Simpler is better

Recently, a client of mine was discussing how they manage membership reinstatements. For example, if a member doesn't renew within the grace period, is dropped from membership, and then rejoins in less than a year from dropping, are they called a new member, a renewed member, or a reinstatement?

After several minutes of discussion, it was decided that there would be no "reinstatement" type. Just new members and renewed members. To which I replied: Hallelujah!

When it comes to business rules and data management, simpler is better!

Whether it's member types, registration types, donation funds, sponsorship levels, or anything else your association sells, the fewer choices and the fewer rules you have around those choices, the easier it will be to manage the data. And perhaps even more importantly, it will be easier for your members and customers to understand your offers! (In the case above, the client even said "Our members don't even know what 'reinstatement' means.")

So look at the business rules across your organization and repeat after me: "Simplify, simplify, simplify."

Simpler is better

Simpler is better

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

Ask “What” not “Why”

Engagement is measured by the customer

Yes, you do have a process for that

“Correct your mistakes before they become your habits”

Sometimes it’s a process issue

First ask: “How will I use this data?”

“We run the report three times and get three different results.”

How do you know if you’re making progress?

Don’t move too quickly OR too slowly

“Your current habits are perfectly designed to deliver your current results.”