Is this gig realistic?
Hi everyone! I’m passionate about freelancing and have a vision of launching a marketing and business analytics startup that helps companies uncover valuable insights through customized dashboards, similar to the services offered by Nielsen and Kantar. I understand this might not fall strictly under Digital Marketing, but I’m seeking some expert advice.
Here are a few challenges I anticipate and how I plan to address them:
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Skill Level in Coding/Python: Right now, my coding skills aren’t quite where I’d like them to be. I’m pursuing a master’s in marketing analytics this year to sharpen my analytical skills. Additionally, I’m enrolled in several coding courses to boost my proficiency.
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Launching a startup or Freelance Career: I’m aware that starting out can be tough, but I have a robust network to leverage. My father holds a senior position at a consultancy and knows numerous companies that could benefit from my services. His company also frequently collaborates with firms like Kantar and Nielsen. Moreover, I have friends who run sizable family businesses that could use my support.
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Gathering Primary Data: The biggest challenge I foresee is collecting primary data, as companies like Kantar and Nielsen employ advanced algorithms and methods (some might be borderline unethical) to gather it at scale for tailored dashboards. While I can analyze data effectively, I’m unsure how to collect primary data at the level these companies do. For now, I may need to focus on extracting internal insights and some external data.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and insights on this journey!
2 responses to “Is this gig feasible?”
Your idea of building a marketing and business analytics startup sounds exciting, and it’s great to see that you’re already thinking about potential challenges and ways to address them! Here’s some feedback on your points and a few additional thoughts:
Building Your Skills: It’s fantastic that you’re pursuing a master’s in marketing analytics and taking coding courses. Remember, many successful analysts come from diverse backgrounds and learn along the way. Focus on practical applications of your coding skills that relate directly to your future projects, such as data analysis, visualization, and dashboard creation. Tools like Tableau or Power BI can also be valuable to learn, as they allow you to create impactful visualizations without deep programming knowledge.
Leveraging Your Network: Your connections in the consultancy industry can be a significant asset. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dad’s network for informational interviews or small projects that can help you gain experience. Building trust and credibility among your friends with family businesses can also lead to valuable referrals. You might consider offering your services at a discounted rate initially to build a portfolio and gather testimonials.
Data Collection: Collecting primary data at scale is indeed a challenge many startups face. While you may not have the same resources as larger firms, you can explore several approaches to mitigate this issue:
Building your startup will take time, persistence, and continuous learning, but your proactive approach to anticipating challenges and seeking solutions is a great start. Keep aiming high, and don’t be afraid to start small and grow your business incrementally! Good luck on your journey!
Hi there!
Your vision for launching a marketing and business analytics startup is both exciting and ambitious, and it’s great to see your proactive approach in addressing potential challenges. Here are a few insights that might help you along your journey:
1. **Skill Development**: Your commitment to enhancing your coding skills and pursuing a master’s in marketing analytics is commendable. Beyond formal education, consider participating in online communities (like GitHub or Stack Overflow) where you can collaborate on open-source projects. This not only sharpens your skills but also expands your professional network.
2. **Leverage Alumni Networks**: Since you mentioned your father’s connections, don’t overlook the power of your own university’s alumni network. Many alumni are willing to support upcoming professionals, and you might find mentors eager to share their insights on navigating the challenges of starting a business in your field.
3. **Data Gathering Strategies**: For primary data collection, consider innovative approaches such as surveys, interviews, and partnerships with smaller firms looking to gather data but lacking the resources. You could also explore utilizing publicly available datasets and combining them with your analysis to ease the initial burden of data collection and build a portfolio.
4. **Prototype Development**: As you explore data visualization and dashboard development, consider creating a minimum viable product (MVP) that showcases your analytical capabilities. This can attract early clients and investors and serve as a practical example of your services.
5. **Ethical Considerations**: Given the ethical challenges associated with data collection