Without changing anything on this post, could you put several headings fitting headings within the post? Data Analysts: The Art of Selling Will Elevate Your Career to the Next Level
It's a shame salespeople get a bad rap. This is probably because people don't understand what selling is all about. Who can blame them? They've had to endure so many bad experiences that anytime you mention selling or salesperson, they automatically switch off. Thankfully, some genuine sellers around us have mastered the game, and you should become one, if not already. If you already know how to sell, this probably isn't for you. But if you choose to read on, I hope you will pick up something to enhance your already solid foundation in selling.
Think about it: there are essentially two types of people in the world—buyers and sellers. At times, you may find yourself playing both roles. If you haven't realized this, it might explain why you sometimes feel undervalued. In reality, though, you are always selling, even if you're unaware of it. When you are asking someone out, you are selling. When you are trying to get people to see things your way, you are selling. When you are attending an interview, you are selling. You've been selling your entire life! But you might have been doing it unconsciously.
Instead of unconsciously promoting what belongs to others, why not take charge and decide what you want to showcase? By putting your best foot forward and consciously choosing what to sell—whether it’s your skills, ideas, or products—you can increase your value and impact.
Selling is about knowing who your audience is and helping them make the choice they have already made up their mind about. It's not about convincing anyone but persuading them about the right course of action. What does that mean practically in data analysis? You must know your audience—this could be your stakeholders, manager, or clients. Anyone you speak to is a potential client. For example, through this, I am selling you the idea that you should be interested in selling to boost your career.
Next, you need to know what problem they have, what they have tried, and what they want to achieve. Be patient, especially when you are still building a rapport with your audience. They might not be forthcoming with the information you need. This could be for several reasons. After that, you must find out and understand what resonates with them and what are the no-go areas.
It's frustrating to see otherwise excellent analysts not move up in their careers or get the promotion they deserve because they are unable to showcase their talent in a more meaningful way. Technical skills are fundamental to what you do as a data analyst, however, if you can't convey that brilliant insight in a language your stakeholders would easily digest, then sorry, you will fail. Take the necessary time to fully understand what is expected of you and deliver in a manner that is relevant to your audience. Sometimes what you think your stakeholders need and what they truly want aren't the same. Forget dashboards or PowerPoint. In some instances, confirming whether something is feasible or not is all that is required.
When you make a good impression on your audience, they want to hear more from you. Just like a good salesperson would have their products sold before they're ready for delivery. You must build that relationship, and when you do, magical things happen almost effortlessly.
In a competitive field like data analysis, it's crucial to recognise the importance of selling skills. Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences and consider how you can apply these principles to your career. Embrace the opportunity to cultivate your communication skills, ask essential questions, and use creativity to make your analysis come to life.
So, what must you do to achieve that level of mastery? Cultivate your communication skills, especially your listening skills. Learn to ask essential questions; these are questions that go to the heart of the problem, not what you imagine but the real pains you are trying to alleviate. Another skill you might find useful is creativity; this is how you can make numbers and analysis come to life with the power of storytelling.
Learn the above and apply them without fail, and see how your career takes exponential growth. You already have the ingredients. Start cooking. I smell something delicious from here. You've got this.