The question for most of us is not when should we get serious about being an entrepreneur, but when should we start?
The Philippines is in the midst of an economic boom that has created a growing middle class and increased the quality of life for many Filipinos. But to sustain it, we needs a lot more entrepreneurs to keep innovating and pushing the country forward.
When it comes to solving the big problems our beloved country is challenged with, the innovation we need will come from small, lean start-ups just like the one you have been thinking about!
This is key for being successful in today’s information age. Just get started today!
If you own or are thinking of owning your own business, you need to learn specifically what it takes to build an even more successful company, connect with other like-minded business owners, and discover new ways to create revenue streams!
We will show you how to use the latest technology to build even more leads, sales & streams of income! If you aren’t already thinking about how to use artificial intelligence to grow a business, you are way behind the curve. We specialize in teaching great concepts on how to become an inspiring leader, utilize great systems and become 100% laser focused!
Check out these upcoming events sponsored by DMAIPH, Sonic Analytics, Mastermind PH in the Philippines:
Vision to Wealth – Ortigas Jan 8, 2020 Sign Up Here
Vision to Wealth – Makati Jan 13, 2020 Sign Up Here
Get A.I. Ready – Ortigas Jan 21, 2020 Sign Up Here
Mastermind PH – Pasay Jan 23, 2020 Details Coming Soon
Daniel Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics firm with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and Ocala, Florida. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and offers big data coaching and analytics training seminars on both sides of the Pacific. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker.
Sonic Analytics(www.sonicanalytics.com) brings big data analytics solutions like business intelligence, business dashboards and data storytelling to small and medium sized organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities. We also advocate the use of analytics for civic responsibility through training, consulting and education.
The question for most of us is not when should we get serious about being an entrepreneur, but when should we start?
The Philippines is in the midst of an economic boom that has created a growing middle class and increased the quality of life for many Filipinos. But to sustain it, we needs a lot more entrepreneurs to keep innovating and pushing the country forward.
When it comes to high tech, big data, analytics, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, the innovation we need will come from small, lean start-ups just like the one you have been thinking about!
This is key for being successful in today’s information age. Just get started today!
If you own or are thinking of owning your own business, you need to learn specifically what it takes to build an even more successful company, connect with other like-minded business owners, and discover new ways to create revenue streams!
We will show you how to use the latest technology to build even more leads, sales & streams of income! If you aren’t already thinking about how to use artificial intelligence to grow a business, you are way behind the curve. We specialize in teaching great concepts on how to become an inspiring leader, utilize great systems and become 100% laser focused!
Check out these upcoming events sponsored by DMAIPH, Sonic Analytics, Mastermind PH in the Philippines:
Vision to Wealth – Ortigas Jan 8, 2020 Sign Up Here
Vision to Wealth – Makati Jan 13, 2020 Sign Up Here
Get A.I. Ready – Ortigas Jan 21, 2020 Sign Up Here
Mastermind PH – Pasay Jan 23, 2020 Detail Coming Soon
Daniel Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics firm with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and Ocala, Florida. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and offers big data coaching and analytics training seminars on both sides of the Pacific. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker.
Sonic Analytics(www.sonicanalytics.com) brings big data analytics solutions like business intelligence, business dashboards and data storytelling to small and medium sized organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities. We also advocate the use of analytics for civic responsibility through training, consulting and education.
When it comes to Big Data, Analytics, Data Science, Machine Learning, & Artificial Intelligence, you have to always been on the cutting edge. If not you will so been a dinosaur.
Keeping up on the newest trends with technology requires a lot of reading, following and networking. What are you doing now to keep up with the ever quickening advance in tech? You have to be part of a tribe of liked minded people, keeping you progressing forward.
This is key for being successful in today’s information age.
If you own or are thinking of owning your own business, you need to learn specifically what it takes to build an even more successful company, connect with other like-minded business owners, and discover new ways to create revenue streams!
We will show you how to use the latest technology to build even more leads, sales & streams of income! If you aren’t already thinking about how to use artificial intelligence to grow a business, you are way behind the curve. We specialize in teaching great concepts on how to become an inspiring leader, utilize great systems and become 100% laser focused!
Check out these upcoming events sponsored by DMAIPH, Sonic Analytics, Mastermind PH in the Philippines:
Vision to Wealth – Ortigas Jan 8, 2020 Sign Up Here
Vision to Wealth – Makati Jan 13, 2020 Sign Up Here
Get A.I. Ready – Ortigas Jan 21, 2020 Sign Up Here
Mastermind PH – Pasay Jan 23, 2020 Detail Coming Soon
Daniel Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics firm with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and Ocala, Florida. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and offers big data coaching and analytics training seminars on both sides of the Pacific. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker.
