Our friend Anita Campbell has laid out a new business idea. She likes using the new tools available for managing her business, but this means that her data sets are scattered all over. If you can design the tool that pulls together data and charts from the disparate tools online, there are people willing to pay for the service! A simple display of business measures would help keep tabs on your business.
Read more about Anita’s idea of a Small Business Dashboard.
Photo by Jon Swanson, used under a Creative Commons License.
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Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
Becky – Neat post. I am a fan of dashboards, though I don’t utilize them. I keep separate dashboards for the critical parts of my business (sales, CRM and of course Financials).
Though most small or low volume businesses could do without….
Thanks. Becky is out of the country right now. But I will make sure she sees your comment. I know she appreciates the good thoughts.
Hi, Just doing some research on dashboards for small businesses. The software companies who are doing business intelligence seem to try to sell small businesses high end software with vague reporting functions. Usually the small business needs even more specific (ad-hoc) reporting than a larger sized business. Since most small businesses have a copy of Excel I usually suggest that they use that as their BI platform. It takes a little (not to tough for an intern) work to develop something that is meaningful on a daily basis but with good planning, accurate measures, and relevant Key Performance Indicators you can develop a wonderful customizable tool which will help you bring clarity to your business health. In this economy we don’t need to spend more then what is needed. If anyone needs help to develop, update, or brainstorm a dashboard feel free to email me at jay@fessendens.net or call 717-798-6722 and ask for Jay. I am a small business owner located in New Cumberland, PA and have newly opened. JD Fessenden Consulting would have plenty of time to take on new clients to consult on your dashboard, BI, Excel, and training needs.