Category: Analytics Jobs

The Self-Imposed Ceilings of Two Filipino Friends

I recently had two conversations on FB that happened simultaneously. Its amazing how we can do that now days, be engaged on two (or more different topics) with different people at the same time. But that’s a conversation for another time.

Right now, I want to talk about self-imposed ceilings people put on themselves.

One conversation was centered on being stuck in their current station in life.

The other conversation was about a resistance to embracing non-traditional learning methods.

In both cases, I was in empower mode. Trying to inspire both hope and self-determination to not continue down a path that seems locked in.

I will be the first to admit that as an educated, middle class, straight, white American male, there are few ceilings in life for me to break then just about every other demographic on the planet.

And most likely, my recognition of that at an early age has thrust me forward on a lifelong quest to help others who don’t have all the privilege I enjoy.

I am convinced that the blessing I have enjoyed in life need to be paid back in the form of me trying to uplift others to achieve success in life like I have.

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And through a series of circumstances (which feel like a divine plan) I have ended up focusing most of my empowerment efforts in the Philippines. I love working with students and young professionals interested in analytics careers. That is what I have devoted the 2nd half of my life too.

And both conversations are stronger reminders that I am doing exactly what I was created to do.

Holding the ladder, or offering a hammer, or identifying a new approach to breaking through self-imposed ceilings for Filipinos has over the years become my great cause.

My Analytics Story – My passion is solving problems by bringing together the best talent, cutting edge technology and tried and true methodologies. DMAIPH is all about empowering people towards better Decision-Making through the use Analytics and business Intelligence. This is what I do best. Contact DMAIPH now at analytics@dmaiph.com or connect with me directly for a free consultation about getting more analytics into your career and your business.

Promote Your Own Data Geeks

In analytics, there has been a huge boom lately in trying to find data scientists, who like a superhero, can do everything well and swoop in and take a company’s analytics to a whole new level. They are called unicorns as in creatures that really don’t exist.

One thing that has always amazed me about the culture of so many businesses is the belief that bringing in someone from the outside when there are good people on the inside.

Occasionally I come across the argument that its better to build a data science team from within as opposed to looking for a data scientist who can code, analyze, build models, understand higher math, communicate with non-technical leaders and understand the business.

In many cases the sum of the parts can give you a great solution that in the long run is better for the business then finding someone who is all the parts in one.

To do that, you need to understand your people and what they can do. You have to then understand what skills they need to add to be awesome at analytics. Generally, it’s just a matter of training and empowerment to push the envelope.

I look for people who have these 3 qualities before assessing technical skill and job fit.

First I assess their work ethic based on job experience, educational achievement and reasons behind their transitions in life. Note that internal hires already have a track record to assess work ethic.

Second I assess their curiosity based on assessment responses and problem solving during the interview process. Again, people who have been with you most likely have routinely demonstrated the curiosity.

Third I ask them to analyze something. Looking for how they approach data, how they analyze it and how they report it. Again, compare what data you have on hand versus the data of what might or not be valid.

After that, just about anything can be added via training, mentoring, coaching and self-empowerment.

It’s a lot easier for me to work with a known quality and build them up then it is to take in someone who is largely unknown and roll the dice that things will work out.

But don’t take my opinion. Look at your data.

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What % of new hires succeed. What % of promotion succeed? I’ll be shocked if you find that new hires add more value to your organization then veterans who are rewarded with new challenges.

So before you go out in the hyper competitive job market for a data geek, make sure you don’t have some people already on your payroll who can rise up and do the job.

If you need help assessing the inner data geek of your current staff, let me know. I can help you come up with roadmaps towards data geekdom that you can use to build a kick ass analytics team better than just about any data scientist aka unicorn you hire off the street.

Analytics Jobs – DMAIPH hires, refers and connects Filipino analytics talent. The Philippines is at the center of the action when it comes to solutions to the global need for analytics. Working with DMAIPH to find work, hire analytics talent or set up analytics teams will ensure you are tapped into the best of the best when it comes to analytics in the Philippines. Contact DMAIPH now at analytics@dmaiph.com or connect with me directly to find out how to take advantage of this booming opportunity.

DMAIPH Marketing Analyst Job Opening

DMAIPH is looking for a marketing analyst.

Primary responsibility is marketing public and in-house analytics workshops. Secondary responsibilities include promoting analytics publications, facilitating speaking engagements and managing online profiles for Daniel Meyer, our founder and one of the top analytics experts in the Philippines.

