Data can be hard to understand and simplify, and this can cause stagnation and delayed decision making. This is a business killer, as success loves speed. Let’s help you shorten the time between receiving an insight from your data and making a meaningful decision from it.
Here are three principles you can start using right now to better understand your data:
- Try and identify patterns in your raw dataset before opening up any BI tool. You should be able to identify some basic underlying patterns in your data before opening any tool to analyze it. This will allow your brain to make more sense of what is going on, before and after you unlock more insights when you load it into something like Tableau or PowerBI.
- Boil down the result of the analysis into 3 key decisions you’re going to make as a result of performing the analysis. Analysis is worthless UNTIL you make a change as a result of it. At the end of the day, that’s the point of doing analysis in the first place – to understand how we can make a meaningful CHANGE.
- KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid. Once you’re done with your analysis, you should be able to explain what change you’re going to make as a result of the analysis to your kids or grandma without them being confused. This is crucial so that there are no confusions about what needs to happen next to keep the ball rolling.
Much more on the way that I’m sure you’re all going to enjoy.
Stay tuned,
James Gregory