Time for a quick experiment on data visualization. Search Google for “data” and look under images. What you do not see is almost as instructive as what you do see. You won’t see tables and tables of numbers lacking context. Instead, you are treated to all sorts of graphical and pictorial interpretations of data, some almost reminiscent of an iconic screen shot view from The Matrix movie. We intuitively know, and the internet confirms, that reams of data, even if they are organized, are of very limited value without a humanistic visualization.
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Four Ways to Big Data Success
In a way, Google is the librarian of the twenty-first century. No matter how obscure your request, if you bring it to her, she will find the information you are looking for with her own search system, even more inscrutable than the Dewey Decimal system libraries historically operated on. Amongst the many advantages of Google, one in particular stands out for those concerned with researching trends and seeing what is hot – the search engine’s perfect memory. Google Trends is a helpful tool that allows you to type in a search term and it reports back to you the historical volume of searches for that term. [Read more…] about Four Ways to Big Data Success
Niche and Grow Your Business
Why did you (or are you) starting your own business? If you are like the two thirds of Americans that dream of self-employment, chances are you desire more control over your life and greater financial potential. However, surveys consistently find that the barriers holding most people back are financial as well. Financial security, capital requirements, and fears of failure all rank high on would be entrepreneurs’ lists of concerns. [Read more…] about Niche and Grow Your Business
The Entrepreneur’s Playbook
All successful teams have a playbook that they use to navigate through the game. Which play to call next is determined by referring to a well-defined (and refined) set of plays that a team has practiced again and again in response to each anticipated situation that may come up during a game. While the specific tactics will vary from playbook to playbook, there is generally a common underlying pattern that will remain constant. This is also true for the Entrepreneur’s Playbook. [Read more…] about The Entrepreneur’s Playbook
Using or Abusing Your Network?
“Hey random Facebook friend I haven’t talked to since high school! How are things going with you? Anyway, I’m selling Mary Kay now and wanted to know if you would be interested. It would really help me a lot if you took a look and maybe bought something from my page here.”
When someone tells entrepreneurs to “use their network” this is typically what we image with thinly veiled horror. The insincerity of it is most striking, and it shows through in the language these messages often employ. I hesitate to call it a sales message as the likelihood of it producing and sort of sale – except perhaps the recipient paying to be left alone – are close to nil. [Read more…] about Using or Abusing Your Network?
Grow Your Professional Services Business
Last week we started by mentioning all the metaphors business people use to describe their endeavors – wars, machines, forces, etc. One we did not mention was a roller coaster, and for obvious reasons. While this is sometimes used, it is never in a positive or desirable context. Unfortunately, some businesses can accurately be described this way, especially among those providing professional services. [Read more…] about Grow Your Professional Services Business