“What gets measured gets done.”  We have all heard this adage before, yet these words never truly resonated with me until this summer project.

Like many of my fellow colleagues, I have been collecting data for several weeks.  I am using a survey to extract information regarding the entrepreneurial experiences of our clients. 

Data collection is a delicate process.  Little did I know that a simple survey would push me to conduct extensive research on targeting audiences, develop creative marketing solutions, and most surprising of all- actually use things from my statistics course. 

Unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of having hundreds of Psychology 101 students trying to fulfill their class research participation requirement funneling into my office.  The process takes patience and a willingness to change your entire approach multiple times in order to get those valuable responses you seek.

The feedback we have received so far has given us a unique look at microenterprise.  I have gained a new respect for data measurement.  We are all trying to improve in some way or another in our lives.  Data gives us an opportunity to understand our baselines, set goals, and follow through to make positive change.  Each response allows us to make our programs and support resources that much better.  The process can be challenging, but once you hit your goal- it all becomes worthwhile.