Big Data – Small Business : Part III

Big Data means bringing all the parts of your business into one place.

If you have followed along with Part I and Part II of this series, you are beginning to understand what Big Data means to your small business or nonprofit, and may be wondering if you are up to the challenges. Here are some important pointers to guide you on your journey:

• Leverage the salesforce.com platform.  Not only should you bring all your data IN, but make sure you are using the tools available in salesforce.com: workflow automation, live reporting, systems integration, AppExchange add-ons, etc.
• Act: You are about to gain unprecedented insight into your business. Get ready to make changes, measure, and react.
• Bring it ALL in! Systems and departments that you thought were less important may turn out to be very important. Don’t turn your back on your own data.
• Get a good implementation partner. Successful organizations agree that this is key. Talk to your salesforce.com Account Exec, visit a local user group to get recommendations, or contact Redpath.
• Invest: The cost of a major transition can be significant, but is worth it!
• Leadership Alignment: Are your team leaders trying to build the same company? Get aligned now!
• Imagine: Where is your business now? Where should it be? Accessing your big data will be a critical leap towards your business goals.
• Information: Knowledge is power. Give your team the tools to excel by putting more information in their hands.
• Keep an open mind: What is your data really telling you?
• Time: It takes time to collect big data and see results.  Be patient and don’t give up now – you’re almost there!