Is It Important to Run Resort Numbers Even When the Outcome is Obvious?
Gregg Blanchard /
I have no doubt that more than a few people who read this week’s Stash about LOS vs. lead-time will shake their heads at me and say, “duh, Gregg!”
I’m okay with that.
Because I believe it’s important to run the numbers even when the findings are blatantly, outrageously, embarrassingly obvious. Here’s why.
Reason #1: The Numbers
The first reason is simply the fact that you can put numbers behind an idea. I know for a fact that I make more layups than I do three-pointers when I play a pickup game of basketball. That’s obvious.
However, as a simple example, if I shoot 50% from right around the hoop, unless my 3-pt percentage is below 33%, it may be more efficient for me to stay behind the arc. The same is true in marketing.
Reason #2: The Angel is…
“The Devil is in the details” is often true, but so if the never-before-shared inverse cliche: “the angel is in the details,” which that example above illustrates. Sometimes it’s the details that help us figure out problems or identify opportunities.
Looking at numbers behind things I assume are correct usually reveal small nuances I didn’t expect. Like the LOS vs lead time analysis:
I would never have guessed that lead time would actually peak instead of plateau or continue an upward trend.
Don’t Be a Gregg
What I’m trying to tell you is to learn from my mistake. I often get so wrapped up in data that surprises me, I fail to look closely at the things I’m not surprised by to glean the deeper knowledge that comes from doing so.