Is Your Business Up to Speed on Big Data?

Is your small business ready for better customer and business insights?

Many small businesses are realizing that big data can offer them just those things, and with that kind of value it's worth the work to implement a big data strategy.

But the fact still remains that big data can seem like a big task, and one of the first questions is "who is going to analyze all this"?

Before you start taking out ads for a data analyst, take a look around your own team. Your data analyst might be closer than you think.

Big Data Is Good For Business  

Big data - the collection and analysis of large data sets - is good for businesses of all kinds.

At first glance it seems chaotic, but by looking for and analyzing the information in it, businesses can gain a lot of insight into both customer behavior and trends within their business.

It all adds up to being able to be more responsive to customer behavior and tailor products and services to better match customer needs. 

Are You Concerned About Big Data Skills?

There's no doubt that big data is good for business, but many companies find themselves trying to figure out the best way of  combating big data skills concerns.

Most businesses don't have a handy big data analyst on their team waiting to step in. The learning curve can seem steep - where is the data coming from? Who is going to analyze it? What software do we need and will it be hard to use?

In fact, the answer might not be as complicated as you fear.

Your Data Analyst Is Closer Than You Think

Many businesses make the mistake of thinking they can only start working with big data once they've found the perfect data analyst.

But before you start your search, look to your own team. To find your data analyst, ask yourself:

• What skills do I need? - IT skills and an analytic mind help of course, but don't forget the importance of creativity and a drive to make your business more successful;
• Who has each of those skills? - You don't need all the skills in one person - you just need all the skills. Try putting together a big data team;
• Who can I assign this to? - Take a good luck at your team's current roles. Where can you give big data tasks to the best employees for the job, while re-assigning or changing some of their duties to accommodate it?

Supporting Your Employees through Big Data Implementation

Big data can be a big change, but it doesn't have to be a headache.

A quick Google search will give you plenty of big data information, including both paid and free training that you can offer your employees, conferences and books.

To make the big data transition as smooth as possible, offer training and support to employees who will be using big data, with plenty of opportunities to get to grips with the new information and ask questions.

Big data can be immensely helpful to your business, and the skills you need to analyze it could be right at your fingertips.

If you're ready for big data, take a good look at the talents your employees bring to the table, and start putting together your big data dream team.