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
The challenge the AMS providers see
The challenge the AMS providers see Over the years I’ve asked AMS providers what they […]
Be careful about “solutioning” too quickly
Be careful about “solutioning” too quickly One of the great things about software developers is […]
What’s our next action?
What’s our next action? As you can imagine, I spend a lot of time in […]
Don’t automate for the sake of automation
Don’t automate for the sake of automation I’m the laziest person in the world. I […]
Don’t forget about what got better
Don’t forget about what got better Negativity bias is the tendency to focus on only […]
Give a little at a time rather than taking away
Give a little at a time rather than taking away I’m sure there’s research somewhere […]
First, you gotta have the data
First, you gotta have the data When I work with clients on a new AMS […]
Work on your relationship with your AMS vendor
Work on your relationship with your AMS vendor It is no coincidence that my most […]
Dashboards for Data Integrity
Dashboards for Data Integrity I’ve written a bunch on data integrity reports. (Click here for […]
Next-to-Nothing Goals
Next-to-Nothing Goals I saw a Ted Talk by Christine Carter recently discussing the concept of […]
