When you've got a new data project on the horizon, and you're feeling overwhelmed about where to start, what's the best way to start? Here's my answer (and stick with me now):

Just start! Take one action!

Do something that will move you one step closer to project completion. The simple act of that first step will likely impel you to a second and third step, and before you know it, the project is underway.

Let's say you have a new data cleanup project you want to undertake, updating email addresses for all of your members. What's your first step? Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Identify who on staff is working on the project
2. Pull the list of members that you're going to clean up
3. Determine how you're going to update the email addresses (look them up online, use Linkedin, call them?)
4. Identify the timeline for the project (when we start, when we expect to finish)
5. Set a specific time each day for when the project will be executed

You get the idea. ANY of these could be used as a first step in the process. But they key is getting started. Once you get moving, you might be surprised by how far you go.

Got a new project you've been wanting to do? Now you know where to start!