Trade Journal Directories and Databases

QUESTION

"We publish massive industry directories for both print and the Web. How can we get this done more efficiently and profitably?"

BACKGROUND

We at DataJoe have discovered a repeating scenario among trade journals. Many trades have an ancillary data business (ex. Too 500, Top 1,000, Industry Directory, Online Database), but their core business is news and analysis. 

Because their data business is not their core business, we typically find that it has been stunted or hindered from reaching its full potential in some way:

• Hosted on home-grown, legacy platform that has become unsustainable:
• Difficult or unwieldy to change or enhance, because the technology is old. 
• Difficult or unwieldy to change because the original programmer has moved on, and no longer has an incentive to invest or maintain the system. 
• Dangers and risks associated with outdated technology - the system requires patching and "band-aid" solutions in order to continue functioning.
• Manual and/or labor-intensive processes for maintaining or updating the data:
• "Brute force" phone calling and/or internet research, which is labor intensive and adds significant cost to the bottom line. 
• Simple Web forms or surveys that don't feed directly into the database, and must therefore be keyed into the database by hand (which increases the potential for inaccuracy.)

STAGES

Typically we find that there are some basic, common stages for the yearly production of these directories/databases.

• Data Acquisition. Dedicated staff conduct phone calling, internet research, and/or individual emails to collect data. In some cases staff conduct email and fax survey blasts.
• Data Entry. Once data is collected, it is typically hand-entered into a simple or complex database (this might be Excel, Access, Filemaker, or a proprietary database). In worst cases, the data is hand entered directly into Word or InDesign, bypassing any type of database format whatsoever. In best cases, data is imported into a database. 
• Print Processing. Once data has been entered into its holding area, it is then transferred to the print production department for formatting. Most of the time, it's handed to the design team as an Excel file. From there, the design team formats this file into InDesign. In worst cases, the data was entered directly into InDesign, which is makes it easier for the design team, but destroys the value of the data for online deployment. In best cases, the data is stored in a database that allows for a formatted export that can easily be flowed into InDesign. 
• Online Deployment. Once data has been exported for print, it's time for online deployment. In worst cases, data is deployed to Web as a simple PDF, JPEG image, or "ebook." These formats lack the possibility for interactive search, SEO benefits, and many subscription-based revenue streams. In best case scenarios, data flows seamlessly to a robust, searchable, interactive front end directly from the central holding area; thus updates and changes made in the back end propagate to the online product in real time, creating great value. 
  

DATAJOE SOLUTIONS

• DataJoe provides a platform engineered to handle the most complex directories and databases - out of the box. DataJoe accommodates a variety of use cases. Best of all, DataJoe is not general software - our users are trade journals, business journals, city magazines, and publishers who produce editorial directories, lists, and databases.
• DataJoe is, first and foremost, a workflow and automation toolset. Our clients have reported saving, on average, 340 hours a year per FTE.
• DataJoe provides out of the box tools for Web publishing that can be integrated directly with the client's Web sites. For clients with highly specialized online publishing needs, DataJoe provides an API that can be used to seamlessly join DataJoe's back-end database with your custom front end. Examples: 
• Editor & Publisher Data Book (out of the box)
• Sports Business Resource Guide and Factbook (API) 
  

CLIENTS

DataJoe has helped the following publishers improve workflow and presentation of massive industry directories and databases. Our services have included transition massive directories and databases out from legacy platforms, automating and enhancing workflow, and eliminating certain manual tasks, saving labor and time. 

• Sports Business Journal: Resource Guide and Fact Book, a large directory of sports contacts and professionals.
• Editor and Publisher: E&P DataBook - a massive directory of newspapers, magazines, and publishing companies.
• Source Media: Mandate Pipeline Leads Database: A subscription-based interactive online database.
• Source Media: Private Placement Letter Database.
• Source Media: ASR Database.
• Source Media: Payments Source: A huge database of Credit Card companies and their associated deep data.
• Business Insurance: Multiple directories and databases. 
• Pensions and Investments: Massive financial lists, directories, and databases.

