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
Be careful about getting tangled
Be careful about getting tangled “We had done a lot to tangle ourselves up.” – […]
Discipline. Always discipline.
Discipline. Always discipline. I’ve been producing a newsletter in some form for over 25 years […]
Simpler is better
Simpler is better Recently, a client of mine was discussing how they manage membership reinstatements. […]
Baby steps
Baby Steps A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You have […]
Sometimes what you’re using IS the best option
Sometimes what you’re using IS the best option I love technology and I’m inherently lazy, […]
Do they hate the system?
Do they hate the system? When an association asks me for help finding a new […]
Artificial Intelligence is the next revolution in data management
Artificial Intelligence is the next revolution in data management I’ve been in the data management […]
There’s always gonna be something
There’s always gonna be something I’ve been consulting for 26 years now and I’m still […]
Eyes wide open and affirmative decision-making
Eyes wide open and affirmative decision-making When I work with my clients on any type […]
Honoring an industry legend
Honoring an industry legend I’m taking a break from my usual data management tips to […]