  • Experience with Digital Marketing and Analytics required.
  • Familiarity with running marketing campaigns on Facebook and LinkedIn.
  • Comfort with using MS Excel for basic analysis and reporting.
  • Basic knowledge in Adobe Photoshop
  • Able to create, update and share marketing content including blog posts, email blitz mailings, power point presentations and speaker bios.
  • Must be open to flexible hours and duties. This is not a typical office based, 40 hours a week, week days only position.

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A certain % of the job can be done at home or office depends on the business needs, but the marketing analyst will need to meet in Ortigas with the senior leader a few times a month. Also must be able to help facilitate occasional speaking events. Flexibility is key.

This is a flexible, project position with salary and compensation package dependent on experience.

Interested applicants should send their resume to analytics@dmaiph.com

Analytics Jobs – DMAIPH hires, refers and connects Filipino analytics talent. The Philippines is at the center of the action when it comes to solutions to the global need for analytics. Working with DMAIPH to find work, hire analytics talent or set up analytics teams will ensure you are tapped into the best of the best when it comes to analytics in the Philippines. Contact DMAIPH now at analytics@dmaiph.com or connect with me directly to find out how to take advantage of this booming opportunity.

DMAIPH and Sonic Analytics is looking for a Marketing Analyst/Administrative Assistant

http://www.sonicanalytics.com/

Sonic Analytics is an analytics-centric consulting, outsourcing and training company with teams in the United States and the Philippines. We specialize in corporate analytics consulting, public analytics training and small and medium business analytics outsourcing. We maintain an office in Ortigas, Pasig City.

We are seeking an Administrative Assistant, which is a full-time entry-level business operations position. The position is predominately office based, working out of our Oritgas location. We are looking for a flexible, hard-working and analytics minded individual to take on the following tasks:

  • Prepare Monthly Ledger
  • Meet with book keeper for tax reporting once a month
  • Safe keep Permits, Government Certificates, Receipts and other business documents if needed
  • Update expense and income trackers
  • Act as a POC for any analytics seminar/service related inquiries
  • Provide guidance to interns/OJT
  • Help develop an effective marketing campaign
  • Attend events on behalf of Sonic Analytics
  • Assist with setting-up public and in-house seminars
  • Assist with Payroll

Successful candidates need to meet the following requirements:

  • Previous work experience working in an office environment and/or customer service.
  • Familiar with MS Office, particularly MS Excel.
  • Basic understanding of business analytics and using data to solve problems.
  • Strong internet research skills and knowledge of social media.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Self-motivated and a willingness to learn
  • Above average written and conversational English.
  • A bank account with BPI or the ability to open a bank account

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Basic compensation: Base monthly salary is P12,000.

  • – Up to P2,500 in tax-free allowances.
  • – 5-10% performance bonus upon normalization.
  • – Complete 40 hours of work. This is a full-time job commitment.
  • – Regular Hours are 9:30am-6pm, Monday to Friday.
  • – Annual performance evaluation and compensation increases.
  • – Standard employee benefits as mandated by Philippine law.

Interested candidates should send their most recent resume to jen.ifer@sonicanalytics.com for consideration.

Analytics Jobs – Sonic Analytics in partnership with DMAIPH; hires, refers and connects Filipino analytics talent. The Philippines is at the center of the action when it comes to solutions to the global need for analytics. Working with DMAIPH to find work, hire analytics talent or set up analytics teams will ensure you are tapped into the best of the best when it comes to analytics in the Philippines. Contact DMAIPH now at analytics@dmaiph.com or connect with me directly to find out how to take advantage of this booming opportunity.

Probing For Curiosity

Finding a good assessment to measure curiosity is something I am always looking for. Lots of ways to try and find it, but a true penchent towards curiosity can still be elusive during the hiring process.

Lot’s of probing questions like, asking candidates to explain how they solve problems and what they do when they come across something unexpected is a good start.

Taking personality tests like the MBTI and its ilk is another way.

Giving them a quick research assignment with fairly vague directions and open ended results can also help too.

Reading for fun is also another good indicator.

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Whatever it is you do, make sure its something you are probing for.

Of all the data points in HR & Recruitment Analytics, that is the one I care most about.

HR & Recruitment Analytics – The recruitment and retention of top talent is the biggest challenge facing just about every organization. DMAIPH is a leading expert in empowering HR & Recruitment teams with analytics techniques to optimize their talent acquisition and management processes. Contact DMAIPH now at analytics@dmaiph.com or connect with me directly to learn how to get more analytics in your HR & Recruitment process so you can rise to the top in the ever quickening demand for top talent.

DMAI Data Science > Where Dreams and Demand Meet

Building a data science team tasked with helping other organizations build data science teams is equal parts dream and demand.

