First ask: "How will I use this data?"
Whether it's during data conversion, adding a new data field, or reconsidering a given process, one of the first questions you should ask is "How will we use that data?"
Put another way, just because we can manage the data doesn't mean we should!
For example, I was speaking with a client recently about how to manage organization records within their database. They have individual members and want to associate all of the individuals with their appropriate organizations. It's an understandable desire. But when asked the question "How will we use that data?" the answer was "We're not really sure."
We all have lots of data we need to manage. And lots more we might want to manage. But for any data we manage, we need to be able to quickly answer the question "How does this data get used?" If we can't answer that, it's probably not data we need to be managing!
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Technology won’t solve your process problems
Technology won’t solve your process problems Over the past few years I’ve watched as many […]
“Screen noise” is a real thing. You might be able to fix it.
“Screen noise” is a real thing. You might be able to fix it. One of […]
Success Starts at the Top
Success Starts at the Top I recently had a conversation with an association staffer who was […]
Who are you bringing along?
Who are you bringing along? Last week I had the opportunity to attend the AWTC […]
Write it down!
Write it down! If you’re in the market for a new AMS (or any new […]
Why “weeding the garden” is so important
Why “weeding the garden” is so important One of the most important activities for maintaining […]
It’s time to stop excusing association professionals
It’s time to stop excusing association professionals I worked in associations for nearly 10 years, […]
More demos is not better
More demos is not better When I work with clients on selecting a new system, […]
The database owner should be “passionate”
The database owner should be “passionate” I’m frequently asked by my clients: “Who should we […]
Discipline is required
Discipline is required Last week I discussed the importance of taking action. To manage data […]