1. Business Analyst, Fishback Financial Inc.
Building Stronger Relationships between Us… “Data People” and Them… “End Users.”
Joshua M Warne
Business Analyst, Fishback Financial Inc.
Founder of (605) SQL

2. The role of data and IT professionals is evolving from simply responding to requests about business to one of helping shape the business strategy
The integration of data professionals into the strategy process is a transformation that presents communication challenges and requires more visibility by people typically known to be introverts
In this session we will discuss some of the barriers causing relationship pains as well as some techniques and strategies to begin building stronger relationships

3. Integration of Data & Strategy
Why is this important?
Competitive advantages exist
Solutions can be complex
Resource management is challenging
Maximizing potential value is essential

5. The Common Framework Data is an asset
Better decisions can be made with the right data
Team work is needed to maximize value of data, IT, and company resources
Customer satisfaction is key

6. Level of Influence Not a part of the strategy process
In the room, only listening to the conversation
Part of the conversation, not the strategy
Responsible only for the strategy
Involved and contributing to the strategy

8. Error!! Error!! Error!!

9. Classifications & Assumptions
The skeptics and clueless (goes both ways)
End users who consider data people wizards
Aptitude and desire to understand lingo
Decision makers who always rely on the “gut test”
Data people’s desire to be fancy or always have latest and greatest
Introverts vs. Extroverts

10. Session Title Here
10/10/2015

11. Complete this sentence…
Self-service Business Intelligence is…
End users need to…
Without us the Company/End Users would or wouldn’t…
End user priorities and expectations are…
Ad hoc means…

13. Stereotyping
Perception and generalities picked up through experiences we generally have little awareness of.
A threat that immobilizes
Interferes with Performance
Demoralizes and segregates

14. The Communication GAP
Using too much jargon or dwelling on technicalities
Lack of clarity and not providing context
Making assumptions, not asking questions or using active listening
Not allowing time for information processing
Failing to take advantage of face-to-face meetings
One of the biggest issues maintaining the spread…

16. Visibility & Perception
Only being seen when there is a problem
Missing meetings, planning sessions or getting involved too late in the process
Ability to respond promptly and deliver on things that are important to “them”
Only offering solutions when requested
Change and compromise are continuous

18. Take Ownership
Consciously plan and prepare to better manage relationships.

19. Be Proactive
Data professionals need to be more involved and find ways to influence the conversation and strategy.

20. Get a Sponsor
Find an executive or manager who can help you join a project or create a project.
Figure out how they pitch the project to other executives and help!

21. Your Approach Matters
Embrace the end-user experience and take a service-centric approach.

23. Be Efficient and Effective
Focus on relationships & problems that are small enough to change and big enough to make a difference.

24. Stay in the Game
Build rapport throughout the process and stay focused on business impacts and the bottom line.

26. Be Opportunistic
Capitalize on delivery by reinforcing value or delivering unexpected value. Prove you understand the business value.
You don’t need all the credit! Help the executive, who helped you, get credit or demonstrate success. They will keep you at the table.

28. Questions
What strategies do you utilize to build stronger relationships with management and end-users?

29. THANK YOU SPONSORS

30. Please be sure to visit the sponsors during breaks and enter their end-of-day raffles!
Remember to complete session surveys! You will be ed a link after the event or you can visit
Event After Party
At Will’s Training Table (Formally Beef O’Bradys) near the Pentagon starting at 5:45 PM
Want More Networking and Training?
(605) SQL meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month.