There is a quickly growing need for data science capabilities in the Philippines, but there are few ways for Filipinos to learn how to be data scientists. Almost over night it seems that people are posting job requirements for high powered analytics talent with very little idea of what data science is all about.

Business analytics is just now taking root in academia and being offered as a series of elective classes. Big data is just one class. Predictive and prescriptive analytics are also just one 3-5 month class. Its just not enough.

The big companies who are committed to building their own team are scrambling to find talent in the already hyper competitive BPO industry.

That’s the demand.

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Data science as a discipline is still quite new. In the U.S. and India you are starting to see a significant number of degree programs in analytics and data science. I learned a lot about data science before it even had a name. Analytics is deeply rooted at Wells Fargo and I benefited from being in the right place at the right time to get exposed to some pretty awesome analytics efforts.

This experience unlocked an opportunity to become one of top analytic minds in my adopted home, the Philippines. The opportunity of a life time really. Now I am at a point in the evolution of my business, DMAI, where I need to find 3 people like me to join me in my quest. My quest to help organizations in the Philippines set up data science teams.

I need a dream team. Like the Eath’s Mightiest Heroes the Avengers or the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. the DMAI Data Science Team needs the best of the best who excel in complimenting each other.

We need a big data analyst strong man in the paint, we need a visionary data modeling expert who can create great data models and pass them off to the shooter of the team, the business analyst.

That’s the dream!

It’s time to join the right and be at the forefront of spreading data science across this great island nation so full of potential.

If you feel the call that I feel and are interested then connect with me on LinkedIn and/or send me you resume at danmeyer@dmaiph.com ,

More Reasons To Stay Then Reasons To Go

One of the downs in the up and down cycle of running a business is when people leave.

Employee retention is something all companies have to worry about. But few really try and do something about it.

I read a lot about why employees stick and why they leave.

I know that to stick they need to have basic needs met like a good salary, feeling valued, being appreciated and having a safe and comfortable place to work.

Work-life balance, a supportive leadership team and feeling productive are all important as well.

Here are my  Top Reasons To Stick with DMAI

  1. Work Life Balance
  2. Opportunity For Growth
  3. A Stable Client
  4. 80% E-mail – 20% Phones
  5. Exposure to Analytics
  6. Open-Minded and Supportive Leadership
  7. Competitive Compensation
  8. Working With Good People
  9. Being Valued by the Company
  10. Being Appreciated for the Work You Do

I am sure each of my team has their own top ten reasons for themselves.

It is almost always easier to fix whatever you don’t like about your current job then it is to leave and hope you can find something better.

Sticking with a job long term is not easy and its becoming less and less the norm, which makes it all the more special when you find the right spot for you.

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Preparing For Your Interview… Here Are Some Things To Consider

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/recruitment-interview-skills-awareness-survey-results-preater

Came across this interesting article that seems to tie into something we have found to be true. Most candidates fail the interview because they are classified as either unprepared and/or nervous.

“There are many things that can let a candidate down on the day and the most common cause, as stated many, many times, is lack of preparation. Listening skills, asking interesting questions and being negative about a former or current employer were also popular subjects raised over and over.”

Preparation can cover quite a range of activities:

  • Personal Appearance
  • Punctuality
  • Company Knowledge
  • Relating ones skills to the job
  • Knowledge of the job

Personal Appearance has become so downplayed in recent years, especially in the call center industry where candidates rarely even get to a level of business casual. When someone does dress up, it really stands out. It’s a real competitive advantage that few take advantage of. Plus its simple psychology… when you dress up you act up and when you dress down you play down.

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Punctuality is another old school interview skill that seems to have gone by the wayside and has a devastating impact on candidates. So often little merit is placed on being on time, which means the candidate is rushing once they realize they will not make the appointed time. Then they are frazzled and not in a calm state when they interview. Plus the interviewer is perturbed. Never a good way to get the ball rolling in your favor.

This is a no brainer, but still in this day and age of easy to access knowledge, more than half the candidates who come across my desk have not studied up on the company. It shows such total lack of respect it’s a 100% guarantee of interview failure. And for the candidates it usually means the first of many empty answers.

Relating ones skills is something you think most candidates would be doing when they read the job posting. But often I find they just read what they wanted to read and not what was actually there. So there is a big mismatch between candidate and employer expectations. Never a good way to show you are prepared for the interview, lets alone worthy of being trusted with a job.

Knowledge of the job is often another issue and here in BPO land, the biggest one I see if people who want to work in a call center, but really don’t enjoy speaking English. See my previous blog for my thoughts on this one.