QUESTIONS?

Post a comment below, shoot me an email (johnny@datajoe.com) or give me a call (303-989-1300).

MY ONLY REQUEST

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Should I Build or Buy? (RE: Sofware for Managing and Publishing Data)

INTRO

Johnny Levy, President

Hello! DataJoe sells a software platform for companies that publish directories and other data sets. So we will not claim to be unbiased on the issue of whether a publisher should build its own software platform, or buy (license) DataJoe. Obviously, if you build your own data platform, you won’t license ours.

With that said, we want to do business with companies who can truly benefit from our solutions. We have spent 15-20 combined years in the industry solving data problems for publishers. We have consulted and we have wrestled. We have helped many publishers save time and create revenue, and helped countless publishing companies out of ridiculously messy data situations. Editorial data is the language that we speak day in and day out. So we hope it is profitable for you if we share principles we have learned governing whether a publishing company should "build or buy."

WHEN TO BUILD (CUSTOM)

There are two ways to build:

·         In-House Developer

·         Outside Contractor

Generally speaking, you build (either in-house or using a contractor) when your data product is your entire business (i.e., if you are a data company, and data is your primary product). Why?

·         You need total control and total flexibility. You need to control the minutia of what you are presenting to your market, in order to maximize efficiency and revenue.

·         You are willing to invest. This is your core business, so it makes sense to invest the large quantity of time, energy, and money that a custom solution requires.

·         You can leverage the software cross-company. You have multiple areas in your business where you can leverage the software to your advantage. You don’t want to create a “one-trick-pony” if you can help it.

Disadvantages

·         More time. It generally takes more time than you think it will. With custom, no one gets it right the first time. It requires multiple iterations and revisions to create a stable software platform.

·         More money. It generally costs more money than you think it will.

·         Resource drain (in-house). If you are building in-house, you’ll need to account for the drain that this will place on your development resources. Fires will arise that will force your developer to abandon custom development and fix the fire of the day. Completion will be pushed back.

·         Lost in translation (contractor). If you are using a contractor, the burden of communication lies with you. Generally, you will be dealing with a contractor who DOES excel in programming and technology, but who DOES NOT specialize in editorial data publishing. You will need to bridge the gap, taking the time and effort to communicate the intricate details of your business objectives. And here are the two pitfalls that tend to occur: a.) They misunderstand something in your instructions and implement incorrectly, or b.) you miscommunicate, forget, or miss saying something in your instructions.

o   I have been through this process multiple times. Most recently, we commissioned a Mobile App to be built for us by a contractor. Even knowing the software development business as intricately as we do, we experienced both problems mentioned above – we missed communicating important functionality that needed to be there, and the developer misunderstood some of our requests. They didn't at all think like data publishers, because they weren’t – they were app developers. Needless to say, we spent a large chunk of money, and weren’t at all satisfied with the results. This doesn’t always happen, but it’s the danger of contracting with someone outside your industry.

·         Obsolete platform. Technology is always moving. Whether you build in-house or use a contractor, the clock starts ticking upon completion. Changes and updates will need to be made in the months and years to come. Updates will require money and/or time. These updates become more major with time. I have seen this many times – a publisher ends up with an unwieldy, unsustainable platform that creates more frustration than benefit, because the publisher didn’t have the time or money to spend to make the necessary improvements.

·         Partial solution. An alternate scenario to the above is that you realize early that there are basic functionality changes/improvements that need to happen, but the wear and tear of getting the first iteration live makes you hesitant to wade back in. So your people have to learn workarounds to account for all the things your solution should do, but doesn’t.

Major principle:

Don’t start what you can’t finish. Creating a software platform from scratch will require multiple revisions, a maintenance plan over time, functionality enhancements, and technology updates in order to stay viable. It’s not like building a model train – it’s more like raising a child from infancy to maturity (I know this is a stretch, but I am just trying to account for the fact that all software starts as an idea, and then undergoes a process of growth and change over time.)

