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Recent Articles,Insights, Analysis
Association Software Selection
Independent software selection consulting for association executives. SmartThoughts provides objective guidance through every technology decision—from requirements gathering and vendor matching to RFP management and contract negotiation. Our consultants help Executive Directors, CIOs, and Deputy Directors navigate AMS selection, advocacy platforms, fundraising software, and integrated technology stacks. Get unbiased analysis, verified vendor comparisons, and strategic implementation planning—all
Rhythm Software AMS Review 2025 for Association Executives
Rhythm Software AMS review for association executives: features, Tier II pricing, peer reviews, and modern cloud-native platform analysis from SmartThoughts.
Association Software Expectations vs Reality
Why association software disappoints: The 40,000x gap between consumer tech investments and association budgets. Learn to set realistic expectations that succeed.
Why Your Association's Tech Partner Matters More Than the Technology
In this fast-paced AI world, the fact remains that people and partners matter in the technology world.
How Do Associations Find Reliable Software Guidance in 2025?
Reliable software guidance isn't a luxury. It's essential. Check out how to find reliable guidance in 2025.
Finding the Best Software for Your Association: A Strategic Approach
Stop letting generic "best software" rankings drive your association's technology decisions—Check out why this is a faulty approach.
ToucanTech AMS Software Review: Association Executives Guide
An unbiased review of ToucanTech AMS for Association executives to start their search.
16 Key Pointers in Selecting Membership Software for Association Nonprofits
Our primary consulting service is helping associations select Membership Software. As a result, we often get the question, how should we...
What Is The Best Way To Choose An AMS?
How is association software changing? And how are software selection specialists helping non-profits make a deeper impact? The founder of...
How to Avoid Decision Fatigue In Software Searches
Decisions can be tough and selecting the proper nonprofit software for your organization is a big decision. We provide insights, tips, and a
6 Options to Consider for Software Advice
To put software to use for your nonprofit, you will need to choose the right tool and implement it. For most, this is easier said than...
Set Sail or Sink? Finding Love In Membership Systems
Finding Love in Membership Systems: Who would have thought 20 years ago that we would frequently use a tiny little hand-held device to...
5 Ways People Can Be The Problem in Software Failure
It's not you, it's me! Yes, this is one of George Constanza's, from the TV show Sienfield's, most famous one liners which many of us have...
Top 10 Reasons For Failure with Nonprofit Software
Looking back over the years, I have personally worked with well over a thousand nonprofits (& for profits) involved in the evaluation of...
Getting Smart with Software Selection Services
Experience in Software Selection You might say that Software Selection Services for Nonprofit organizations is our specialty. In this...
The True Cloud: What A Nonprofit Needs to Know
With so many purported cloud-based services, it can be difficult to understand the similarities and differences between different...
Membership Software Choice: The Ostrich, Cable Guy, & Heisenberg Way
I have been a software adviser for over 15 years. So, my work consists of assisting nonprofits with finding their best software fit....
5 Key Questions To Ask Before Googling Membership Software
For most Associations, Membership Software is a vital part of your existence. And, the primary goals of a membership program are storing...
Don’t Buy Software Like Goldilocks
In the realm of business decisions, striking a balance between urgency and thoroughness is crucial. When a need emerges, the impulse to...
Look at “Can” and “How” in Best Software Selection
Two simple words.. Can & How. They have such an impact in getting to the best software choice. We discuss!
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