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
My #1 Best Practice…
My #1 Best Practice… A client recently asked me: “If you had to pick a single […]
Encourage engagement with prizes!
Encourage engagement with prizes! One of the biggest challenges any organization faces when implementing a new […]
Inertia
Inertia One definition of inertia is “to remain unchanged.” My sense is that many association processes, projects, or […]
When’s the “least bad” time?
When’s the “least bad” time? When working with clients on a new project, especially a […]
A poor launch can set the stage for YEARS
A poor launch can set the stage for YEARS It is not uncommon for me […]
Have the courage of your convictions
Have the courage of your convictions Having the courage of your convictions means you’re willing […]
Even your online directory is out of date!
Even your online directory is out of date! Back in the day of printed directories, […]
Start small
Start small When I work with my clients on projects that involve measuring member engagement, […]
Some context, please
Some context, please A pet peeve of mine: A report about associations (e.g., marketing benchmarks report) where […]
Eventually automated emails get ignored
Eventually automated emails get ignored During the discovery and development phase of implementing a new […]