 *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *         

WHEN TO BUY (LICENSE)

There are multiple ways to buy:

·         Purchase shrink-wrapped (one time fee, then pay for updates)

·         License ongoing (ongoing fees)

Because there isn’t a specialized shrink-wrapped solution that exists for this industry function (editorial directories, data publishing), then I will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of licensing.

Generally, you buy, (license) software when your data product is an ancillary part of your business – i.e., not your corporate specialty. Why buy in this scenario?

·         You lack specialized knowledge. Allowing an entity with specialized knowledge to help you is a mark of wisdom.  Your partner will help you to avoid “reinventing the wheel,” and will also help you account for blind-spots and complexities that could arise in the future – from the very beginning. You know news publishing very well. You know some things about data publishing, because you’ve done it (on an ancillary basis) for years. But you don’t specialize in software. At all. (DataJoe is a partner that excels in both data publishing and software.) 

·         You lack a large development team. Avoid resource drain by bringing in other, specialized hands to do the work.  

·         You lack the desire, drive, or resources to properly sustain an in-house solution. You are not a software company, and this platform is not your primary business. Why then would you want to take the huge responsibility of raising a software platform from infancy into adulthood? It always takes time and attention and intentionality. Your provider will take responsibility for updates, innovations, and enhancements so this stays off your plate.

·         You want to mitigate risk and explore your options. Once you start development on a home-grown solution, it’s hard to back out. Whereas, if you license from a third-party specialist, it’s easier to back out if needed.

Disadvantages

·         Dependency. When you outsource a part of your business, it creates dependency. On some level, your destiny is now linked with the destiny of another company. This is the trade-off.  Choose a stable, good company.

·         Less flexibility. A software provider makes money by providing a turnkey solution with limited flexibility. You will have less control, by nature, than if you were to build your own solution.

·         Ongoing cost. Your costs will be predictable and controlled, but they will be ongoing.

Major principle:

Choose the right partner. At the end of the day, a software platform is just a tool. You need to pick the right one for the job, and then use it to full advantage.  

Top/Best Doctors, Dentists, Lawyers, etc. - Licensing a List VERSUS Creating Your Own List with DataJoe

QUESTION

What's the difference between licensing my top/best (doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc.) list from a national organization and creating your list in-house? What are the positives and negatives of each option?

Quick Summary

Licensing a list from a national organization is a very convenient option. However, on the downside, you do not own the data, and you are limited in how you can use the data. DataJoe can help you build your own list in a short time. You retain ownership of the data, and you can use the data however you want.

LICENSING A TOP/BEST LIST

Licensing a list means you contract with a national agency. This national organization conducts its own research nationally, and then hands you a list comprising only the top/best (doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc.) from your market. Pricing: Typically, a list like this is given to you in exchange for print advertising pages, or on an ad-revenue-share basis. Often, the national agency does not charge a flat fee. Here are the positives and negatives of licensing.

Positives:  

1. No upfront costs.  (this is not always the case, but often it is the case)
2. Reduced labor. The national organization just hands you a list, you didn't have to conduct any surveying or ballot management.
3. Brand recognition. Often, people recognize the national organization providing the list, which can add credibility to your list. 
4. Licensing a list can be a great choice, because it takes less time and energy. 

Negatives: 

1. Lack of accuracy. A national survey campaign, by its nature, isn't as narrow, focused, up-to-date, and accurate as a local campaign. Therefore, in order to have an accurate list, you will need to conduct hours of vetting to ensure that doctors (dentists, lawyers, etc.) on the list are not deceased, or that their details have not changed in some significant way. 
• Vetting labor. Hours of vetting and verification required to contact individual winners and make sure that they belong on the list, and that their info has not changed. 
2. Lack of local participation. By nature, a national survey campaign will have limited local participation. You may find doctors (dentists, etc.) who were never given an opportunity to vote, and therefore you may experience a lack of local "buy in" from the medical community. 
3. No ownership of published data. You don't own the data, therefore you will be limited with how you use and publish the data. For example, you may not be able to create a robust online display. You also may not be able to sell individual "listing enhancements." 
4. No ownership of survey contact info. You don't own, or have access to, personal doctor emails, since you were not part of the actual data collection. This does two things: 1.) keeps you dependent on a national organization, and 2.) eliminates marketing opportunities (i.e. you may want to market services to doctors (dentists, etc.) if you had their individual emails.)

