Scope and purpose.
WHAT IT IS
Using the information your business already produces to answer questions and make better decisions.
WHAT IT IS NOT
Requiring specialist software Requiring a data scientist Only for large organisations
WHAT DATA A SMALL BUSINESS ALREADY HAS
Sales records Customer details Invoices and payments Website activity Enquiries Stock movements Staff hours
WHAT MOST BUSINESSES DO WITH IT
Nothing beyond what is required for filing.
WHAT THEY COULD ANSWER
Which products or services actually make money Which customers are worth keeping Where enquiries come from Whether prices are right What is likely to happen next quarter
WHAT THAT REQUIRES
Records that are complete and consistent, and a few hours of attention.
WHERE TO START
One question you genuinely want answered.
Not a dashboard.
