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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
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!
I Hate Sales People! 10 Questions To Know If You Should
“I hate sales people!” I have heard this expression all to often during my work as a software adviser. And, quite frankly it makes my...
How Scarcity Can Impact Nonprofit Software Procurement
Would you agree that nonprofit management is all about juggling resources in the context of scarcity? After all, the mission typically in...
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...
The Architecture Decision in Nonprofit Software
By now you know that there are so many nonprofit software options on the market today. So, when reviewing different software for...
Pursuing The Mythical Software Unicorn
The Journey to Find the Best Nonprofit Software Can You Handle the Truth? Yes, thank you very much Tom Cruise (from his famous line in 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...
What No One Tells You About Software Failures
Implementing new software can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare. The right system can be worth thousands to a non-profit...
5 Key Insights on Making Software Decisions
It is interesting to consider how people make decisions regarding their business; especially when it comes to choosing the best software...
The Disturbing Impact of Software Review Reliance
Before the advent of online shopping, conscientious consumers made many software purchasing decisions based on research of a product or...
What is The Best AMS Software, Donor, CRM Software! Really?
What is the Best Membership Software, Donor Software, or CRM Software for Nonprofits? I field this type of question all the time. And, as...
Top Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make in Software Selection
Software selection failures can haunt any organization. It is clear that all nonprofits need to be more careful than most due to the...
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