Sonic Analytics(www.sonicanalytics.com) brings big data analytics solutions like business intelligence, business dashboards and data storytelling to small and medium sized organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities. We also advocate the use of analytics for civic responsibility through training, consulting and education.
When it comes to Big Data, Analytics, Data Science, Machine Learning, & Artificial Intelligence, it is impossible to be able to do it all.
You have to focus on what you are best at and surround yourself with others who are the best at what they do and work together in harmony.
This is key for being successful in today’s information age.
If you own or are thinking of owning your own business, you need to learn specifically what it takes to build an even more successful company, connect with other like-minded business owners, and discover new ways to create revenue streams!
We will show you how to use the latest technology to build even more leads, sales & streams of income! If you aren’t already thinking about how to use artificial intelligence to grow a business, you are way behind the curve. We specialize in teaching great concepts on how to become an inspiring leader, utilize great systems and become 100% laser focused!
Check out these upcoming events sponsored by DMAIPH, Sonic Analytics, Mastermind PH in the Philippines:
Vision to Wealth – Ortigas Jan 8, 2020 Sign Up Here
Vision to Wealth – Makati Jan 13, 2020 Sign Up Here
Get A.I. Ready – Ortigas Jan 21, 2020 Sign Up Here
Mastermind PH – Pasay Jan 23, 2020 Detail Coming Soon
Daniel Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics firm with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and Ocala, Florida. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and offers big data coaching and analytics training seminars on both sides of the Pacific. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker.
Sonic Analytics(www.sonicanalytics.com) brings big data analytics solutions like business intelligence, business dashboards and data storytelling to small and medium sized organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities. We also advocate the use of analytics for civic responsibility through training, consulting and education.
This is key for being successful in today’s information age.
My mentor Bill Walsh, America’s Small Business Expert, is a man of great wisdom and massive success.
The quote speaks to a truth every successful entrepreneur knows to be true, but every failed or struggling entrepreneur have not figured out.
You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out and go after it. But you have to be specific about where you go and who you spend time with.
If you own or are thinking of owning your own business, you need to learn specifically what it takes to build an even more successful company, connect with other like-minded business owners, and discover new ways to create revenue streams!
We will show you how to use the latest technology to build even more leads, sales & streams of income! If you aren’t already thinking about how to use artificial intelligence to grow a business, you are way behind the curve. We specialize in teaching great concepts on how to become an inspiring leader, utilize great systems and become 100% laser focused!
Check out these upcoming events sponsored by DMAIPH, Sonic Analytics, Mastermind PH in the Philippines:
Vision to Wealth – Ortigas Jan 8, 2020 Sign Up Here
Vision to Wealth – Makati Jan 13, 2020 Sign Up Here
Get A.I. Ready – Ortigas Jan 21, 2020 Sign Up Here
Mastermind PH – Pasay Jan 23, 2020 Details Coming Soon
Daniel Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics firm with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and Ocala, Florida. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and offers big data coaching and analytics training seminars on both sides of the Pacific. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker.
Sonic Analytics(www.sonicanalytics.com) brings big data analytics solutions like business intelligence, business dashboards and data storytelling to small and medium sized organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities. We also advocate the use of analytics for civic responsibility through training, consulting and education.
What companies come to mind when you think of successful companies? What do they all have in common?
I’m betting that one thing that comes to mind is that they provide good customer service and they don’t keep their customers waiting.
There are a lot of companies making money, but how many are really awe inspiring? How many really impress you?
If you consider that the Philippines is in the midst of an economic boom that has created a growing middle class and increased the quality of life for many Filipinos. But to sustain it, we needs a lot more entrepreneurs to keep innovating and pushing the country forward.
Standing in our way is a lot of big, slow to adapt, manual process intensive companies ripe to be disruptive! When is the last time one of the big banks, telcos or airlines really impressed you with its ability to deliver?
When it comes to solving the big problems our beloved country is challenged with, the innovation we need will come from small, lean start-ups just like the one you have been thinking about!
If you own or are thinking of owning your own business, you need to learn specifically what it takes to build an even more successful company, connect with other like-minded business owners, and discover new ways to create revenue streams!
