Data doesn't need to be perfect to be useful
"Your data doesn't have to be perfect to be useful." - (Borrowed with permission from Intellidata's Slice newsletter.)
In my experience, many associations hold themselves back from cleaning up their data, because they are overwhelmed with where to start, and they also think success can only be achieved if the data is perfect. The thinking goes: since there's no way to get to perfect data, there's really no reason to start.
But it's clearly not true. The data you have now isn't perfect, nor will it ever be. But if your data is "pretty clean," it can be very useful.
So don't let perfect be the enemy of the good. Continue working on keeping your data as clean as it can be. It will never be perfect, but it will still be useful.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
It’s always about trust
It’s always about trust When I work with clients on almost any data management project, […]
You can’t outsource buy-in
You can’t outsource buy-in One factor consistent with all of my most successful projects is […]
Use it or lose it!
Use it or lose it! I’m referring here to the data you collect. If you […]
“If I could only do one thing…”
“If I could only do one thing…” Managing data throughout your organization can be overwhelming. Do […]
Gratitude
Gratitude As Thanksgiving in the US approaches, I’m reminded of the importance of gratitude, in […]
“It’s more than I have, but less than I want.”
“It’s more than I have, but less than I want.” “It’s more than I have, […]
Don’t forget Parkinson’s Law
Don’t forget Parkinson’s Law “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its […]
Just Respond
Just Respond Growing up my father used to tell my many siblings and me that […]
People fear uncertainty, not change
People fear uncertainty, not change If you’ve ever worked on any big project that was […]
“Working with you is like going to therapy.”
“Working with you is like going to therapy.” I was working with a client last […]