One of the most significant values I bring to my clients is perspective. Specifically the perspective of having worked with several hundred associations of all sizes and types.

It is not uncommon for me to hear from my clients "I don't understand why our AMS doesn't do things this particular way. Every association does this." But very often, what they are talking about is NOT the way "every association does this." But from their (very limited) perspective, it is.

Why is this important? Having the right perspective allows you to make smarter decisions about how you use your system. My experience gives me the perspective to see the world beyond just that one association, which is also how the AMS vendors see the world. And as a result, what may seem "obvious" to one association is not necessarily obvious to the rest of the world.

So the next time you think "Every association does it this way" stop and think again. It's quite possible that very few associations do it that way.