We will show you how to use the latest technology to build even more leads, sales & streams of income! If you aren’t already thinking about how to use artificial intelligence to grow a business, you are way behind the curve. We specialize in teaching great concepts on how to become an inspiring leader, utilize great systems and become 100% laser focused!
Check out these upcoming events sponsored by DMAIPH, Sonic Analytics, Mastermind PH in the Philippines:
Vision to Wealth – Ortigas Jan 8, 2020 Sign Up Here
Vision to Wealth – Makati Jan 13, 2020 Sign Up Here
Get A.I. Ready – Ortigas Jan 21, 2020 Sign Up Here
Mastermind PH – Pasay Jan 23, 2020 Details Coming Soon
Daniel Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics firm with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and Ocala, Florida. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and offers big data coaching and analytics training seminars on both sides of the Pacific. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker.
Sonic Analytics(www.sonicanalytics.com) brings big data analytics solutions like business intelligence, business dashboards and data storytelling to small and medium sized organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities. We also advocate the use of analytics for civic responsibility through training, consulting and education.
One of the biggest myths of getting started with A.I. is that it is too complex, to expensive and will take too long to set up.
But that is not the case.
We started GET A.I. READY in June 2019, to help businesses trying to compete with the Amazons, Apples and Googles of the world. We have delivered the training at a half-dozen business expos, for over two dozen American companies and have trained 300+ people across the United States.
From that experience, we have developed the following training program, taking the best of what is happening in the U.S. and modifying it for application by companies doing business in the Philippines.
LEARNING SECTIONS:
Section 1 — Good Data Governance requires us to collect, store, access, and analyze our data in an orderly way. Additionally, A.I. is not a standalone software. A.I. is designed to be used as part of a well-organized system; to accomplish a set of tasks using algorithms. This allows us to use A.I. in three different areas of our business processes. Data is the currency of an A.I. driven Organization.
A.I. Process #1 — Augmentation
A.I. Process #2 — Automation
A.I. Process #3 — Machine Learning
Section 2 — Business Intelligence — A simple conversation about the data collected in a business, how it is stored and accessed, what can be done with it will lead you towards A.I. Demonstrate the ability to ride the A.I. wave, rather than be rolled over by it, which all starts with augmenting your data analytics.
Section 3 — Process Automation — Sometimes the most powerful function of A.I. in a business is simply automation. We have to be able to either delegate, outsource or automate every part of our business that is manual, human resource heavy and/or repetitive. Automation saves time and money, but of course can come at a human cost.
Section 4 — Influencing Customer Behaviour — Machine Learning involves building mathematical models that A.I. will use for predictive data analytics and for learning. We then merry ML with Data Storytelling to craft narratives that drive a desired outcome from our customers.
Participants will have a deeper understanding of A.I. terminology, including Big Data Analytics, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Neural Networks, Predictive Modelling and Supervised Learning.
The end results of attending the one-day training will include the following:
An Assessment of your Current Analytics Maturity & a Plan to Level Up
A Map of your Data Lake, including Identified Data Silos
Learning about the Data Families/Skills Need for A.I.
A list of what manual processes you can Automate (Collection, Blending, Modelling, Analysis)
Tips on how enhance your Data Visualization & Data Storytelling skills
Identify the Key Customer Behaviour Influencers you need to maximize business profits
The bottom line, is that if your business is not already moving towards using A.I., you are at an increasingly perilous disadvantage. If you are not investing in this new technology, you can sure bet your competitors are.
Daniel Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics firm with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and as of February 2019, Ocala, FL. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and offers big data coaching and analytics training seminars on both sides of the Pacific. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker.
Sonic Analytics(www.sonicanalytics.com) brings big data analytics solutions like business intelligence, business dashboards and data storytelling to small and medium sized organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities. We also advocate the use of analytics for civic responsibility through training, consulting and education.
As citizens of this great democracy, we need to look at the data (analytics), plan a course of action (strategy) and share our data-driven viewpoints (presentation). This approach to a data savvy work force starts in school. So, we started an internship program to empower our youth to use Analytics, plan Strategy and Present their insights… ASP!
When not training current and future analysts, you can find Dan championing the use of analytics to empower data-driven citizenship by volunteering his expertise with schools and non-profits dedicated to evidence-based social progress like Saint Leo University’s Women in STEAM 2020 Conference.
I know I’ve had an interesting career when I get excited about a news article announcing the merger of the Philippines biggest name in fast food with a California based coffee chain.
