Andy Burns

One of the things attending my 2nd ever CiviCRM sprint is you’re not quite sure what you’re going to work on. My first sprint in 2023 in the UK was a lot to take in but now I had a better feel for it. Sure I had some small items to knock out, like our […]

The CiviCRM menu has a lot going on — and according to the 2025 end user survey, it’s one of the most overwhelming parts of the system for new and even seasoned users. Let’s be honest here, it one of the key elements that has held CiviCRM back on the UI/UX front. The same menu

The blog has been quiet here — I’ve been focused on a couple of large projects, along with spending a few months hybrid-working in the EU. So we’re getting back to at least a weekly rhythm here to pique your curiosity and challenge some thoughts on what your CRM tool is all about. Of course,

I had two support experiences this week—both with WordPress tools I use that were a fascinating juxtaposition—and the contrast made me think a bit about how organizations are approaching being more efficient with AI. Hint: most are injecting some AI into their support but I do wonder how thoughtful is it being done? Let’s start

When it comes to getting CiviCRM support, there are typically three paths you could take: offload, augment, or learn it in house (aka: build up in-house expertise). Outsourcing This puts the work on someone else, outside of your organization. Offloading is pretty rare—usually expensive and you won’t get the full benefit of the system. Imagine

(re-posted from a LinkedIn post in 2024) Lately I’ve been reflecting a lot on personal growth and learning. We’re a whole lot of those you’ve been surrounded by or been lucky to have collaborated with. That got me thinking, who are 5 people that have been most impactful in shaping me to this day? I’m

Sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is the most human, the most simple. Here’s what gets me, especially in the US where we glamorize and adore the youth to such great lengths. Everything is about staying young and vibrant. I get it but it comes at an expense. Older people kind of fade

After I posted, The efficiency trap, I came across this a few days later on YouTube titled, “What I learned from automating everything“. Initially, I thought it was going to tell me about the unintended consequences of this thinking and a call to be more human and authentic. Nope, it really was about automating everything

In CiviCRM land, we have a marketing budget that’s about a shoe-string, or maybe half of a shoe-string. And that’s probably why if you’ve ever heard it and also find the right pathway to getting started, it can be a game-changer in advancing your mission. But in the end, CiviCRM relies on word of mouth

In the CRM world, we’re kinda obsessed with efficiency. Automate this, remove manual work that. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Ask yourself: are there times when the allure of maximum efficiency makes you feel a bit myopic? Look, efficiency can give you the “I’m getting more stuff” done than ever feeling.