What Level of Measurement Sherpa Are You?

A Measurement Sherpa’s job is to organize a company’s data and make sure that it is useful for answering questions, solving problems, and planning strategy. There are all sorts of people working as Measurement Sherpas, from various backgrounds. Most Sherpas fall into the following categories:

Sherpa Level One: Getting Out of Base Camp

You are just starting out on the path up Measurement Mountain. You may be inexperienced at working with data and analysis, but you are eager to learn. You are trying small measurement projects. Perhaps your organization is new to measurement, too, so you are helping it collect data and understand the opportunities it holds.

Here are some articles about the challenges and opportunities at Measurement Sherpa Level One:

• Introducing the Measurement Sherpa
• 10 Signs That You Need to Hire a Measurement Sherpa
• 5 Reasons Why You Really Want to Become a Measurement Sherpa
• The First 5 Steps to Take to Become a Measurement Sherpa
• Learning on the Job: Notes from a Sherpa-in-Training

Sherpa Level Two: Climbing the Mountain

You are well on the way up Measurement Mountain. You have become comfortable collecting and analyzing data, and you are helping your organization to integrate what it already collects with new sources. Other people in your organization may still be skeptical about the value of data, but your work is helping to win them over.

Here are some articles about the challenges and opportunities at Measurement Sherpa Level Two:

• Must-have Equipment for a Measurement Sherpa
• Commonly Confused PR and Social Media Measurement Terms
• 6 Books That Should be in Every Measurement Sherpa’s Library
• Katie Paine’s Advice for Measurement Sherpas: Dos and Don’ts for Reporting Web and Social Media Analytics

Sherpa Level Three: Peak Operations

You are an experienced and professional data wrangler and analyst. You can plan measurement programs and strategy, deal with measurement vendors, find the meanings hidden in your data, and write reports that make the C-suite smile. Congratulations!

Here are some articles about the challenges and opportunities at Measurement Sherpa Level Three:

• Matt Clement: Fort Worth’s Sherpa
• Lisa Binzel: Measurement Evangelist
• How to Get the Best from Your Measurement Sherpa
• Mastering the 6 Projects a Measurement Sherpa Must Know How to Do, including as separate articles:
  • Measurement Sherpa Skills: 4 Steps to Budget for a Measurement Project
  • 6 Keys to Managing an RFP Process 

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