Why? Because I’ve trained business analysts from both companies and have some insights into how both of them work with their data.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Jollibee, it’s basically the Filipino McDonalds but with a lot of Filpino-centric fast food options and a much cuter mascot. They dominate their home market and they have expanded around the globle. Where ever your find significant pockets of Filipinos, you can find a Jollibee.
As for Coffee Bean (CBTL) its a California based coffee and tea chain that lives in the Starbuck’s shadow. The have a fairy random footprint and really aren’t the first coffee of choice anywhere I know of.
But for Jollibee it seems like a smart move to acquire Coffee Bean. A lot of CB locations are in malls and business hubs are off to the side and not front in center. They couldn’t compete with the Starbucks for the same floor space and that reality makes them mostly an after thought.
Plus there is nothing special about their menu. Nothing bad, but nothing great either. Plus they have an ever growing amount of competition in a market (coffee) that may be peaking as younger customers like alternatives like milk tea and pearl tea.
On the other hand, Jollibee is an absolute monster of a competitor. They dominate the lower end of the market. Adding CB gives them a presence in more higher end market places. In a lot of malls and business districts, Jollibee is either not present or stuck in the basement with the other fast food brands. But CB can be front in center right. If Jollibee infuses some cash into improving the location of the CB stores, it should be pretty successful.
Plus Jollibee’s marketing is one of the best in the business. They consistently product content that is heartwarming, enchanting and really works. And the bee, that is one of the most beloved mascots I have ever seen. Way better then a quasi creepy clown or a very outdated southern colonel. If they can get people feel the same way about a cup of CB coffee they do about a yumburger, that its a golden marraige.
One more thing, I always mention when I talk about Jollibee. I can 100% guarantee, that in any room full of Filipinos, there is one thing they have all done. No matter their age, income, education.. .they have all attended a birthday party at a Jollibee. If you think McDonalds is a pure representation of middle America, than times that by 10 and you get what Jollibee is to the Filipino.
Now that all just on the outisde. On the inside, Jollibee has spent a lot on its internal data processing and decision making. They have crushed McDo in the Philippines based on an old school model of overwhelming numbers. But since then, they have gotten smarter. I saw that in their analysts and the way they were using data to solve business problems. There success is multifaceted, but a key pieces of it is their business culture is much more data-centric than their competitors. They have a deep and wide ranging strategy to keep adding complementary pieces (they bought the Philppines Burger King franchise last year) to the brands they offer… now they have added another potential winner.
Expectedly, Jollibee’s stock took a dive the day after the announcement on the Philippines Stock Exchange. Short term mindset and conservative investors worry its a mistake to get into the coffee business and many are still waiting to see how the Burger King acquisition plays out. But not me. Based on what I’ve seen, inside and out, I think its a shrewd move.
Dan Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics advocacy with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and as of February 2019, Ocala, FL. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and has recently begun offering public training seminars in the United States. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker.
Sonic Analytics(www.sonicanalytics.com) brings big data analytics solutions like business intelligence, business dashboards and data storytelling to small and medium sized organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities. We also advocate the use of analytics for civic responsibility through training, consulting and education.
As citizens of this great democracy, we need to look at the data (analytics), plan a course of action (strategy) and share our data-driven viewpoints (presentation). This approach to a data savvy work force starts in school. So, we started an internship program to empower our youth to use Analytics, plan Strategy and Present their insights… ASP!
When not training current and future analysts, you can find Dan championing the use of analytics to empower data-driven citizenship by volunteering his expertise with schools and non-profits dedicated to evidence-based social progress like Saint Leo University’s Women in Data + Science Program and the Data + Women of Tampa Meet Up Group.
In January it will be seven years since I left Wells Fargo and moved to the Philippines to set up an analytics training company.
As year seven comes to a close, some reflection on how I got to where I am now would be beneficial to my strategic planning for the next seven plus years.
BPO Elite was my first venture and the idea was to train fresh graduates and young professionals to be analysts. It was a pretty successful first year in terms of developing a training approach to teaching the fundamentals of business analytics. Business wise we made a lot of missteps along the way that ended up dooming the business. But the training method was sound and I started to build up my credibility as an analytics experts in the Philippines.
Year One was all about validating that empowering people to be analysts was indeed something I could do successfully.
Year Two brought DMAIPH, Decision-Making, Analytics & Intelligence Philippines to life. Based on the business lessons learned from the shortcomings of BPO Elite I focused more on building an influencer network. Entering in to business deals where other people would market my trainings, freed me up to focus on meeting with influencers. The goal became to work within existing networks and expanding reach so that more and more people learned about the important of analytics with DMAI top of mind on how to train people to do it.