CREATING A TOP/BEST LIST WITH DATAJOE
Compiling a list means you conduct the labor in house. Your staff collects source data (such as doctor addresses and emails), sending out ballots (either via postal mail, or driving traffic to online forms), tallying the ballots, and coming up with a final list based on the highest number of votes and other criteria (i.e. "active license," no current lawsuits, etc.) Finally, you must export the final list for print, and also deploy the data online.

Quick Note - DataJoe Options

With DataJoe you can either: a.) Use the DataJoe platform to efficiently collect data for your list IN HOUSE b.) Contract with DataJoe to collect data for your list on your behalf  In both of these scenarios, you retain ownership and freedom of use for your list.

Positives:  

1. Ownership. You own the data, therefore you can publish it how you want in print and online. You also own the source data, so you can use it for marketing or a variety of purposes. 
2. Contact info.You own the contact info, so you can use it for marketing as you see fit.
3. Reduced labor. If you contract with DataJoe to compile the list on your behalf, the labor and hassle on your part will be minimal. 
• If you choose to utilize the DataJoe platform to compile lists for yourself, the labor will still be manageable, and drastically reduced when compared to manual processes.
4. Brand Recognition. Although the recognition of a national organization has its benefits, your brand may carry even more clout in your local market than your national counterpart. Many city magazines have carved out a niche for themselves as the definitive source for reliable "best/top" lists in their region.
5. Higher Accuracy. DataJoe provides both software and processes to enable you to compile a robust, accurate, and prestigious list.
6. Greater participation.  DataJoe will help you with multiple rounds of voting promotion in order to achieve a strong response, which makes for a better and more believable list.
7. Cost. DataJoe provides set fees, rather than percentage based fees or trade for ad pages.

Negatives: 

1. More time. If you choose to do the list in house, using DataJoe's platform, the list will take more time. If you choose to contact with DataJoe to do the labor for you, the time investment on your part will be minimal.
2. Lack of National Brand Recognition. Discussed above. 
3. Responsibility. Responsibility for the list reflects on you and you alone, since you don't have a national partner who is accountable. 

Conclusion

DataJoe provides a viable, profitable alternative to licensing from big organizations. At the very least, I would suggest it's worth exploring. Contact us for a demonstration.

QUESTIONS?

Post a comment below, shoot me an email (johnny@datajoe.com) or give me a call (303-989-1300).

MY ONLY REQUEST

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City Guides

QUESTION

We produce a variety of city guides (Dining Guide, Shopping Guide, Healthcare Guide) that are not "reader's choice" driven. How can we make these directories more accurate, profitable, and efficient?

BACKGROUND

Many publishers create local "guides" that are basically directories of establishments, their contact info, and short descriptions. Typically, these products create revenue through print advertising and online enhancements (i.e., a restaurant can get a free listing, or can pay for an "upgrade" in which the company gets special color/style treatment, extra text, hotlink to Web site, or other perks.)

STAGES

• Initial data collection/population
• Manual updating as companies update their own listings, or admins make updates. 

TYPICAL CHALLENGES

• Once the initial data is collected, these guides tend to run on autopilot. Updates are generally made manually, and rarely. For this reason, the guides tend to get out-of-date and can become inaccurate. 
• Because there is no easy way to "push" listings out to their owners and ask for updates, then two missed opportunities occur: 1.) an opportunity to collect more accurate data, and 2.) an opportunity to ask if the company wants to upgrade its listing.

DATAJOE SOLUTIONS

DataJoe provides solutions that can make city guides more accurate and more profitable.

• Survey companies directly out of the database on a regular basis, asking for updates. 
• Give those companies the opportunity to purchase an enhancement right through the survey. 
• Add richer, deeper data to the actual guide so it has more value to the public.
  

