Don't be a hoarder!
The simple truth is that it's almost "free" to collect data. Or at least that's how it seems.
Set up a field in the database, send out an email and ask for the data, and voila, you're collecting new data.
The problem is that, in many (most?) cases, the data that we start out to collect doesn't get maintained over time, even with the best of intentions. And so, over time, we become data hoarders, keeping data that we really don't need.
I would guess that almost every one of my clients (now several hundred over 25 years) has one or more data points in their AMS that are no longer being used, or if they are being used, haven't been updated in many years. I'd bet the same is true for your organization.
When is the last time you looked at your database and cleaned out what you're no longer using? Is it time to do it again?
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
The hidden costs of bad data
The hidden costs of bad data Nobody likes bad data, and presumably we’re all working […]
Don’t let your customers edit their names online!
Don’t let your customers edit their names online! This issue came up recently and I […]
Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern.
Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern. We’ve probably all […]
“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 […]