Year Two was the year I built the foundation that allowed me to become the top analytics training expert in the Philippines.
In 2014, I launched a separate business focused on the outsourcing of analytics and data heavy customer care solutions. For a large part of the year the analytics trainings took a back seat to setting up a team of 100 office and home-based staff for clients in the U.S. It wasn’t the reason why I moved to the Philippines, but the opportunity proved to be quite lucrative and allowed me to keep doing analytics trainings and speaking engagements without having to worry to much about that part of my business being profitable.
Year Three was all about doing what needed to be done to make a profit.
By 2015, the outsourcing business was running smoothly, and I was able to get back to doing a lot of partner trainings and public speaking engagements. I had the good fortune to now be one of the most sought-after public speakers on analytics in the region, speaking at schools, conferences, and tech event I was also able to start getting my message outside of Manila and being asked to do events across the country.
Year Four was the year where I my face (actually the credibility behind it) really started to sell.
2016 was a big year for DMAI. I published my first book, Putting Your Data to Work. My goal was to make a guidebook that Filipino professionals could use a both a companion to my trainings as well as a resource to convince decision-makers to invest in more training. I also upped my game with doing more public trainings and speaking at even bigger events. It was a very profitable and satisfying year.
Year Five was where I perfected training content and my public presentations. The book was really the lynchpin behind all that.
By 2017, I began calling what I do as more an advocacy than a business. I got involved in several large-scale analytics training initiatives not just in the Philippines, but across SE Asia. I helped found an association to further an analytics centric focus in the outsourcing industry and was even invited to give testimony before the Senate of the Philippines.
Year Six was where it all came together. I hit that sweet spot where I was really good at something I loved doing and I got well paid for it.
2018 could have easily been a redux of 2017. In fact, we started doing a lot of high paying in-house trainings, bigger and more successful public trainings and I was being invited to take part in all kinds of big picture initiatives across the region. But something changed. 2017 was the year where I had reached the mountain top. As I look back at 2018, I have accomplished everything I had set out to do back in 2012.
That said, I’m not done with the Philippines yet!
Already have 5 trainings booked for the first quarter of 2019. Including ones coming up in January and March. Here are the links to find out more:
I will always have a soft spot in my heart for my adopted home in the tropics as I also look to expand my trainings to where I spent much of my youth… the state of Florida. .
Will be laying some seeds the next several months and kick off my first trainings and speaking engagements in the Sunshine state early next year.
Let’s see where the next seven years of championing analytics takes me.
Over the past few years businesses in the Philippines have invested heavily in big data, analytics and data science, but still have not achieved the expected outcomes of data-driven companies.
Based on our learnings from the 100’s of Filipino businesses and 10,000s of Filipinos who have taken part in DMAIPH Analytics trainings all across the country, we have crafted a proven, non-technical approach to upskilling your team in analytics.
In 2019, we will be launching two new training programs: (1) Our DMAIPH Applied Analytics Master Class series for executives, leaders and decision-makers and our (2) DMAIPH Applied Analytics Boot Camp series for practicing analysts.
We will feature case studies of real Filipino run business, exercises based on actual analytics challenges being solved by Filipino analysts, and provide you with a copy of my book, Putting Your Data to Work, an analytics guidebook for the Filipino professional
Connect with us via our marketing partner, http://www.sonicanalytics.com to learn about upcoming analytics trainings and events.
Sir Conan Doyle’s famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, couldn’t form any theories or draw any conclusions until he had sufficient data. Data is the basic building block of everything we do in analytics: the reports we build, the analysis we perform, the decisions we influence, and the optimizations we derive.
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes
Several years ago I came across a book called the Accidental Analyst (*www.accidentalanalyst.com). The book opens with the questions, “Are you drowning in a sea of data? Would you like to take control of your data and analysis to quickly answer your business questions and make critical decisions? Do you want to confidentially present results and solutions to your managers, colleagues, clients and the public?”
Written by two Stanford professors, the book explores how and why people become good analysts and goes into detail about how to approach analytics successfully. After reading the book I was inspired to come up with a way to teach analytics to college students and fresh graduates.
The core of both the book and my program hinges on the ability of an analyst to find the right data at the right time. The authors suggested that identifying your data is where it all starts. Identifying exactly what you need to address whatever it is that you need to report.
Back at Wells Fargo, the single greatest attribute that I had that made me successful was my ability to size up how long it would take to deliver something. Knowing what data I would need, where I would find it and how long it would take to analyze it to come up with something useful made me somewhat of a wizard in the minds of the team.
