Developing a business strategy is no major ordeal. Yet creating one that effectively infers relevant data to enhance the businesses operations and sales is not something every data analyst in Washington D.C. is capable of. Knowing how to accumulate information is one thing, while realizing what to do with that information to change your business is a by and large a more diverse story. 

To utilize and structure data successfully it is vital to employ the right data analysts within your business and organization. Relevant information on a very basic level changes the way your organization contends and operates within your industry. Organizations that put resources into effectively analyzing data often gain esteem, confidence, and traction from this information. Leading analysts refer to digital data collecting ecosystems as the new structure of business. As industries continue to embrace and foster digital interactions with customers, the role of data continues to be challenge to keep up with, yet essential when protecting your competitive edge.

Data analysts are information translators that possess skill sets which greatly influence your business operations, sales goals, and various other projects. Through data analysis and understanding your business’s trends, patterns, and insights give you have the ability to simplify your sales funnel, reduce waste, and improve productivity. There are a few essential skills sets to look for when looking to hire a data analyst based in Washington, D.C.

In this article we touch on the most essential skills every data analysts needs in order to provide your business with insights and information that is relevant and conclusive. For information and detailed tips on how to use data analysts for your business read our short guide here. 

Information investigators, commonly known as data analysts, play key roles in a range of tasks that involve gathering, arranging, and interpreting measurable data. The nature of a data analyst in Washington, D.C. varies from business to business and project to project. For example, a hospital data analyst concentrates on performing financial analysis of the hospital’s operations, physician, and ancillary rates. While an audit analyst works to ensure compliance and maintain litigation files that track progress and results. 

Value of Data and Information

Data analysis or information examination is vital to businesses because it involves developing methods of assigning numerical values to various business operations. Many analysts are uniquely qualified to recognize efficiencies, identify waste, and recommend conceivable upgrades to policies and operations. Indeed, no business survives without breaking down accessible information, and compiling data that gives them legs to remain competitive in their industry and market. 

Without a doubt, big data has taken over. Not only has it been a significant game changer for large businesses but it boasts considerable economic and competitive advantages for small businesses. 

Chances are you’ve already begun incorporating big data analysis to evaluate exactly where your business is propelling in the face of cut-throat market rivalry. And that means you might have already started integrating a couple important big data analysis tools to harvest important insights and gauge market trends.

According to research posted by Nielson, it was conclusively identified that overall, more than half of the 2,000 businesses surveyed in the US incorporated big data tools to discover new trends and business opportunities. If you’ve yet to incorporate data analytics and add it to your business toolkit, forget staying ahead, you’re already behind.  

"A wolf pack: the first 3 are the old or sick, they give the pace to the entire pack. If it was the other way round, they would be left behind, losing contact with the pack. In case of an ambush they would be sacrificed. Then come 5 strong ones, the front line. In the center are the rest of the pack members, then the 5 strongest following. Last is alone, the alpha. He controls everything from the rear. In that position he can see everything, decide the direction. He sees all of the pack. The pack moves according to the elders pace and help each other, watch each other."

"We have no choice but to think together, ponder together, in groups and communities. The question is how to do this, how to come together and think and hear each other in order to touch, and be touched by, the intelligence we need."  - Jacob Needleman

I've recently picked up the book Collaborative Intelligence: Thinking with People Who Think Differently by Dawna Markova, PH.d. and Angie McArthur in the hopes of gaining a better understanding of what I call "Diversity of Thought".

The 8 People You Need On Your Team:

CREATORS

Your inner circle is weak without creators. Creators are builders. Builders motivate. They help you maintain hope for the future. They help you build an unshakable faith in yourself and your dream. They help you become conscious of your strengths, skills and talents, and they advise you on how best to nurture and use them.

CHAMPIONS

Fighting to reach your dreams is like running a marathon for a medal. It’s only champions who get the medal. Championship is contagious so you need to have champions in your inner circle. Champions stand up for you and your beliefs and they praise you to everyone else they know.

COLLABORATORS

Collaboration is a success secret. You therefore need to have in your inner circle persons who share similar interest with you. With these friends you can create a common destiny. Collaborators are the kind of friends you are most likely to spend most of your time. 

Your mission. Be able to articulate how PR and marketing efforts support the organization’s mission. How do your daily activities help accomplish the mission, be it raising money or finding volunteers?

Stakeholders. Nonprofits have many stakeholders, including volunteers, donors, sponsors, employees, and the people they service. It’s essential to concentrate measure results involving each category of stakeholder.

There is a wealth of data that small businesses can and should be tracking in order to ensure that they are properly armed to make better business decisions.

But which metrics should you track?

All of them?

No!

According to McKinsey research, by 2018 the United States will experience a shortage of 190,000 skilled data scientist and analyst. While most small business are not able to employ a full analytics team to manage the large amounts of data being collected during the day-to-day operation of their business, many have the ability to hire a consultant to complete specific tasks as needed. What tasks can a Data Analyst/Scientist assist you with?