Working Wednesday: Love/Hate Relationship with Statistics

I believe most of us know that statistics are pliable. Part of our brain wants to believe that since they are numbers they are sure things. But we know that it all depends how and what we put into equations. Or how we get the most out of a result, say the number versus the percentage.

Having said this, we humans still like our stats. They appeal to us because they appear to be so sharp and clean and clear. They make good reading. Stats look efficient and are easy to grasp their meaning. So even though they have some inherent "deficiencies", we naturally gravitate to them.

Small businesses can use them for several reasons. 1. To help explain their business and/or business sector. You may have a niche, idea, or be a part of something relatively new that may need some explanation. Statistics can help explain to an untrained audience. 2. Marketing materials may need some stats to help promote your business. There are the general ones to give for the overall business sector and then some that explain your own company. 3. The bottom line, both financially and why you are in business (product, service) have statistical results. Don't keep these in your head. Put them down on paper, in your computer, share them, etc. You will need them organized too if you want help for your cash flow, expansion, bring on high level staff, etc.

One place to retrieve some statistics in Ohio is jobs-ohio.com. The home page has some facts, but I would suggest you click on either the business sector you belong to in the white letters on black background or the "Data Center" in the top right hand corner. Either place you will find statistics that you may be able to use to supplement your own business statistics and assist giving your knowledge base, speech, marketing materials, and written applications sound more complete.

Some statistics are better than others so choose wisely. Make sure they help specifically with the point you want to make and are not a distraction. And too many stats are boring. Ask for a second opinion as to which stat makes more of an impression if you need to. Spending time and picking the right statistics will pay off.