Start with the problem, not the solution

This morning a client asked me about using tags in CiviCRM.

Essentially the question was, "How could we use tags to track metrics related to our strategic plan?"

It's a fair question, so we discussed it, but soon we decided to zoom out a little and look at things a different way.

I suggested: What if we start by looking at the metrics you'll need to report on? Depending on how those are measured, we can find the best way to track the data, whether it's with tags or something else.

And with that small shift in perspective, we started to home in on the tracking mechanisms that would actually meet her needs.

Spoiler: It's starting to look like tags won't be a big part of her solution.

Here's the thing:

Starting with the tool, or the solution, is one way to go.

But you'll usually get better results by starting with the actual problem, and then selecting the solution that will best solve that problem.

All the best,
A.