So, one of the things we are doing in our training classes is coaching candidates on how to be successful interviewees. If nothing else, at least they are given insights into how to pass the interview, something that 90% of our initial applicants are failing to do.

Call Center Jobs… Go Big or Go Small? Which Is Best For You?

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/call-center-boom-lures-filipino-expatriates-home-175229277.html

Interesting Article! I actually meet Butch at few times at BPAP meetings. The circle of SME Call Center owners is a fairly small one. When most people think of call centers, they think of the big multinational ones that employ thousands. However, a very significant % of call center jobs in the Philippines are with much smaller ones, like DMAI.

There are a number of pros and cons about working for big or small call centers. As my staff can certainly attest, it’s a big trade off when you leave behind the big call centers and take a job with a much smaller one. There can also a big difference in terms of Filipino centric culture that varies between the two and is based on the mix of the management team.

Based on consistent feedback, industry research and my own experience, I started with Wells Fargo as a call center agent and helped set up call center teams here in the Philippines, here are some of the pros and cons of each type of call center.

1. Huge, Multinational, Multisite BPOs.

PROS: Large structure allows for a variety of job experiences, pay is generally higher, company tends to follow labor laws closely. Very consistent daily experience with clearly understood expectations.

CONS: Easy to get lost in the shuffle and just be a number, very production orientated, not many accommodations made for work-life balance, strict attendance policy. Can quickly devolve into a monotonous routine that is very unhealthy and draining.

2. Small and Medium Sized, Generally Filipino Owned/Managed, Single Site BPOs.

PROS: Smaller structure allows for more diverse training and experience, scheduling is generally more flexible with much better work-life balance accommodations. Smaller teams tend to become much closer and are more relationship driven teams. With the exception of outbound sales, you generally don’t feel that things are as metrics driven.

CONS: Pay is often times less, with many smaller BPOs not as consistent with labor laws.
I have seen many people thrive in the big environments with all the structure and high developed policies and procedures and I have also seen many Filipinos crushed by the often cold and numbers driven management.

I have also witnessed many Filipinos taking the opportunities presented by a smaller company and parlay them into significant career advancements and even ownership. On the flip side I have sadly watched people fail to survive the myriad challenges of a small business and find themselves wishing to once again go big.

So every Filipino who thinks about a call center career, needs to weigh the Pros and Cons to going big or going small.

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Three Keys To A Successful Virtual Team

I’m borrowing this idea from an article called “Going Virtual: Hiring the Right Team for Remote Work”
Going Virtual: Hiring the Right Team for Remote Work

Among other things DMAIPH has a side business focusing solely on building and managing virtual analytics teams, based in the Philippines, for small and medium US based companies. In the past year we have set up three teams and the lessons we have learned about how to be successful validate the three points in the above article.

Key #1: Hire only people with significant work experience. I love working with fresh grads as they are mostly blank slates who you can empower and educate to fit your own vision. However, our experience here is that the best virtual employees are ones with significant office based experience.

One of the great benefits to setting up a virtual team in the Philippines is the large pool of former call center agents who have significant industry experience but have left due to family commitments. Tapping into that talent pool has been a huge boon for DMAI.

Key #2: Make every hire a trial hire until you determine fit. Attrition with virtual teams is by default pretty high as employees can have a lot less loyalty to a person they never meet. In addition, coaching and mentoring are challenging to do effectively online so its really important to find the right fit before entering into a long term partnership.

Another plus of doing business in the Philippines is that its standard to bring staff in on a six month temporary contract. After the six months they are evaluated and either released or picked up. We offer a standard pay increase at six months when a contract employee is normalized. Its really helped us build a core team of people who will be with us a long time while at the same time not forcing us to keep people around who really don’t want to be here.

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Key #3: Put barriers in the process of hiring new people. As we have evolved the virtual business we have become better and better about building screens that really do optimize the talent pipeline process. Like most companies we have a number of minimum requirements that help target the right applicants and we also mix in assessments that require the applicant to show some of the analytics skills we need.

The combination of experience, having them walk a mile in our shoes and making it kinda hard to get hired has really lead us to providing top end talent for a reasonable price.

Analytics Jobs – DMAIPH hires, refers and connects Filipino analytics talent. The Philippines is at the center of the action when it comes to solutions to the global need for analytics. Working with DMAIPH to find work, hire analytics talent or set up analytics teams will ensure you are tapped into the best of the best when it comes to analytics in the Philippines. Contact DMAIPH now at analytics@dmaiph.com or connect with me directly to find out how to take advantage of this booming opportunity.