Understand the Need First

Emily Kane Miller of Ethos Giving shared on my podcast how to collect metrics.

Start by understanding what stakeholders truly need. Engaging in conversations with partners, clients, and customers. It's about pinpointing what your stakeholders value most, rather than getting lost in a sea of irrelevant data.

Make every metric you track a stepping stone towards profound impact.

Choose Metrics That Matter

Select metrics that narrate the growth and essence of your enterprise.

Internally, identify numbers that signal your business's health and trajectory, aiding strategic decisions. Externally, consider what stories will resonate with the public so you can showcase your year-over-year growth and impact. The goal is to strike a balance between actionable insights and compelling narratives

Your metrics should tell the story of how your business and impact will grow and change.

Simplify and Seek Consistency

Opt for simplicity and consistency in your tracking methods.

While it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring everything, focus on metrics that are both insightful and manageable over time. You want regular, straightforward feedback mechanisms, like simple forms or direct questions. Consistency not only lends credibility to your data but makes it easier to maintain for a long period of time.

The art of metric selection lies in understanding needs, choosing metrics that resonate, and embracing simplicity and consistency.