From May 6, 2002
I love metrics, the process of choosing what and how to measure so that I can track how my business is doing.
I haven’t always liked tracking. For me, statistical measures have often triggered perfectionism, competitiveness, and fear. However, whenever I choose an appropriate thing to measure and follow through, my confidence increases and my business grows.
Today as I think about how my feelings about metrics have changed, I see that I used to confuse tracking of my progress with trying to control it.
I like to think about tracking in terms of one of those huge site maps at a mall or a campus. On the map is an arrow that says: “You are here.”
The arrow does not say, “You are in the wrong place.” Nor does it say, “You have arrived.” It says simply, “You are here.” That’s all you need to know to choose your next move.
Effective tracking is like that. It says, “You are here,” and lets you compare that with where you came from and where you want to be. The next move is up to you.
With that in mind, spend some time this week thinking about what you would like to improve, achieve, or change. Then choose one or two things to measure, and create a simple system for keeping track over the next month. I think you’ll be pleased by how much more effectively and effortlessly you achieve your desired results.
Image by Steve Jurvetson via Flickr
