Two Tips for Data Conversion
I've written a lot about data conversion over the years (click here for a list) but when I'm asked by my clients for advice on their data conversion, two tips always rise to the top:
- Convert the absolute minimum amount of data possible. Look at all the data you have and ask yourself "If we don't convert this, but still have access to it in spreadsheets, what's the worst that can happen?" Cut, cut, cut. Click here for a great (extreme) example of converting the absolute bare minimum of data.
- Clean data over time, consistently. I call this "weeding the garden." (Click here to read more.) Simply put, if you're not consistently cleaning your data (i.e., weeding), your system will eventually be overrun by bad data, rendering it near useless. You don't just plant a garden and walk away; you nurture it. The same is true for your database.
If you apply just these two tips can help you get your data to where you want it to be: serving the association's mission.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Learn how to lose
Learn how to lose “Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to […]
Ownership is Required
Ownership is required When asked for the most common reason AMS implementations fail, I typically respond […]
It’s all relative…
It’s all relative… Over the course of my 22 years of consulting, I’ve consulted with […]
Eliminate to optimize
Eliminate to optimize So much of data management is habit (both good and bad) which is […]
For data governance, ask “Why?”
For data governance, ask “Why?” Recently I’ve had the opportunity to work on several data […]
More on Meetings
More on Meetings I’ve written before about the importance of making sure your meetings are […]
Action produces momentum
Action produces momentum Another great quote from James Clear: “Motivation often comes after starting, not […]
My #1 Best Practice…
My #1 Best Practice… A client recently asked me: “If you had to pick a single […]
Encourage engagement with prizes!
Encourage engagement with prizes! One of the biggest challenges any organization faces when implementing a new […]
Inertia
Inertia One definition of inertia is “to remain unchanged.” My sense is that many association processes, projects, or […]