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

Accentuate the positive

July 24, 2019

Accentuate the positive I’ve written before about the importance of database public relationsand celebrating success. I’ll add […]

Annual dues vs. anniversary dues

July 10, 2019

Annual dues vs. anniversary dues I served as director of membership for several years at […]

A change of systems requires a change of mindset

July 8, 2019

Every AMS vendor will tell you that the toughest part of implementing a new system […]

It doesn’t have to be optimal to be beneficial

June 26, 2019

It doesn’t have to be optimal to be beneficial I’m a big fan of the […]

Look for small wins

June 19, 2019

Look for small wins One of the toughest things about system implementation is simply how […]

Are you closing the loop?

June 12, 2019

Are you closing the loop? If your association does a call for presentations for any […]

Declare victory and move on

June 5, 2019

Declare victory and move on The law of diminishing returns is the point at which the […]

Clean as you go

March 28, 2019

Clean As You Go A good cook or baker knows that, when working in the […]

Baby Steps

March 21, 2019

One of the keys to developing good data management habits is to be aware of […]

Success Requires Discipline

March 14, 2019

When it comes to data management, most of us know what to do; we just don’t […]

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