No system is perfect
When working with my clients on the selection of a new system (whether it's an AMS, a CMS, or any other software product) I stress over and over again that they will not find a "perfect" system. (As I like to joke, if a perfect system existed, I would own it and be rich!) It's important to set this expectation. Every system will be missing something.
Put another way, every system comes with trade-offs. For example, if you want the system to be incredibly easy for the average customer to use, you're probably not going to be able to manage every unique scenario that arises. By definition, "average" and "unique" are exact opposites and it is unlikely you'll find a system that can manage both easily. It will be one or the other. A trade-off.
There are no perfect systems. There are always trade-offs. Understanding and internalizing these two points will lead to much higher rates of success and satisfaction.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Iterate or innovate?
Iterate or innovate? When moving to a new association management system, there is often an implicit […]
Who is in control?
Who is in control? Speaking with a client once about their database project, the client […]
Sometimes Staff Has to do the Work
Sometimes staff has to do the work… As a child, I was attracted to computers […]
Documentation and the Great Resignation
Documentation and the Great Resignation Unless you’ve been living under the proverbial rock, you’ve heard […]
Data Management Strategy
Data Management Strategy Do you know what your data management strategy is? If you have […]
It’s always about trust
It’s always about trust When I work with clients on almost any data management project, […]
You can’t outsource buy-in
You can’t outsource buy-in One factor consistent with all of my most successful projects is […]
Use it or lose it!
Use it or lose it! I’m referring here to the data you collect. If you […]
“If I could only do one thing…”
“If I could only do one thing…” Managing data throughout your organization can be overwhelming. Do […]
Gratitude
Gratitude As Thanksgiving in the US approaches, I’m reminded of the importance of gratitude, in […]