Use it or lose it!
I'm referring here to the data you collect. If you are collecting data that you're not actually using (and I bet you are!), stop collecting it, and clean it out of your database.
Almost every client I've worked with has identified data in the database that is no longer being used. Often it was collected for one-time use (e.g., a point-in-time survey) or was being used and managed by a staff person who has long since left the organization. But the data remains in the database because no one has bothered to clean it out.
You should set aside time periodically (e.g., once every six months) to review your data and get rid of data no longer in use. I call this kind of data "noise" in the database. And the more noise you have, the less faith your users will have in the data (e.g., "Look at all this garbage in here; this data was collected years ago and is no longer being used, but it's still IN here!").
When it comes to your data, use it or lose it.
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 […]