QUESTIONS?

Post a comment below, shoot me an email (johnny@datajoe.com) or give me a call (303-989-1300).

MY ONLY REQUEST

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Editorially Curated Lists

QUESTION

What if my list's winners are editorially selected, not reader's choice? How do we improve workflow and save time and energy for editorially curated lists?  Can DataJoe help?

BACKGROUND

Some publishers create Best of the City, Best Restaurants, that are NOT voting-based, but rather selected by their editorial team each year.

STAGES

Workflow for these projects tends to follow this format:

1. Fact Gathering. Editors explore different establishments to begin collected enough data to render a judgment. 
2. Notation. Editors make notes for their records. 
3. Seletion. Editors determine winners, based on their observations and experiences. 
4. Collation. Editors input their choices, by category, into some repository (such as Excel, Word, or directly into their CMS).
5. Verification/Updating. Editors begin a campaign to collect contact information and other data tidbits about the selected winners, and input this into the repository.
6. Design Stage. Editors send the file with their results to their design team, which then conducts formatting and transfer into InDesign, eventually resulting in a publishable product.
7. Online Deployment. Editors send the file to the Web team, which then formats the file into a Web-friendly format and uploads to the site.

TYPICAL CHALLENGES

• Collation is a manual and sometimes clumsy process of getting editors to add their data to a file. This can lead to multiple file versions and potential inaccuracies.
• Verification/Updating is also a manual process. Typically contact info is collected by phone calling or individual email, which can be time consuming for editorial staff. 
• Design stage requires multiple steps of receiving, formatting, and converting the original file to InDesign. Some of these steps can be eliminated. Sometimes, last minute changes happen on the InDesign page, compromising the integrity of the original data before it ever gets an opportunity to be deployed online. Evenually, the print and online products can begin to diverge. 
• Online Deployment is also a process of manual file conversion which can be unnecessarily time consuming for Web staff. Also, this creates a disconnect between the online product and the original data file -- when changes need to be made, the Web team needs to get involved all over again - thus, typically, the product remains untouched for the full year unless an emergency correction needs to be made.

DATAJOE SOLUTIONS

• DataJoe solves these problems by providing a central, Web-based database, accessible by all editors. This database becomes the central repository directly feeding both the print and online product. 
• DataJoe can drastically automate the Verification/Updating stage, by allowing editors to send direct survey blasts to all winners at one time.
• DataJoe's automated print-export features bridges the gap between editorial and design, eliminating some unnecessary formatting steps. 
• DataJoe's online deployment tools ensure that, after initial implementation, the Web team's involvement can be minimal-to-non-existent. Editors have the power to finalize lists and then flip a switch to have them show up online.

DATAJOE RESULTS

• DataJoe's clients save (on average) hundreds of hours a year by automating their data collection, print publishing, and online publishing workflow.
• DataJoe's workflow makes it possible to add more products to the mix, empowering editorial and removing the need to expend unnecessary Web team resources for simple list deployment.

QUESTIONS?

Post a comment below, shoot me an email (johnny@datajoe.com) or give me a call (303-989-1300).

MY ONLY REQUEST

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How to Increase Revenue from Lists (Few Lists)

QUESTION
We are a business journal that doesn't produce very many ranked lists each year, but the lists we do produce are popular. How can we make more money on our lists?


BACKGROUND
Business journals and business magazines across the nation compile ranked lists of the top companies and people in their regions. These lists tend to be very compelling content, generating interest in print, interest online, and revenue from a variety of channels (including print advertising, online advertising, and online data sales.) Some publishers produce 50-100 lists a year, while some publishers produce a much smaller number of larger lists.


PRINT REVENUE MODELS
Business journals all tend to generate print revenue from lists in a very similar way. First, they sell adjacent advertising to the lists. For example, if a large bank might tend to advertise adjacent to a Largest Banks list. In addition, business journals typically produce a compilation issue of all lists from the year. The Book of Lists tends to be a top print advertising seller,  and can generate 20K to 160K in advertising revenue  for smaller markets, and 250K or more in larger markets. (This is just my general sense from my interactions within the business publishing industry, not a proven benchmark.)


