"Many mickles make a muckle."
"Many mickles make a muckle." - George Washington
Apparently, this was an old Scottish saying (and a favorite of George Washington's) that means "things add up." Over time, many little things can become big things.
This is absolutely true when it comes to managing data. Many little decisions and actions we take will have large and long-term effects on the quality of our data.
As I discuss here, your data is either getting better or getting worse. There is no stasis. Every little positive thing you do (e.g., cleaning up that record you just opened that was incorrect, periodically asking members and customers to check their contact info, making sure you have good documentation, etc.) adds up over time.
There is no one magic wand to improving the quality of your data; it requires lots of little steps over time.
After all, many mickles make a muckle. And who am I to argue with the father of my country?
![]()
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
“Every association does this.”
“Every association does this.” One of the most significant values I bring to my clients […]
Trust your gut
Trust your gut When I help associations with selection of a new technology system (e.g., […]
“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.”
“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.” “People more frequently require to be […]
Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life
Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life “Problems without solutions are […]
Perfect is not possible
Perfect is not possible We’ve all heard the phrase “Perfect is the enemy of good” and […]
“Different” isn’t necessarily better or worse.
“Different” isn’t necessarily better or worse. One of the biggest challenges I face when working […]
The Rule of 100 and 1,000 and automation
The Rule of 100 and 1,000 and automation I originally coined the rule of 100 […]
Once you know, what will you do?
Once you know, what will you do? I’ve yet to meet a client who didn’t […]
If it’s not in your AMS, why not?
If it’s not in your AMS, why not? I like to tell my clients they’ll […]
Why checkboxes and tags are awesome and dangerous
Why checkboxes and tags are awesome and dangerous One of the most common functions in […]
