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Data looms large in our campaign work as we rely on more and more metric-driven tools. Despite our reliance on using data to make good decisions and run smart campaigns, there's often a lack of respect for the data throughout a campaign structure. Not having all parts of your campaign operation bought into the importance of data can undermine even the most well-planned operations.
So, how do you make sure your data gets the respect it deserves? Follow these steps:
Organize your data - it matters. Everything from how you organize the data to how you treat your workspace is important. You don't want any data entry errors - so clean up that space and ask yourself if the systems you have in place make sense.
Treat data entry like a job that matters, not as a punishment. Sometimes campaigns make the mistake of assigning data entry to people who didn't thrive elsewhere. Solid and error-free data entry is successful when people care about what they are doing - so give them a reason to care!
Model behavior. Create the culture that you want to see - if every part of your campaign respects data, it will become part of the culture. Having clear quality assurance programs in place will ensure that everyone is committed to making sure that entered data is real.
How do you treat your data program? Let us know in the comments on the blog.
Pilar Weiss is Civic Engagement Director at NOI.
Photo by RobotMachine, via Flickr.
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