Finding the right data at the right time requires one to first know ends and outs of their data. You have to know how the data is captured, where it is stored and how it makes its way to you. Knowing the data architecture in your business is the key.
So you have to get to know the people who know where your data comes from and how it gets there. Learn from them. Partner with them. Buy them doughnuts.
A couple of years ago I came across an analogy being used to describe data in a business. That of a data lake. A data lake is the living, breathing, evolving pool of all the data in a business. If you have a good data architecture, and you can navigate it fairly easily, then you have a data lake. Ideally, your business has data structured in such a way you can live off it. Data to a business is like water to living things… it sustains life
So once you have the lake mapped out, then you have to learn how to fish it. Knowing where the fish are biting is another key. Once you know what data you need, you have to know how to get to it quickly.
Business Intelligence tools help us here. As does coding languages to extract data from a database. These are your fishing tools. You have to practice using them to be good at getting the right data at the right time.
Another way to optimize your data search is to save your work. Of as I call it leave yourself breadcrumbs. Save the query. Cut and paste the code into a document and save it. Write down the steps. Whatever you need to do to replicate what you just did so you can do it again in the future without starting over from scratch.
So to recap, if you know data structure, you understand how data is stored and you leave yourself clues to do things faster next time.
Now the other part of the equation is knowing if the data you are using is the right data. Finding data quickly doesn’t do you any good if you bring back the wrong data.
So, how do you know if the data you are using is the right data to be using?
I can’t count the number of times I asked myself that question. In general, just about every new analysis or project or research or whatever it is you are using data for, you have to ask that question at some point.
Even data you have used a hundred times and comes from a highly trusted source needs to be scrutinized.
Now if you work with data every day in a familiar format, from the same source and with no changes to the data gathering and storage process you don’t have to spend much time validating it. Usually you will see problems when something just doesn’t look right when you are doing the analysis.
On the other hand, things get a whole lot trickier when you are using data from a source you don’t use often, or something has changed in the way the data is populated or if it’s the first time you are using the data.
When this happens, I have a few suggestions on how to validate the data.
First off, pull the data, do your analysis and draw some conclusions. If it passed the eye test and it feels ok to you, then your job is just to validate it.
One simple way to do this is pull the data again the exact same way to make sure you get the exact same data. Or change one parameter like the dates used in the query. See if that significantly alters the way the data looks and feels.
Another option is to have someone else do the same thing independently. See if they get the same results you do. You can also find someone who knows the data to look over your work to see if it makes sense to them.
Whatever you do, the best way to prevent publishing or using bad data is to involve someone else. Not always possible, I know, but it’s the best way to go.
Another suggestion is to (1) get the data, (2) do some analysis, and then (3) step away for a while. Come back to it with fresh eyes. Don’t let our minds play tricks on us by making us see what we want to see and not what is really there.
I have seen several articles showing research that most time doing data analysis is actually spent cleaning data. In a lot of businesses, the data lake has become a data swamp, clogged with bad or unusable data. As the % of unstructured data increases daily, it’s easy to see how data swamps have become the norm. Even the most robust data collection and mining can run afoul if the data is not trustworthy.
I can’t stress this enough. No matter how good you are at analysis, or what tool you are using to do the analysis, if you don’t have an understanding of what happens to the data before it gets to you then you are probably not drinking from a clean lake.
Over the past few years businesses in the Philippines have invested heavily in big data, analytics and data science, but still have not achieved the expected outcomes of data-driven companies.
Based on our learnings from the 100’s of Filipino businesses and 10,000s of Filipinos who have taken part in DMAIPH Analytics trainings all across the country, we have crafted a proven, non-technical approach to upskilling your team in analytics.
In 2019, we will be launching two new training programs: (1) Our DMAIPH Applied Analytics Master Class series for executives, leaders and decision-makers and our (2) DMAIPH Applied Analytics Boot Camp series for practicing analysts.
We will feature case studies of real Filipino run business, exercises based on actual analytics challenges being solved by Filipino analysts, and provide you with a copy of my book, Putting Your Data to Work, an analytics guidebook for the Filipino professional
Connect with us via our marketing partner, http://www.sonicanalytics.com to learn about upcoming analytics trainings and events.
Daniel Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics firm with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and Ocala, Florida. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and offers big data coaching and analytics training seminars on both sides of the Pacific. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker. 
Decision-Making, Analytics & Intelligence > Philippines 