ONLINE REVENUE MODELS
Business journals tend to use one of the following models to generate revenue from lists.

• Pay-Per-Download (SEE EXAMPLE OF THIS MODEL)
• Database Subscription (SEE EXAMPLE OF THIS MODEL)
• Listing Upgrades (SEE EXAMPLE OF THIS MODEL)
• Pay Wall (Combo Subscription) (SEE EXAMPLE OF THIS MODEL)

HOW TO INCREASE REVENUE
For publishers who produce a limited amount of lists, here are some suggestions for increasing your revenue:

• Evaluate Your Quantity. It is important to view the success of your few lists as an indicator of market potential. If you produce 10 lists, and all are relatively successful, then you should consider creating more lists.  The more lists and data, the more valuable your lists database becomes. This also increases your space for selling more print advertisements.
• Know Your Market. Your n#1 buyer of list data online are sales and marketing professionals who are looking for leads. They want to do comparative analysis to know the biggest players in the market; who is growing and who is declining. They also want contact info in order to reach out to decision-makers. Your lists are a unique source of reliable data for sales professionals. Looking at it this way, more list are better.
• Streamline Workflow The ideal situation is to create an effective workflow so you can produce more lists in less time. The DataJoe platform saves its clients 340 hours a year, on average, compiling their lists. This time can be re-purposed into creating more lists and a deeper database.
• Try New Models. If you look at most business journals/magazines across the U.S., they are using a basic, Pay-Per-Download model for generating online revenue. However, a growing number of publishers are beginning to implement a Listing Upgrades model along with their Pay-Per-Download model. This can become the best of both worlds, as you are generating revenue both from sales professionals who want the contact info, AND list participants who want their listings to "stick out." See a few examples of a combined model here: 
• Utah Business (Selling Pay-Per-Download Excel AND Listing Upgrades)
• Twin Cities Business Magazine (Selling Pay-Per-Download Excel AND Listing Upgrades)

QUESTIONS?

Post a comment below, shoot me an email (johnny@datajoe.com) or give me a call (303-989-1300).

MY ONLY REQUEST

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Best of the City - Save Time and Energy

QUESTION
How can we create our Best of the City project more efficiently? Right now it takes a massive amount of time and effort.

BACKGROUND
Best of the City tends to be a "reader's choice" project in which your readers nominate their favorite companies, people, and things in a variety of categories. These projects are extensive - generating thousands and thousands of votes across 50 to 200 categories. Once the votes are cast, the publication selects between 1 and 10 of the top vote-getters in each category as the winners of that category. This data fuels a printed issue, highlighting the winners, and an online list that does the same. Sometimes the data consists only of winners names. Often, however, publishers collect contact information and other profile information for the winners.

STAGES

• Setting Up Voting Forms. Publication creates voting forms. Often, publishers use open-ended forms such as Survey Monkey, Wufoo, or simple Web Forms.  Some publications supplement voting with mailed ballots, but generally response to postal ballots is relatively low.
• Voting. The publication drives traffic to the online voting forms where people can vote.
• Tallying. The publication sorts and tallies up votes, usually in a massive Excel file. 
• Selection of Winners.  The publication selects the winners based on top percentage, or highest number of votes.
• Verification. The publication acquires publishable contact information/profile information directly from winners. For publishers who only publish the names of winners, this step does not occur.
• Print Publishing. Design and formatting for print feature.
• Online Publishing. Deploying the results online.

TYPICAL CHALLENGES

• Gaining Participation. It can be difficult to foster high participation. Sure, you can create a product from a small sample, but the integrity of the product is directly proportionate to the number of people voting. 
• Ballots. Most pubs do a mix between online and printed ballots.
• Printed Ballots: 
• Can incur significant mailing costs.
• Require hours of manual labor to process, including manual transcription of text into Excel (or something like it), trying to read and interpret people's handwriting, and allocating someone on staff to condut multiple hours of pure data entry.

