Big data is a common term for the collection of data from a company’s internal and external sources which allows marketers to make generalizations and predict upcoming trends in their industry. The concept of “big data” has been around for a very long time, and being able to utilize it properly has become more important then ever in giving companies an edge over their competition. While the sheer amount of data being collected may prove overwhelming at first, by following a few tips in dealing with this massive amount of information, companies can be more successful in their use of big data. (Source)

Set Clear Goals For Data

Having clear goals when it comes to the collection and utilization of big data is the first step towards success. All data which is collected should have a specific direction or defined purpose for its accumulation. Companies should have in mind the type of data they’re looking to collect and have a clear idea of why it’s essential to their industry. Data goals allow for better focus when mining through analytics, and better prepares them to easily discard information that doesn’t apply to them. (Source)

Make Data-Driven Decisions

Collecting big data is only the first step of a complicated, multi-faceted process. While a business may accumulate a mountain of statistics, using that data to drive the direction of a company is vital to successfully using big data. Business leaders should be able to easily use the revelations discovered by data collection to navigate them through legitimate concerns and industry needs. Rather than making important decisions through repetition, instinct, or intuition, companies should always have their course marked by solid, data-proven facts. Data only has value if it can be properly applied to benefit the direction of a company’s mission. (Source)

Have the Proper Resources For Management

One of the largest determinants of success with big data is having the right people, the right equipment, and proper management in order to collect and utilize the information. Data is being generated at impressive speed and having the proper technology to identify, collect, and analyze the information is vital in being able to apply it to a company’s goals. There are continuous improvements being made to data collection software, analytical tools, and security processes of big data.

A company should have proper resources to keep up with the latest technologies and employee people with the right skills in handling this overwhelming amount of sensitive information. Once collected, professional data experts are able to properly filter and remove any data that is not applicable. The remaining data can then be interpreted and analyzed in a way that companies are more easily able to determine what the data means and how to apply it to their future strategies. (Source)

Follow Your Customers

While traditional collection sources are tried and true, recent developments in metrics for social media have offered another platform for big data. A decade ago, data for mobile devices and social spheres didn’t exist. Today, the collection and use of it is becoming vital to the success of high-performing companies. Big data generated by these type of platforms is often rich with customer behavior and contains an overwhelming wealth of volunteered statistics. Collecting big data from social sites can allow companies to better understand the immediate needs of their customers, and properly make real-time adjustments to their products or services.

With big data more important than ever in keeping a competitive edge over their competition, companies are rightfully investing time and resources in to the collection, management, and integration of this information. Being able to predict future trends in an industry has become a clear indicator of success. The utilization of big data has allowed companies to better address customer needs and grow their business among the up-and-coming, digital-reliant generations.