Big Data - the name probably makes you think of huge databases being sifted through by statistics nerds, economists and financial analysts. That's actually a fair image, sort of. The same type of analysis that helps economists and others make sound financial decisions and understand social trends can be of use to activists and nonprofit staff. Redefining What 'Big Data" Means: You initially think of databases that contain millions or billions of records, like Census files. At least one observer of big data wants you to think in terms of importance as well as size. Look at it like this: Mining a huge database of people who support causes like yours can yield some fundraising and marketing insights. Or, you can determine up-front what data is critically important for your organization or cause. Your cause or organization probably has something that's missing, some data that would significantly improve your advocacy, fundraising or social marketing efforts. Three ...
This a blog about lateral thinking, SWOT analysis, problem solving, and brainstorming for advocacy, nonprofit strategy, fundraising, and program design.