You may not realize it, but in the next 10 years, even if you remain a small business (including freelancing), you will be deeply immersed in data analysis. In fact, you are already a data analyst, you just might not be giving it the attention it deserves. And you don't necessarily have to. It's like having an opinion - people aren't obligated to have one about everything they see.
You might ask, "I'm a small business, what does data analysis have to do with me?" Returning to metaphors, it's similar to unexplained natural phenomena; they exist independently of us and our perceptions of them. Data exists, and you can use it too.
The question is whether data analysis is worth your attention, whether it will help or hinder your business's foundation and task execution, potentially taking up valuable time. The short answer is - it's worth it, and I'll explain why.
As we venture further into the Attention Economy, we are gradually entering the economy of automation and artificial intelligence. Complex and hard-to-grasp processes that once required immense human effort are now being automated at incredible speed. In most cases, you won't have to pedal to make things move forward.
Moreover, the automation of processes and artificial intelligence are your companions on the path that you define. Just as people began wearing shoes and invented the wheel but didn't stop being human, artificial intelligence is like the cherry on top of your creation.
Let's look at more concrete examples of how data analysis can help you.
It's already helping you in some way. You're already estimating your target audience. If you haven't created a profile of your ideal customer, I recommend doing so. You analyze which of your services that you can and enjoy providing are suitable for different audiences. You assume what might be of interest to them and shape your offering based on the analysis of this data.
When registering a client
The simplest way to gather and expand your knowledge of this data is by asking questions.
If a client has just approached you, create a list of questions primarily related to their order, but you can also add other questions that will help you learn more about them.
Even simple questions like, "Why did you choose me?" can provide you with valuable data.
After completing an order
You can ask questions not only before starting an order but also after completing it. Ask if the client liked the process of working with you, inquire if they have new tasks for you, and if they can recommend you to someone they know. This last part is crucial because if you've done a good job, the client will feel obliged to thank you by recommending your services to another business or a friend.
For promoting a new offering
An interesting opportunity for you may arise if you're acquiring a new skill and want to offer it to your clients. Of course, you'll market it to new clients, but don't ignore your existing customer base. You can create a survey related to your new skill.
For example, if you used to create illustrations and are now adding animation to your services, you can design a questionnaire asking, "Is animation suitable for promoting your brand?" or "How much can animation in your advertising increase product sales?"Creating a specific list of questions requires more attention, but it's something that will interest potential clients. Uninterested individuals won't bother with the survey, but it will keep your new offering on their minds in just a few minutes.
It's hard to believe, but very few people are currently using these strategies. I going to integrated such functionality into my CRM for creatives, so if you're interested, register on indexa page kit8.school to be among the first to get your hands on it.
Determining how much your client is willing to pay
Among the various questions related to a specific specialized topic, ask how much the client is willing to pay for your services. Offer multiple options. The client's answer doesn't commit them to anything, and it provides more honest information than when you negotiate a specific case face-to-face.
Identifying yourself pain points
We tend to rely on our own feelings and perceptions of what's happening. How much time did an order take, how difficult was it, can I do better, can I do it cheaper, do I want to keep doing it? We can ask ourselves these questions at some point during the work to evaluate what's happening. If you do this a sufficient number of times, the information becomes more objective. It's also a form of self-reflection, a process that allows you to record, evaluate, and make more informed decisions.
In conclusion
Each of these points is highly individual and applicable in different ways depending on the industry you're in.
I don't think you should immediately apply the described strategies to your entire workflow. They still appear quite abstract. However, this is a starting point that will prepare you for the inevitable processes of the future.
Great, see you next week,
Dmitry.
You might ask, "I'm a small business, what does data analysis have to do with me?" Returning to metaphors, it's similar to unexplained natural phenomena; they exist independently of us and our perceptions of them. Data exists, and you can use it too.
The question is whether data analysis is worth your attention, whether it will help or hinder your business's foundation and task execution, potentially taking up valuable time. The short answer is - it's worth it, and I'll explain why.
As we venture further into the Attention Economy, we are gradually entering the economy of automation and artificial intelligence. Complex and hard-to-grasp processes that once required immense human effort are now being automated at incredible speed. In most cases, you won't have to pedal to make things move forward.
Moreover, the automation of processes and artificial intelligence are your companions on the path that you define. Just as people began wearing shoes and invented the wheel but didn't stop being human, artificial intelligence is like the cherry on top of your creation.
Let's look at more concrete examples of how data analysis can help you.
It's already helping you in some way. You're already estimating your target audience. If you haven't created a profile of your ideal customer, I recommend doing so. You analyze which of your services that you can and enjoy providing are suitable for different audiences. You assume what might be of interest to them and shape your offering based on the analysis of this data.
When registering a client
The simplest way to gather and expand your knowledge of this data is by asking questions.
If a client has just approached you, create a list of questions primarily related to their order, but you can also add other questions that will help you learn more about them.
Even simple questions like, "Why did you choose me?" can provide you with valuable data.
After completing an order
You can ask questions not only before starting an order but also after completing it. Ask if the client liked the process of working with you, inquire if they have new tasks for you, and if they can recommend you to someone they know. This last part is crucial because if you've done a good job, the client will feel obliged to thank you by recommending your services to another business or a friend.
For promoting a new offering
An interesting opportunity for you may arise if you're acquiring a new skill and want to offer it to your clients. Of course, you'll market it to new clients, but don't ignore your existing customer base. You can create a survey related to your new skill.
For example, if you used to create illustrations and are now adding animation to your services, you can design a questionnaire asking, "Is animation suitable for promoting your brand?" or "How much can animation in your advertising increase product sales?"Creating a specific list of questions requires more attention, but it's something that will interest potential clients. Uninterested individuals won't bother with the survey, but it will keep your new offering on their minds in just a few minutes.
It's hard to believe, but very few people are currently using these strategies. I going to integrated such functionality into my CRM for creatives, so if you're interested, register on indexa page kit8.school to be among the first to get your hands on it.
Determining how much your client is willing to pay
Among the various questions related to a specific specialized topic, ask how much the client is willing to pay for your services. Offer multiple options. The client's answer doesn't commit them to anything, and it provides more honest information than when you negotiate a specific case face-to-face.
Identifying yourself pain points
We tend to rely on our own feelings and perceptions of what's happening. How much time did an order take, how difficult was it, can I do better, can I do it cheaper, do I want to keep doing it? We can ask ourselves these questions at some point during the work to evaluate what's happening. If you do this a sufficient number of times, the information becomes more objective. It's also a form of self-reflection, a process that allows you to record, evaluate, and make more informed decisions.
In conclusion
Each of these points is highly individual and applicable in different ways depending on the industry you're in.
I don't think you should immediately apply the described strategies to your entire workflow. They still appear quite abstract. However, this is a starting point that will prepare you for the inevitable processes of the future.
Great, see you next week,
Dmitry.
