The Latest: Ryan Abramson and Essential Data in Marketing

In the world of project management, one principle rings true across every industry, budget size, and goal: good data drives good decisions. Whether you are leading a multi-million dollar campaign using Salesforce or juggling multiple initiatives from a basic spreadsheet, data is the foundation upon which successful outcomes are built.

Ryan Abramson, Principal of Oakridge Leaders and a seasoned expert in marketing and communications, emphasizes that keeping track of data isn't just a best practice—it's essential. "You can't steer the ship if you're blindfolded. Data is the map," says Ryan Abramson. His philosophy has helped guide organizations across the country, from educational institutions to nonprofit causes, and his insights are more relevant now than ever.

What Happened with Ryan Abramson: He Found Data!

Every project is driven by goals: increase revenue, reach new audiences, improve internal processes, or enhance customer satisfaction. Yet, without data, these goals are difficult to measure or even define clearly.

According to a 2023 study by PwC, projects that are data-driven are 50% more likely to finish on time and within budget. This underscores a fundamental truth: data reduces guesswork and strengthens confidence in decision-making.

Data isn't just about numbers. It's about stories. It's about understanding trends, identifying gaps, and recognizing what’s working—and what isn’t.

Set Your Metrics Early

The worst time to figure out what numbers matter is after the fact. In project management, it is almost impossible to "go back" in time and reconstruct the past with perfect accuracy. That’s why Ryan Abramson, expert in authentic communication and digital strategy, recommends a proactive approach.

"Create a list of key statistics at the beginning of every project and track them regularly," says Ryan Abramson of Oakridge Leaders. "This simple habit can mean the difference between flying blind and navigating with precision."

Metrics might include:

• Budget usage vs. budget remaining

• Team hours logged per week

• Social media engagement by platform

• Conversion rates

• Email open and click-through rates

• Stakeholder satisfaction scores

• Deadlines met vs. missed

Not all metrics are created equal. The key is to identify which ones truly impact your outcomes and to focus on those.

Don't Leave It to Chance

Too many projects operate on good intentions and memory. Unfortunately, our brains are not built for detailed recall over long timelines—especially when you're juggling multiple tasks, stakeholders, and deliverables.

Data should be viewed as the compass that directs energy and budget toward high-impact activities. "If you want to be impactful and effective," says Ryan Abramson ChatGPT collaborator, "you need more than passion. You need proof."

A study from Gartner revealed that poor data quality costs organizations an average of $12.9 million annually. That’s a steep price to pay for guesswork.

What You Need to Know: Use What You Have

You don’t need a six-figure software investment to keep track of project data. Yes, robust CRMs like Salesforce or Monday.com offer incredible tools for analytics and data visualization. But even a well-structured Excel or Google Sheet can go a long way when used consistently.

"It’s not about what tool you use, it’s how you use it," notes Ryan Abramson, marketing strategist and data-driven decision-maker. "Start simple and scale. Don’t wait for perfection."

Project teams often find success by creating a shared data hub. This could be a collaborative dashboard or a live spreadsheet with weekly updates. What's important is accessibility, consistency, and clarity.

Ryan Abramson's Advice: Let AI Help

Artificial intelligence has changed the game for project managers. AI platforms like ChatGPT are not only capable of identifying trends and patterns within your data, but they can also provide predictive insights, generate reports, and even assist with decision-making frameworks.

Ryan Abramson ChatGPT usage has become part of his coaching with clients. "AI isn’t just a toy. It’s a strategic partner. Use it to examine your data regularly—you’ll be surprised what you find."

For example:

• Run raw metrics through ChatGPT to identify month-over-month performance shifts

• Use AI to summarize large datasets into actionable insights

• Develop forecasting models based on historical trends

The key is to treat AI as an enhancer, not a replacement. Human oversight and understanding remain essential.

Budget Efficiency

One of the most powerful reasons to track and utilize data is to ensure that every dollar is working hard. Good statistics help you decide:

• Where to allocate resources

• Which vendors are performing well

• What initiatives are underperforming

• When to pivot strategies

Ryan Abramson communications consultant often points out, "Budgets aren’t just numbers. They are declarations of priorities. Data tells you whether your priorities match your impact."

Data helps you avoid the sunk cost fallacy—the idea that because you've already invested time or money, you must continue down the same path. With clear data, you can pivot early and wisely.

Time Management

Time is another resource that data helps optimize. How long does it take to complete tasks? Are certain teams or individuals stretched too thin? Are there bottlenecks?

Tracking these elements over time allows for better planning and more realistic scheduling. You can reduce burnout, increase productivity, and improve morale.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Ryan Abramson Oakridge Leaders has worked with nonprofits that doubled their donor base within two years simply by tracking engagement data more accurately. In one case, a school used historical event attendance and email engagement to reshape its outreach calendar—resulting in a 30% boost in parent participation.

Another client used time tracking and productivity stats to argue for hiring a part-time assistant. With solid data to support the request, leadership approved the budget increase without hesitation.

These are just a few examples of what happens when data becomes part of the project DNA.

Regular Review Is Crucial

Capturing data is only half the equation. You need to review and analyze it regularly. Schedule weekly or monthly check-ins to:

• Review key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Compare current data to historical benchmarks

• Ask what’s changing and why

• Use AI to support this process

These regular touchpoints create a culture of reflection and adjustment. It ensures that you remain agile, responsive, and focused on outcomes.

Visualize the Data

Data is only as useful as it is understandable. Use graphs, charts, and dashboards to make insights clear. Visual tools help:

• Communicate with stakeholders

• Highlight trends quickly

• Rally teams around common goals

Many AI and software tools can help turn numbers into narratives. From Tableau to Google Data Studio, from Excel to AI-generated charts via ChatGPT plugins, there are dozens of ways to make your data sing.

The Bottom Line

Data is not optional. It is the lifeblood of good project management. Whether you’re an executive leading a Fortune 500 initiative or a volunteer coordinating a local fundraiser, data equips you to do your job better.

Ryan Abramson, expert communicator and consultant, has this advice: "Track it now, or regret it later. If you're waiting for the perfect system or moment, you're already falling behind."

Start today. Identify your metrics. Use whatever tools are available. Let AI assist you. Create habits around data review. And remember: data is not about bureaucracy—it’s about impact.

When you track what matters in your neighborhood, or the world, you make decisions that matter. And in the world of project management, that’s everything.