Don’t be a hoarder!

Don't be a hoarder!

The simple truth is that it's almost "free" to collect data. Or at least that's how it seems.

Set up a field in the database, send out an email and ask for the data, and voila, you're collecting new data.

The problem is that, in many (most?) cases, the data that we start out to collect doesn't get maintained over time, even with the best of intentions. And so, over time, we become data hoarders, keeping data that we really don't need.

I would guess that almost every one of my clients (now several hundred over 25 years) has one or more data points in their AMS that are no longer being used, or if they are being used, haven't been updated in many years. I'd bet the same is true for your organization.

When is the last time you looked at your database and cleaned out what you're no longer using? Is it time to do it again?

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

The best ideas are stolen

October 13, 2021

The best ideas are stolen I don’t remember where I first heard it, but someone said […]

It’s all about expectations

October 7, 2021

It’s all about expectations One of the most critical contributors to the success of a […]

Either you test, or your members will

September 29, 2021

Either you test, or your members will If I was forced to choose the single […]

But are you really willing to change?

September 22, 2021

But are you really willing to change? When any organization is making a change in data management […]

Two tips for data conversion

September 15, 2021

Two Tips for Data Conversion I’ve written a lot about data conversion over the years […]

Who should “own” the database?

September 8, 2021

Who should “own” the database? One of the most common questions I get from my […]

What makes you weird?

September 1, 2021

What makes you weird? When I work with clients on selecting a new association management system, one […]

Why “AMS Consortiums” Don’t Work

August 25, 2021

Why “AMS Consortiums” Don’t Work About once a year I will get a call from […]

Your vendor will disappoint you

August 18, 2021

Your vendor will disappoint you I follow politics as a hobby. A past publisher from […]

Learn how to lose

August 11, 2021

Learn how to lose “Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top