Analytics-blog

I think we’ve all heard about how statistics can be made to support “any argument you want”.  I think maybe that phrase is wrong…it should say that statistics can be made to support “any argument you want if the recipient isn’t paying attention”.

That’s a fact.  It’s really all about the recipient or the audience.  If they don’t thirst for the truth, then they will find themselves fooled time and time again.

For analytics it’s exactly the same.  You can have the best system in the world, but if you do not have the time to seriously contemplate the numbers, then you probably are better off not spending any time with analytics at all.   Just run with your gut.

After all, drawing the wrong conclusion is sometimes worse than no conclusions….and ignorance is bliss.  In addition, for a lot of people, companies etc…inertia is the ONLY force.  So you can join that crowd.  Enjoy.  Don’t call me.

But if you are the type that challenges numbers and understands that the real work begins AFTER reading a graph, chart or table, then by all means you should invest in some sort of analytics or business intelligence system.

Of course, it is equally important that you approach your analysis with discipline and consistency.  Speaking personally, it’s the consistency that is the struggle for me.  It’s very tempting to go down one path, learn a little bit, get distracted….and suddenly end up somewhere else.  Obviously, you need to clean you plate before asking for seconds.

So that’s the trick with analytics.  You must understand the challenge at hand and have the discipline and consistency to utilize your tools effectively.  (or hire someone to help you)

There is no analytics system in the world that can “tell” you what to do.  (If you have such a system in your control, it’s actually not under your control and you are probably headed for bankruptcy or imminent disaster at some point)