Data is Confusing. Even to me.

How often are you asked what you do for a living? I get asked this question all the time, especially when I attend networking events. The most common question I face is "what do you do?"

By now, I've learned to anticipate this question and I try to mix up my answer based on the event. Usually, I say "Data Education," which is true. I educate people about the world of data and help businesses of all sizes operate more efficiently.

However, I often struggle to explain what I mean by "data". In most groups, the word "data" doesn't seem to resonate and can even be off-putting. This has led me to contemplate what data really is and whether it's the message I want people to understand.

My frustration reached a peak when I offered a data class to my local chamber of commerce and was told there was no interest as data wasn't considered "sexy" enough. This made me think that maybe "data" needs to be rebranded to reflect the value it provides. I see data differently – I see it as the story of people and the world around us.

For instance, when I look at a group of people, I see all the data points they provide – their lives, age, location, and even height. It tells me their story. The same goes for traffic – the routes we take and the time it takes us to get somewhere. All of this constitutes data, but people seem to get hung up on that word.

I even turned to chatGPT for alternative terms for "data," but its suggestions weren't much help. Terms like "Facts and Figures," "Useful Information," "Trends and Patterns," "Evidence," "Stories from Numbers," and "Clarity and Understanding" are all true. Still, they don't convey how I see the urgency and importance of data.

To me, data is necessary. It's a skill that everyone, especially small businesses, should possess. As a small business owner, having the ability to observe changes in my business is critical. I need to know if something is drastically changing, if there's an emerging trend I should be aware of, or if something on my website needs to resonate with visitors.

Data allows me to critically assess my business and operate with confidence. It is my support system that boosts my confidence when I feel unsure, my constant companion. It helps me stay informed and make informed decisions that shape the future of my business.

We need to embrace a world where technology is woven into the DNA of our businesses. Otherwise, we operate blindly, losing sight of our business goals. I established my business to provide education on skills necessary for navigating today's technology-driven world. This is a world where technology plays a central role in everything we do and offers valuable assets to leverage for business growth. 

I help people develop skills and processes that set them apart, whether for job applications or businesses looking to discover new opportunities.

So, maybe data is not the unattractive four-letter word many associate it with. Instead, it's as simple as the being the confidence boost we all need. A little pick me up.

Want to see how embracing data can transform your business? Let’s chat about how you can harness the power of data for your success!