Small Business Primer for Success in the Era of Data Democracy

Photo credit: Infocux via Flickr under Creative Commons license

When it comes to data, many small businesses are like Dorothy in the Land of Oz, not exercising the power from within to discover or apply their power – invaluable internal insight. Many rely upon sophisticated software and robotic numerical conclusions to lead the business down a complicated, confusing and conflicted yellow brick road: analyses and decisions tied to pure numbers instead of analyses and decisions tied to the goals and objectives of the company’s business and marketing plans. Even a pair of ruby red slippers did not guarantee Dorothy’s return to Kansas and numbers alone will not provide 100 percent validation of the right direction for your business. Before making any investment in business analysis platforms or programs and being overwhelmed by the sheer volume, variety and velocity of information, get a handle on the insight from within the organization. Then, put that existing data in perspective. Evaluate and analyze the influence and impact upon your organization, customers and stakeholders in accordance with your current goals, objectives, strategies and tactics.

Nancy L. Hohns

In a previous post, Nancy L. Hohns, LGK in-house strategist, reviewed the best marketing tools within your reach. As we embrace the era of Big Data, Nancy has a few suggestions for integrating data and gut instinct in a meaningful way to maximize your marketing momentum. Read her latest white paper, In the Thick of It: Big Data versus Gut Instinct. Select the image below for complimentary download instructions.