Would you like fries with that?

Most business data has been made small with modern data platforms.

Yet, many teams are still fixated on big numbers like volume or velocity as a measure of success. The technology to make a lightning fast, highly scalable, cost effective data platform has already advanced substantially.

Instead, I believe the key differentiator for a successful data platform is plain, old, high quality customer service.

A data platform is only useful if 1) people are asking to use data and 2) people are able to get out what they need.

Imagine you're in a business role preparing a client presentation on a tight deadline. You need data quickly, which often means finding an internal expert you can turn to in a pinch.

You need someone who is:

• Timely. You can't wait 24 hours for a response.
• Trustworthy. You can't afford to present misleading data.
• Respectful. If you don't know something, then you want someone who can help without talking down to you.
• Context Aware. You don't want to describe your problem in painstaking detail; you need someone who quickly grasps your high-level goals while understanding the nuanced details of the data.
• Creative. You need someone who thinks outside the box when everything isn't easily available.

If your data platform, tools, and team can deliver on those five promises, then your likelihood of impact across the organization is much higher.