• Online Ballots: 
• Data is collected through an online form, but generally compiled into an Excel spreadsheet. This file can end up being thousands and thousands of rows. From here, someone has to manually consolidate the winners, since each vote ends up in its own row of the spreadsheet. To make matters more difficult, the staffer assigned to tallying will need to account for misspellings and alternate spellings of names of candidates, leading to a high possibility for error. Not to mention, the tallying process is extremely time consuming.  

• Other Challenges. Post a comment below to tell us about other challenges you have encountered. 

DATAJOE SOLUTIONS

• Online Ballot Management System. DataJoe provides a complete online balloting system that automates many of the processes that make Best of the City so time consuming. In time, DataJoe can replace all print based balloting, eliminating both postal costs and massive time investment of hand-entering printed ballots.
• Direct E-mail of Ballots.  Within DataJoe, you can direct e-mail PRE-POPULATED ballots to your subscribers, increasing response rate and making it easier for people to vote. (pre-populated with their general info, not pre-populated with votes.)
• Autopopulating Voting Forms. DataJoe ballot forms contain autopopulation, so that voters can start typing the name of nominee and be presented with a list of options. From there, the voter can select from the list. This simple feature can eliminate MANY HOURS of manual vote consolidating during the balloting stage - you don't have to rack your brain to make sure that Billy B. Williams and Willie William are the same person. Try it. (once you reach the form, type the first three letters of my name, Johnny Levy, into one of the voting fields and wait for the list of options to appear.)
• "Write In" Feature. It's easy to feed data in for autopopulation prior to beginning your campaign. However, there's no way you could possible cover every possible company, person, or thing that could be a candidate. The Write In feature gives you the best of both worlds. Voters first type in the first few letters of their candidate. If the candidate does not appear in the dropdown, then the voter can click "Write In" to submit a new candidate to the database. Once added, this new candidate will appear for others to select through autopopulation. 
• Automatic Tallying. Enough said. Since all votes are submitted into the database, the database can conduct tallying. This includes the ability to weight 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices differently. 
• Automated Verification. Automate the verification process of verifying/supplementing data for winners. Withing DataJoe, you can blast a verification survey directly to your winners.  This saves a LOT of time, because your winners will be HIGHLY MOTIVATED to provide you with good information. You will undoubtedly see a high response rate - I would postulate 60-95%.
• Automated Print Publishing. Once the winners are selected, you can export a complete directory (you can choose the data you want to include) into *.DOC and *.XLS formats. 
• Automated Online Publishing. By integrating a widget (i.e. a tiny snippet of code) into a Web page on your site, you can have a plug and play solution for online display that updates in real time whenever updates are made in the database. This widget also enables you to make the product searchable and interactive. It's awesome. 

PRINCIPLES FOR IMPROVEMENT
Whether you choose to utilize DataJoe or not, there are some general principles that can help you improve your workflow and save time. 

• Get Outside Your Comfort Zone. We can get stuck in our workflow just because "it's always been done this way." That can lead to antiquated processes and a colossal waste of time. Be willing to re-evaluate the way you are doing things.
• Put on your Binoculars. Have a long term view. Most publications seem to implement this project in a way that does not yield any significant advantage for next year's project. You have a choice. You can implement in a way that "gets it done" for the year, or you can implement in a way that will make it easier and less time consuming in successive years. The second strategy requires more labor up front, but can guarantee amazing dividends over a 3-5 year period.
• Ask Questions.  Trade secrets and strategies with others who have done similar projects.

CLIENTS WHO USE DATAJOE FOR THIS KIND OF PROJECT

• New Orleans Magazine

QUESTIONS?
Post a comment below, shoot me an email (johnny@datajoe.com) or give me a call (303-989-1300).

MY ONLY REQUEST
If you found this information useful, please, please, please use the buttons below to LIKE this page on Facebook, Tweet us, and +1 us on Google Plus.