprised to learn that no matter how much due diligence you do, you’ll still miss things. Case in point: Working with a client recently on a system conversion, we discovered that the new system placed Puerto Rico, Guam, and
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Eyes wide open and affirmative decision-making When I work with my clients on any type of project, whether it’s selection of a new system or improving data management within the organization, I always emphasize one thing: When we make decisions, we want to make them with eyes wide open. What I mean is this: Any
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Honoring an industry legend I’m taking a break from my usual data management tips to acknowledge the passing of an industry legend. Last week, Loretta DeLuca, CEO of DelCor, passed away. For those of you who didn’t know Loretta, she was the CEO of DelCor, an IT consulting firm, that has served the association market for
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Never burn a bridge My children have reached the age where they have, or are, entering the professional workforce. One of the (probably too many) pieces of advice I give them is to never burn a bridge. For those who don’t know, “never burn a bridge” means (per AI) “never take an action that would
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You CAN compete with the big guys… In my experience, associations often undersell their actual ability to provide high level service to their members and customers. I often hear association staff say “We can’t compete against the huge budgets of giant for-profit companies.” But I think it’s important that we keep in mind that even
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Join (or start) your users group! Today’s message is simple: If the AMS you’re using has a users group, you should join it and be active in it. If they don’t have one, start one on your own! (Click here for tips on how to do that.) On an almost weekly basis I’m reminded of
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They don’t care, until they care. One of the more common questions I get from my clients is “How can we keep contact info up to date on our members, especially when they change jobs?” My (glib) answer is always the same: “Your members don’t care about you or even think about you…until it matters
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