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
Do they hate the system?
Do they hate the system? When an association asks me for help finding a new […]
Artificial Intelligence is the next revolution in data management
Artificial Intelligence is the next revolution in data management I’ve been in the data management […]
There’s always gonna be something
There’s always gonna be something I’ve been consulting for 26 years now and I’m still […]
Eyes wide open and affirmative decision-making
Eyes wide open and affirmative decision-making When I work with my clients on any type […]
Honoring an industry legend
Honoring an industry legend I’m taking a break from my usual data management tips to […]
Never burn a bridge
Never burn a bridge My children have reached the age where they have, or are, […]
You CAN compete with the big guys…
You CAN compete with the big guys… In my experience, associations often undersell their actual […]
Join (or start) your users group!
Join (or start) your users group! Today’s message is simple: If the AMS you’re using […]
They don’t care, until they care.
They don’t care, until they care. One of the more common questions I get from […]
Longfellow and data management
Longfellow and data management “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing while […]
